Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS)
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Legion Go S operating SteamOS is on sale for $600.
- This model trims the fats and delivers a streamlined gaming expertise through a vibrant 8-inch display.
- The less complicated OS means much less options than the Home windows mannequin.
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No, you are not seeing double. That is the second evaluation I’ve executed for Lenovo’s Legion Go S. Nevertheless, this one is particular as a result of it does not run Home windows 11 — it runs SteamOS. That single change within the working system elevates the Legion Go S from a “simply okay” gaming handheld to an ideal one — rivaling the Steam Deck itself.
Earlier than I break down the hand held, I ought to clarify Steam OS to those that do not know, because the software program is on the middle of what makes this new mannequin so good.
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SteamOS is a light-weight working system initially unique to the Steam Deck. It delivers a user-friendly interface that is not bloated with undesirable apps, and extra importantly, it is designed particularly for gaming.
It is this streamlined OS is a giant motive why the Steam Deck has been so common — it is no fuss, no muss. Again in January, Valve (the developer of Steam) introduced it will start licensing the working system to third-party corporations, with Lenovo being the primary (and on the time of this writing, solely) associate.
A well-recognized design
Design-wise, it is similar to the sooner mannequin with the one discernable distinction being the colour. It’s now in Nebula purple as a substitute of Glacier White. The machine itself is simply as snug in my fingers and does not really feel cumbersome. Textured grips on the facet cease slipping, hall-effect analog sticks preserve accuracy and forestall drifting, and the switches on the again have an effect on the journey distance for the rear triggers.
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Nevertheless, the touchpad below the best analog stick has misplaced its objective. Within the earlier mannequin, it was used to regulate the cursor for varied functions, like navigating an online browser. However, this machine does not assist any browser or apps for that matter — it is simply Steam.
The touchpad can be utilized in video games as one other button or to assist purpose weapons, though performing the latter does not really feel nice. It is so small that it is tough to get exact actions. More often than not, I ended up aiming my character in a very totally different route after I meant to shoot the enemy in entrance of me.
Gaming on the go
Your gaming expertise on the Legion Go S depends upon the titles you play. As cool as this handheld could also be, it’s nonetheless only a handheld, not some ultra-powerful desktop. Beneath the hood is an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, an AMD Radeon GPU, and 16GB of RAM. This configuration is far happier tackling light-weight video games like “Hades” or “Stardew Valley”. Titles like these run at a constantly easy 120Hz. It is like artwork.
AAA video games like Monster Hunter Wilds have a tougher time operating on the Legion Go S. Graphics are blurry, and efficiency slows down when there’s lots on display. That seems like a knock towards the machine, however the Steam Deck additionally struggles with the identical. It is the character of the tech, and the truth that it will probably even run these titles in any respect is commendable in its personal proper.
Fortunately, you’ll be able to tweak the {hardware}’s efficiency on the fly. Urgent the button on the higher proper nook of the display launches the settings menu. Then, simply click on the lightning bolt icon to open the Efficiency web page the place you’ll be able to tweak the sport’s efficiency to greatest fit your wants.
When you do not wish to spend half an hour adjusting the settings like I did, you’ll be able to simply activate a title’s default profile. This function is my absolute favourite. It robotically applies a recreation’s efficiency profile in line with what Steam has for it, taking the entire guesswork out.
Battery life is not nice. Whereas “Monster Hunter”, the Legion Go S ran for about an hour and quarter-hour earlier than I needed to seize the charger. Nevertheless, on lighter video games like “Hades 2”, that point went as much as two hours.
Lenovo Legion Go S vs Steam Deck
With the discharge of the SteamOS Legion Go S, I take into account the earlier Home windows mannequin out of date. This model is the one one you must care about, and it serves as an ideal different to the OLED Steam Deck. Now the query is, what must you get: the Legion Go S or the Steam Deck?
It is shut, however I just like the Legion Go S extra due to its touchscreen. Lenovo’s machine has an 8-inch LCD that runs at a 120Hz refresh price, whereas Valve’s Steam Deck has a 7.4-inch OLED touchscreen that runs at 90Hz max. I worth greater refresh charges as a result of they guarantee smoother animations and quicker response instances, which may imply the distinction between successful and dropping.
However, the Steam Deck’s OLED display does imply its colour output is extra spectacular.
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There are different deciding components to think about. The Steam Deck’s OLED show delivers a extra vibrant colour palette, and Valve’s machine is lighter at 1.4 kilos, whereas the Legion Go S clocks in at 1.62 kilos. Additionally, the Steam Deck has considerably bigger touchpads beneath the Deck’s analog sticks, which make controlling first-person shooters simpler.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Lenovo’s Legion Go S is on sale for $600 at Finest Purchase proper now, which is a aggressive worth. I had a blast with this product, and it is a machine I might completely get for myself, particularly on sale. Nevertheless, in the event you worth extra vibrant colours and greater trackpads, get the Steam Deck, which retails for $549.
