Lenovo Legion Go S Falls Short: Underwhelming Performance at Premium Price
Staff Editor Lenovo Legion Go S Falls Short of Steam Deck Expectations
The highly anticipated Lenovo Legion Go S, initially touted as a potential rival to Valve’s Steam Deck, has failed to live up to expectations according to recent performance tests. The handheld gaming PC, which promised an affordable, portable, and powerful gaming experience, has left many industry experts and enthusiasts disappointed.
When first announced, the Legion Go S generated significant buzz due to its exclusive AMD chip and the possibility of running a version of SteamOS. However, as more details emerged, it became clear that the device’s design and operating system choices would play a crucial role in its success.
Lenovo’s original plan was for the Legion Go S to function as a dual-boot device, capable of running both Windows and a SteamOS-like Linux distribution called Bazzite. This approach aimed to offer users flexibility and access to a wide range of gaming options.
Performance tests conducted with AMD’s Z2 Go chip, the heart of the Legion Go S, revealed underwhelming results when compared to both the Steam Deck OLED and the original Legion Go. The device struggled to meet expectations in terms of performance and battery life, key factors for any portable gaming system.
The Z2 Go chip’s performance was particularly disappointing, failing to compete effectively with the Steam Deck’s custom APU. Comparisons with the Z1 Extreme chip used in previous handheld devices further highlighted the Legion Go S’s shortcomings, especially considering its $730 price point.
Industry analysts note that the Legion Go S’s inability to match or exceed the Steam Deck’s capabilities at a higher price point raises questions about its viability in the competitive handheld gaming PC market. The device’s performance issues and pricing strategy may force Lenovo to reconsider its approach to this segment.
As the handheld gaming PC market continues to evolve, the Legion Go S serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by manufacturers attempting to compete with established players like Valve. The device’s shortcomings may prompt other companies to reassess their strategies and focus on delivering more compelling alternatives to the Steam Deck.
