Lenovo Legion Go S

Source

Retro Game Corps

Key Takeaways

• Detachable controller rails suffer from minor mechanical flex, creaking slightly when squeezed firmly during action gameplay.
• Legion Space overlay launcher takes several seconds to boot, frequently stuttering and hogging background system memory.
• Gargantuan footprint inside its protective travel case feels like carrying a violin case, defying normal backpack pockets.
• Thick display bezels frame the screen, lacking the modern edge-to-edge sleekness of competitor handhelds.

✅ Pros

• Colossal 8.8-inch 144Hz display offers peerless handheld immersion
• Detachable controllers allow versatile tabletop wireless play
• Hall-effect joysticks permanently eradicate analog drift

❌ Cons

• Subtle mechanical flex on detachable controller rails
• Bloated, sluggish Legion Space software launcher
• Colossal carry case footprint ruins mobility
• Thick screen bezels look visually dated

📝 Verdict

"Legion Go S offers massive screen real estate compromised by creaky controller rails, bloated software, and giant bulk."

Source

• Video: The Legion Go S Z1E (SteamOS) is Excellent
• Channel: Retro Game Corps | Type: Review | Based on: YouTube transcript

Key points

• This review covers the Z1 Extreme model with native SteamOS, made in partnership with Valve.
• The reviewer previously reviewed the white Z2 Go model: the design, controls, ergonomics and screen were all good, but the internals held it back.
• The triggers have a switchable short travel; the reviewer still wishes the trigger travel were a bit longer.
• Low power / balanced / performance modes are available, and at the default 1200p settings many games get several hours of battery life.
• The reviewer loves it and doesn't want to give it back, but already owns similar handhelds and won't spend US$830–900 on it; the Legion Go 2 and Xbox Ally X are coming soon.

✅ Pros

• Smooth SteamOS experience
• Sufficient Z1E performance
• Excellent controls and screen

❌ Cons

• US$830–900 isn't cheap
• Heavy overlap with existing handhelds
• New models are about to launch

📝 Verdict

An excellent SteamOS handheld, but its price and timing mean people who already own a handheld don't need to buy it.

Source

• Video: Lenovo Legion Go S: Watch This BEFORE You Buy!
• Channel: Tom’s Guide | Type: Review | Based on: YouTube transcript

Key points

• Positioned as a smaller, cheaper alternative to the original Legion Go, with an 8-inch screen and the Z2 Go chip, at US$729.
• The body is on the heavy side and becomes uncomfortable after about 10 minutes of play; the screen is still larger than the ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED.
• It's one of the quietest handhelds the reviewer has tested, with the back peaking at about 89°F.
• In performance mode at medium-high settings, most games struggle to exceed 32fps.
• Older handhelds under US$700 perform better; the US$899 MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers better performance and battery life.

✅ Pros

• Very quiet and cool
• Large 8-inch screen, good ergonomics

❌ Cons

• Insufficient performance
• On the expensive side
• Uncomfortable to hold for long

📝 Verdict

Hard to recommend at US$729; you might wait for the SteamOS or Z1 Extreme version.

Source

• Video: Lenovo Legion Go S Review
• Channel: IGN | Type: Review | Based on: YouTube transcript

Key points

• Positioned closer to the Steam Deck than the original Legion Go; the review unit is the Windows 11 version (there's also a SteamOS version).
• It weighs about 1.61 lb, and the large screen and cooling design make extended holding more tiring.
• The joystick RGB light rings are bright and can be set with one button; the rear programmable paddles are easier to press than on the original but less prone to accidental presses.
• The Z2 Go is a quad-core Zen 3 + RDNA 2 (12 CU), dated technology for a 2025 chip.
• 32GB of LPDDR5 helps only a little, and no memory is reserved for the GPU; the price is actually higher than the original.

✅ Pros

• Good ergonomics and button design
• No more complicated detachable controllers

❌ Cons

• Weak Z2 Go performance
• Lower resolution yet more expensive
• Heavy body

📝 Verdict

As it stands, this Legion Go S just doesn't make sense.