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 carried out for Lenovo’s Legion Go S. Nevertheless, this one is particular as a result of it would 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 an enormous purpose why the Steam Deck has been so widespread — it is no fuss, no muss. Back in January, Valve (the developer of Steam) introduced it might start licensing the working system to third-party firms, with Lenovo being the primary (and on the time of this writing, solely) associate.
A well-recognized design
Design-wise, it is an identical 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 system itself is simply as snug in my palms and would not really feel cumbersome. Textured grips on the aspect 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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Nevertheless, the touchpad beneath the fitting analog stick has misplaced its goal. Within the earlier mannequin, it was used to manage the cursor for varied functions, like navigating an online browser. However, this system would not help 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 goal weapons, though performing the latter would 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 totally completely different path after I meant to shoot the enemy in entrance of me.
Gaming on the go
Your gaming expertise on the Legion Go S relies on 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 clean 120Hz. It is like artwork.
AAA video games like Monster Hunter Wilds have a more durable time operating on the Legion Go S. Graphics are blurry, and efficiency slows down when there’s quite a bit on display. That appears 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 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 finest fit your wants.
If you happen to do not need 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 based on 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 think about 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 ideal various 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 system has an 8-inch LCD that runs at a 120Hz refresh charge, 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 may imply the distinction between successful and dropping.
Alternatively, the Steam Deck’s OLED display does imply its coloration output is extra spectacular.
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There are different deciding components to contemplate. The Steam Deck’s OLED show delivers a extra vibrant coloration 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 value. I had a blast with this product, and it is a system I might completely get for myself, particularly on sale. Nevertheless, in case you worth extra vibrant colours and larger trackpads, get the Steam Deck, which retails for $549.
