The handheld gaming market has witnessed a significant evolution with the introduction of the Lenovo Legion Go S, a device that offers configurations with both Windows 11 and SteamOS. This dual-OS approach provides gamers with distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences and needs.

Background and Context

Lenovo's original Legion Go, launched in mid-2023, received mixed reviews, primarily due to its detachable controllers and the challenges of running Windows 11 on a handheld device. Recognizing the demand for a more streamlined experience, Lenovo introduced the Legion Go S, a more compact and lightweight design without detachable controllers. Notably, it became the first non-Valve handheld to run SteamOS natively, marking a significant shift in the handheld gaming landscape. ([gsmarena.com](https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_legion_go_s_announced_comes_in_windows_and_steamos_versions_-news-66011.php?utm_source=openai))

Technical Specifications

The Legion Go S boasts impressive hardware:

  • Processor: Options include AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme or the new Ryzen Z2 Go, co-developed with Lenovo. The Z2 Go features 4 Zen 3 cores with eight threads, a 4.3GHz max boost, and an RDNA 2 GPU with 12 cores. ([gsmarena.com](https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_legion_go_s_announced_comes_in_windows_and_steamos_versions_-news-66011.php?utm_source=openai))
  • Display: An 8-inch touchscreen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a 16:10 aspect ratio and 500 nits peak brightness. ([gsmarena.com](https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_legion_go_s_announced_comes_in_windows_and_steamos_versions_-news-66011.php?utm_source=openai))
  • Memory and Storage: Configurations up to 32GB of 6400MHz LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD. ([gsmarena.com](https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_legion_go_s_announced_comes_in_windows_and_steamos_versions_-news-66011.php?utm_source=openai))
  • Battery: A 55.5 Whr battery supporting 65W charging, with a bundled adapter. ([gsmarena.com](https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_legion_go_s_announced_comes_in_windows_and_steamos_versions_-news-66011.php?utm_source=openai))
  • Connectivity: Two USB4 ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. ([gsmarena.com](https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_legion_go_s_announced_comes_in_windows_and_steamos_versions_-news-66011.php?utm_source=openai))

Windows 11 vs. SteamOS: A Comparative Analysis

The choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS on the Legion Go S significantly impacts the user experience:

Windows 11 Configuration

  • Versatility: Offers access to a wide range of gaming platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Game Pass. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/systems/consoles/lenovo-legion-go-s-a-new-contender-in-handheld-gaming?utm_source=openai))
  • User Interface: Navigating Windows 11 on an 8-inch touchscreen can be cumbersome, as the OS isn't optimized for handheld devices. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/systems/consoles/lenovo-legion-go-s-a-new-contender-in-handheld-gaming?utm_source=openai))
  • Performance: While capable, Windows 11's background processes may lead to reduced battery life and less efficient performance compared to SteamOS. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/systems/consoles/lenovo-legion-go-s-a-new-contender-in-handheld-gaming?utm_source=openai))

SteamOS Configuration

  • Optimized Gaming Experience: Boots directly into Steam's Big Picture mode, providing a console-like interface tailored for handheld gaming. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/systems/consoles/lenovo-legion-go-s-a-new-contender-in-handheld-gaming?utm_source=openai))
  • Performance Efficiency: SteamOS is more resource-efficient, leading to longer battery life and cooler device temperatures. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/systems/consoles/lenovo-legion-go-s-a-new-contender-in-handheld-gaming?utm_source=openai))
  • Game Compatibility: While primarily designed for Steam games, the Proton compatibility layer allows many Windows games to run on SteamOS, though some titles may require additional configuration. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/systems/consoles/lenovo-legion-go-s-a-new-contender-in-handheld-gaming?utm_source=openai))

Market Implications and Impact

The introduction of SteamOS on the Legion Go S signifies a potential shift in the handheld gaming market. Traditionally dominated by Windows-based devices, the success of SteamOS on third-party hardware could encourage other manufacturers to adopt Linux-based systems, offering gamers more choices and potentially driving innovation in handheld gaming.

However, challenges remain. The Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S is priced at $729, while the SteamOS variant starts at $499. ([gsmarena.com](https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_legion_go_s_announced_comes_in_windows_and_steamos_versions_-news-66011.php?utm_source=openai)) This price difference may influence consumer decisions, especially considering the performance and user experience benefits of SteamOS.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Go S stands at the forefront of handheld gaming innovation, offering users a choice between the versatility of Windows 11 and the optimized gaming experience of SteamOS. This dual-OS approach not only caters to diverse gamer preferences but also signals a broader trend towards Linux-based systems in the gaming industry. As the market evolves, the success of devices like the Legion Go S could redefine the standards and expectations for handheld gaming.