Lenovo’s Legion Go S with SteamOS Might Be the Steam Deck Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For
While the original Windows 11-powered Legion Go S didn’t quite make waves, Lenovo’s decision to launch a SteamOS version could change the game. This new iteration not only improves the overall gaming experience but also makes the device more affordable than its Windows counterpart—thanks to the lighter operating system. If you’re someone who likes the Steam Deck’s software but wants beefier hardware, Legion Go S with SteamOS might be your best bet.
Design & Display: Functional and Focused
Visually, the SteamOS edition retains the same minimalist design as the Windows version but swaps the white chassis for a deep purple hue. The device boasts an 8-inch 1200p IPS display with a peak brightness of 500 nits—larger and brighter than many handheld competitors. While the LCD doesn’t quite offer OLED-level vibrancy or contrast, it still delivers crisp visuals for immersive gameplay.
In terms of features, Lenovo doesn’t skimp. The Legion Go S includes Hall effect sensors for the joysticks (helping prevent drift), customizable trigger sensitivity, dual USB-C ports for simultaneous charging and accessory use, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and programmable rear paddles.
However, there are some trade-offs. The touchpad is noticeably smaller than the one on the full-size Legion Go, which makes it impractical for in-game use. Additionally, there’s no fingerprint sensor—a minor letdown for those expecting more modern convenience features in a handheld.
Performance & Software: SteamOS Makes the Difference
Our review unit featured an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD—hardware usually reserved for high-end gaming laptops. Compared to the Windows-based Legion Go S (which runs on the Ryzen Z2 Go), the SteamOS version consistently outperformed its sibling, thanks to better optimization and lower system overhead.
Even with the same 15W power cap, the SteamOS unit hit 58 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 on medium settings—just ahead of both the Windows version and Valve’s Steam Deck OLED.
But the real advantage lies in the software experience. Instead of booting into a full desktop OS, SteamOS launches directly into your game library, streamlining the experience. The operating system is lighter, faster, and cooler, utilizing system resources more efficiently. Lenovo has even added custom software support for RGB lighting—a feature currently missing from the Steam Deck.
While the Steam Deck still holds the edge in ultra-low power consumption and retro gaming, the Legion Go S’s max TDP of 33W (and up to 40W while plugged in) makes it ideal for demanding AAA titles.
Battery Life: Not Impressive, but Respectable
Battery life has always been a challenge for powerful handhelds, and the 55Wh battery in the Legion Go S doesn’t break new ground—but it gets the job done. In tests, the SteamOS version lasted nearly 3 hours on Metal Slug Tactics, outperforming the Windows model by about 20 minutes. In Elden Ring, it stayed alive roughly 15 minutes longer before powering down.
The gains aren’t dramatic, but they highlight how SteamOS’s efficiency pays off in real-world scenarios, especially when gaming on the go.
Verdict: A Serious Steam Deck Challenger
With the Legion Go S running SteamOS, Lenovo has created a handheld that feels tailor-made for serious gamers. It blends powerful hardware with a refined, gaming-first operating system—something that sets it apart from other Windows-based portables.
The 8-inch screen, solid build, thoughtful controls, and performance-oriented specs make it a top-tier option for those who want more than what the Steam Deck offers. While the starting price of $830 (higher than the $600 Z2 model) may give budget-minded gamers pause, the value here is undeniable—especially for those deeply invested in the Steam ecosystem.
For players who love the freedom and fluidity of SteamOS but wish for more power and polish, the Legion Go S might just be the handheld upgrade they’ve been waiting for.
