The SteamOS-Powered Lenovo Legion Go S: A Pricey but Promising Handheld Gaming PC
The world of handheld gaming PCs has been heating up, and the latest development is the SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S. This device made its debut at CES 2025 with a starting price of $499.99, which seemed like a great value considering its impressive specs and features. However, things have taken a turn, and the price has jumped to $549.99. In this post, we’ll dive into the details and explore what this means for the gaming community.
A Pricey but Promising Device
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a SteamOS-powered handheld gaming PC that boasts a range of impressive features, including Hall effect joysticks, a larger 8-inch screen with variable refresh rate, and a cozy design with adjustable triggers. These perks make it an attractive option for gamers looking for a more immersive experience. However, the device’s Ryzen Z2 Go chip didn’t quite live up to expectations, and it was outperformed by the Steam Deck in our tests.
The $50 Price Jump: A Mixed Bag
The price jump from $499.99 to $549.99 may not be a deal-breaker for some, but it’s certainly a significant increase. While the device’s features and specs are still impressive, the higher price tag makes it less competitive in the market. The Steam Deck, for example, starts at $399 for the LCD model and $549 for the OLED model. The Legion Go S’s higher price may make it less appealing to some gamers, especially considering the device’s performance issues.
SteamOS Support: A Bright Spot
Despite the price increase, the Legion Go S is still an exciting development in the world of handheld gaming PCs. The device will ship with SteamOS, which is a significant advantage for gamers who are already invested in the Steam ecosystem. Additionally, Valve has confirmed that it’s working on adding support for the Asus ROG Ally, another third-party handheld gaming PC. This is a promising sign for the future of handheld gaming PCs and the SteamOS platform.
Actionable Insights and Conclusion
The SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S is a promising device with impressive features and specs. However, the $50 price jump may make it less appealing to some gamers. If you’re already invested in the Steam ecosystem and are looking for a more immersive gaming experience, the Legion Go S may still be worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget or are looking for a more affordable option, you may want to consider other options.
Summary
The SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S is a promising handheld gaming PC with impressive features and specs. However, the $50 price jump may make it less competitive in the market. Despite this, the device’s SteamOS support and Valve’s commitment to adding support for other third-party handheld gaming PCs make it an exciting development in the world of handheld gaming PCs.