A purpose-built OS makes all of the distinction

Earlier this yr, Lenovo launched a extra streamlined and probably inexpensive tackle its flagship gaming handheld within the Legion Go S. Sadly, the Home windows 11 model got here first, which wasn’t the one we have been most enthusiastic about. Now, the Legion Go S powered by SteamOS has arrived, and oh my, what a distinction an working system could make. Not solely does this mannequin function a UI that is a lot better suited to a conveyable gaming machine, it has quicker efficiency as effectively. However the perfect half is that the SteamOS variant is cheaper than its Home windows sibling. All of this makes for a handheld that is a welcome various to the Steam Deck, particularly for anybody who’s not a fan of Valve’s {hardware}.

Design and show: Protecting it easy

Like its sibling, the SteamOS model of the Legion Go S includes a very simple design. A giant distinction between the 2 is that this mannequin includes a darkish purple physique as an alternative of the white shell on the Home windows variant. Because of its massive 8-inch 1200p show and sizable grips, it’s kind of chunkier than rivals just like the Steam Deck or the ROG Ally X. At 500 nits, brightness is above common in comparison with typical handheld PCs. Nonetheless, as a result of Lenovo makes use of an LCD panel, colours aren’t fairly as vibrant and you do not get these pure inky blacks such as you do on a system with an OLED display reminiscent of the unique Legion Go.

I like that Lenovo included Corridor impact sensors for its joysticks, together with a toggle that allows you to modify the pull depth of the triggers. Plus, the addition of a second USB-C port lets you cost the system whereas retaining different equipment plugged in. There’s additionally a pair of programmable paddles on the again and a useful microSD card slot for expandable storage.

The largest departures from the flagship Legion Go are that this mannequin’s joysticks and buttons can’t be indifferent and its built-in touchpad is considerably smaller. This implies the latter is healthier suited to transferring the cursor round SteamOS in desktop mode or to navigating menus than it’s as a real alternate management scheme whereas enjoying video games. You additionally do not get a fingerprint reader, which I believe must be an ordinary inclusion on handheld gaming PCs at this level.

Efficiency and software program: Higher with SteamOS

The Legion Go S powered by SteamOS is on the market in a number of configurations. Our $830 review unit options an AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Sadly, this implies I wasn’t capable of run true apples-to-apples efficiency exams with the Ryzen Z2 Go-equipped model of the Home windows Legion Go S I reviewed earlier this yr. However given the lackluster outcomes from that mannequin, I usually would not suggest any handheld powered by that chip, regardless that that model is considerably extra inexpensive. If finances is a priority, Valve’s Steam Deck stays the higher possibility.

Despite the fact that the Go S with SteamOS options the very same chip, I really noticed barely higher efficiency right here in comparison with the unique Legion Go. With each programs set to a 15-watt TDP (complete system energy), the Legion Go S edged out the Home windows mannequin in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p on medium graphics by pumping out 58 fps versus 54 fps. By comparability, the Steam Deck OLED managed 53 fps. And in Management at 800p on medium, it was an identical state of affairs, although the hole was even smaller. The Legion Go S hit 29 fps, beating out the OG Legion Go (27 fps) and the Steam Deck OLED (24 fps).

The reason for the SteamOS mannequin’s improved horsepower is difficult to pinpoint — particularly as efficiency varies from title to title — nevertheless it’s usually as a consequence of Valve’s platform having much less overhead and system processes than Home windows-based rivals. And if that wasn’t sufficient, the SteamOS UI is healthier designed for a devoted gaming machine, as turning on the system boots you proper into your sport library versus spitting you out into Microsoft’s traditional desktop view. There are additionally some minor tweaks in Valve’s OS to help options just like the built-in RGB lighting on the Legion Go S — one thing the Steam Deck would not have.

For followers of SteamOS, the principle cause other than value to select a Steam Deck over the Legion Go S (or vice versa) is that every system options totally different efficiency targets. Valve’s handheld has a TDP that tops out at 15 watts, and at decrease energy ranges, it options higher vitality effectivity than the Legion Go S. This makes it extra appropriate for individuals who repeatedly play older video games or much less demanding 2D fare. Alternatively, Lenovo’s handheld has a max TDP of 33 watts (or 40 when plugged into the wall), which makes it more proficient at dealing with resource-intensive trendy titles. So if you would like increased body charges (which you in all probability do), a Z1 Excessive Legion Go S with SteamOS has far more headroom to push pixels even more durable.

Battery life: Only a contact extra environment friendly

That includes a mid-size 55WHr battery, longevity on the Legion Go S when working SteamOS would not actually stand out. Nonetheless, I discovered that on common, it runs as much as half-hour longer than its Home windows counterpart throughout various titles. When enjoying Metallic Slug Techniques, it lasted simply shy of three hours (2:50) in comparison with nearer to an hour and a half for the Home windows 11 mannequin (2:33). It was an identical state of affairs in Elden Ring, the place the SteamOS model was capable of proceed for an additional quarter-hour after its sibling conked out.

Wrap-up

The Legion Go S powered by SteamOS is a straightforward and well-built gaming handheld with a good larger display than Valve’s moveable and arguably higher ergonomics. When configured with a Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip, it is a more sensible choice for enjoying extra demanding trendy video games with out feeling compelled to change to a Home windows-based system. It additionally has a extra optimized UI than its Microsoft-powered rivals whereas retaining useful options like Corridor impact joysticks and twin USB-C ports.

With Z1 Excessive fashions beginning at $830 as an alternative of $600 for the Z2 Go configs, although, it isn’t fairly as inexpensive as I assumed it could be again when it was first introduced firstly of the yr. Besides, it is good to have choices. And as simply one among two handhelds in the marketplace that include SteamOS pre-installed, the Legion Go S makes an attention-grabbing argument as an even bigger and extra highly effective improve to the Steam Deck.