Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS)
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Legion Go S working SteamOS is on sale for $600.
- This model trims the fats and delivers a streamlined gaming expertise by way of 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 assessment I’ve achieved for Lenovo’s Legion Go S. Nonetheless, 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 excellent 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 heart 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 widespread — it is no fuss, no muss. Back 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-known design
Design-wise, it is equivalent to the sooner mannequin with the one discernable distinction being the colour. It’s now in Nebula purple as an alternative of Glacier White. The system itself is simply as comfy in my palms and does not really feel cumbersome. Textured grips on the facet cease slipping, hall-effect analog sticks preserve accuracy and stop drifting, and the switches on the again have an effect on the journey distance for the rear triggers.
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Nonetheless, the touchpad beneath the precise 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 system 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 troublesome to get exact actions. More often than not, I ended up aiming my character in a totally 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 persistently easy 120Hz. It is like artwork.
AAA video games like Monster Hunter Wilds have a tougher time working 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 system, however the Steam Deck additionally struggles with the identical. It is the character of the tech, and the truth that it might even run these titles in any respect is commendable in its personal proper.
Fortunately, you possibly can 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 possibly can tweak the sport’s efficiency to greatest fit your wants.
If you happen to do not wish to spend half an hour adjusting the settings like I did, you possibly can simply activate a title’s default profile. This characteristic is my absolute favourite. It mechanically applies a sport’s efficiency profile based on what Steam has for it, taking all the 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. Nonetheless, 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 contemplate the earlier Home windows mannequin out of date. This model is the one one it is best to care about, and it serves as an excellent different to the OLED Steam Deck. Now the query is, what do you have to 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 system 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 increased refresh charges as a result of they guarantee smoother animations and quicker response occasions, which might imply the distinction between successful and dropping.
Alternatively, 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 system 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 system I might completely get for myself, particularly on sale. Nonetheless, in case you worth extra vibrant colours and larger trackpads, get the Steam Deck, which retails for $549.
