Lenovo has officially unveiled the Legion Go S, the first third-party handheld to ship with Valve’s SteamOS. Originally slated to start at $499.99, the device will now launch for $549.99, putting it in direct competition with the Steam Deck OLED in terms of both price and performance. Pre-orders are open now, with shipments set to begin May 25.
Powerful features and performance in a portable package
The base model of the Legion Go S features an 8-inch 120Hz OLED display, 16GB of RAM, and an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, along with ergonomic controls and a fingerprint reader that doubles as a touchpad. For $749.99, buyers can upgrade to a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 32GB of RAM, matching the specs of Lenovo’s earlier Windows-based Legion Go model. Both configurations come pre-installed with SteamOS, which promises seamless compatibility with Valve’s Proton software and access to thousands of games.
SteamOS vs. Windows: Competitive Advantage
Lenovo’s decision to go with SteamOS may address criticism of its Windows 11 version, which launched in February for $730. While the hardware impressed reviewers, the Windows experience was considered cumbersome for a handheld device. The SteamOS model aims to replicate the plug-and-play simplicity of the Steam Deck, though a $50 higher price than initially expected may dampen enthusiasm.
Competing with the Steam Deck OLED
The $549.99 Legion Go S now competes directly with Valve’s $549 Steam Deck OLED, which has similar specs and a proven track record. While the Lenovo’s larger screen and upgraded hardware options offer flexibility, the Steam Deck’s mature ecosystem and optimizations give it the edge. A full review will determine whether the Legion Go S justifies its premium with unique software tweaks or performance improvements.
Pre-order options and final thoughts
In addition to the SteamOS model, Lenovo continues to offer the Legion Go S with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip for Windows 11 for $829.99. While the expansion of the SteamOS lineup is a welcome move for handheld gamers, value-conscious gamers may still gravitate toward the Steam Deck.
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