Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Review: A More Powerful Steam Deck Alternative
Earlier this year, Lenovo introduced a more streamlined version of its flagship gaming handheld, the Legion Go, with the Legion Go S. While the Windows 11 version arrived first, the SteamOS variant is the one many gamers were waiting for—and it delivers. With a more optimized UI, better performance, and a lower price, the Legion Go S with SteamOS makes a compelling case for itself as a strong alternative to the Steam Deck.
Design and Display
The Legion Go S keeps things simple with a dark purple body, a departure from the white shell of the Windows model. Its 8-inch 1200p LCD display is bright at 500 nits, though it doesn’t match the vibrancy of OLED screens like the original Legion Go. The device is slightly bulkier than competitors like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X, but its ergonomic grips make it comfortable to hold.
Lenovo included Hall effect joysticks, adjustable trigger pull depth, and two USB-C ports—one for charging and another for accessories. There are also programmable back paddles and a microSD slot for expandable storage. However, unlike the flagship Legion Go, the joysticks and buttons aren’t detachable, and the touchpad is smaller, making it better for navigation than gameplay.
Performance and Software
The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S comes in multiple configurations, with our review unit packing an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage for $830. Performance is slightly better than the Windows model, likely due to SteamOS having less overhead. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p medium settings, the Legion Go S hit 58 fps compared to 54 fps on the Windows version and 53 fps on the Steam Deck OLED. Similarly, in Control, it managed 29 fps versus 27 fps and 24 fps, respectively.
SteamOS provides a more console-like experience, booting directly into your game library instead of a Windows desktop. It also supports features like RGB lighting, which the Steam Deck lacks. While the Steam Deck is more efficient at lower power levels (maxing out at 15W TDP), the Legion Go S can push up to 33W (40W when plugged in), making it better for demanding modern games.
Battery Life
With a 55WHr battery, the Legion Go S doesn’t set any longevity records, but it does last slightly longer than the Windows version—about 30 extra minutes in most games. In Metal Slug Tactics, it ran for nearly three hours, compared to around two and a half on the Windows model. Elden Ring saw a similar improvement, with the SteamOS version lasting about 15 minutes longer.
Verdict
The Legion Go S with SteamOS is a well-built handheld that offers a bigger screen and better ergonomics than the Steam Deck. Its Ryzen Z1 Extreme configuration makes it a strong choice for modern games, and SteamOS provides a more seamless gaming experience than Windows. While the $830 starting price isn’t as budget-friendly as some hoped, it’s a solid upgrade for those wanting more power than the Steam Deck can deliver. As one of only two SteamOS handhelds on the market, the Legion Go S stands out as a compelling alternative.
