SteamOS is slowly turning into a substitute for Home windows for handheld gaming gadgets. After launching the Steam Deck with SteamOS, its personal working system, Valve is now partnering with third-party producers in order that they’ll launch gaming handhelds with SteamOS assist.
On Tuesday, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S at CES 2025. In contrast to its predecessor, the Legion Go, this gaming handheld has a extra conventional form-factor with a big, 8-inch show surrounded by controllers on all sides of the display screen. The removable controllers and the kickstand behind the system are gone.
However essentially the most fascinating a part of the system is that it is available in a number of configurations. Clients will be capable of resolve between two AMD chipsets: the newly introduced funds processor Ryzen Z2 Go, and the Ryzen Z1 Excessive that Lenovo is already utilizing for the Legion Go. Asus can also be utilizing the Z1 Excessive for the ROG Ally X.
Equally, prospects will get to resolve whether or not they wish to purchase the Legion Go S with SteamOS pre-installed or Home windows 11. Whereas SteamOS is a significantly better expertise for a gaming handheld with a greater interface, a greater out-of-the-box expertise, and higher assist for sleep/wake, some prospects may desire Home windows in the event that they obtain video games via Xbox Sport Move or if their favourite multiplayer recreation depends on Home windows-only anti-cheat software program.
The Z2 Go model shall be accessible for $599 with Home windows 11, or $499 with SteamOS, whereas the Z1 Excessive variant will price $729. Lenovo is releasing the Z1 Excessive model in January, whereas the Z2 Go configurations shall be accessible in Might 2025. The entry-level system will include 16GB of RAM, whereas the $729 one options 32GB of RAM.
On the subject of specs, the 8-inch show has a 16:10 side ratio and helps resolutions of as much as 1920×1200 with a 120Hz variable refresh fee. The Legion Go S comes with a 55Wh battery, two USB 4 ports and a microSD slot. The system weighs 730g (1.61 kilos) and comes with a particularly tiny touchpad to navigate the desktop interface.
Lenovo additionally plans to replace the unique Legion Go, and it even showcased an early prototype of the Legion Go 2 at CES 2025. The concept is that the Legion Go S and the Legion Go shall be two separate merchandise that shall be up to date now and again.
Whilst you might take into account the Legion Go S as a Steam Deck competitor, keep in mind that Valve has collaborated with Lenovo to tweak SteamOS for the brand new machine. Valve takes a reduce on each Steam buy, and the corporate appears to assume that it’s extra essential to develop the Steam ecosystem than change into the subsequent massive console maker.
