Legion Go S review: A purpose-built SteamOS makes all the difference

The Legion Go S with SteamOS offers better performance and affordability over its Windows version.

: The Legion Go S, powered by SteamOS, significantly outperforms its Windows 11 counterpart in terms of performance and ergonomics. With the integration of a Z1 Extreme chip and SteamOS, it becomes a serious contender against the Steam Deck, especially for those disinterested in Valve's design. Notable features include a large 8-inch display, dual USB-C ports, and enhancements such as Hall effect joysticks. Despite its improved capabilities, the device still presents a hefty price starting at $830, making it less affordable than initially anticipated.

When running SteamOS, the Legion Go S transforms from an average Windows handheld into a powerful and efficient gaming machine. Reviewers highlight that SteamOS optimizes the hardware far better than Windows, unlocking smoother performance and faster load times. With the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 32 GB RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, the device rivals and even outperforms the Steam Deck in several tests, particularly in frame rates and battery life.

SteamOS brings significant improvements to battery efficiency. In games like Dead Cells, the Legion Go S lasts over 6 hours on SteamOS, compared to under 3 hours on Windows. Power management is more reliable, with stable sleep and resume functionality. Users also report 5–10% higher performance in many titles, and better heat dissipation contributes to smoother gameplay experiences.

The device sports an 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD with a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing a sharper and more fluid display than the Steam Deck's 800p panel. The build quality feels premium, and the ergonomics are solid. However, the small touchpad is nearly useless, and the lack of Steam Deck-style dual trackpads is a missed opportunity. The chassis finish can also feel slippery during extended play sessions.

Despite the upgrades, trade-offs remain. The fan can be loud under heavy load, and in the most demanding games, battery life still falls short of the OLED Steam Deck by one to two hours. The $829 price tag for higher-end models may be hard to justify for some, though the base $599 version offers a strong value proposition for those prioritizing SteamOS performance and display quality.

Overall, the Legion Go S with SteamOS is a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. It provides a cleaner, more responsive gaming experience with better hardware utilization and longer battery life in many scenarios. While not perfect, it’s a major leap over the Windows version and stands as a strong contender in the handheld gaming market.

Sources: Engadget, The Verge, Tom’s Hardware, Tom’s Guide

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