Lenovo Legion Go S hands-on: SteamOS and Windows flavors

One of my favorite things to come out of CES 2025 was the spread of SteamOS to other PC gaming handhelds, namely a new version of Lenovo’s Legion Go. On the show floor, PCWorld’s Adam Patrick Murray got his handheld-loving hands all over both versions of the Legion Go S — one running SteamOS, the other running Windows 11.

The white version of the new handheld will rock Windows 11, as did the original model, while the “Nebula Violet” (it’s black, cool it with the branding Lenovo) is the one running a Valve-approved build of SteamOS. All versions of the Legion Go S get an 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD display with 120Hz and support for VRR. The Ryzen Z2 Go processor is paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage on an M.2 2242 drive, while the Ryzen Z1 Extreme (older but faster) version gets 32GB and 1TB.

Notably, you’re saving a bit of money by picking SteamOS over Windows. The SteamOS version starts at just $500, which is $100 cheaper than the equivalent Windows version with the newer Z2 Go processor. Ditto for the Z1 Extreme model, which will sell for $600 in SteamOS flavor but $700 in Windows 11 variety. With Windows 11 being a pain point for a lot of handhelds versus the Steam Deck, it’s a compelling differentiator, especially in a market that already appeals to value-hunting PC gamers.

You will have to exercise a bit of patience if you want the Lenovo Legion Go S Powered by SteamOS (its full and lengthy product name). The Windows 11 version should be on store shelves by the end of January, but the SteamOS version won’t come out until the second quarter, or possibly even the second half of 2025.

The Legion Go S is a more compact and curved take on the gaming handheld, eschewing the Nintendo Switch-style removable controllers of Lenovo’s original. It uses Hall effect thumbsticks with the now-standard RGB lighting, and a tiny touchpad on the right side (not a fingerprint reader, even though it looks like one). The top edge has two USB-C ports, for charging and connecting accessories at the same time.

Both have USB4 connectivity, with DisplayPort 1.4 for video out. Around the back you get a switch for changing the triggers from long action to clicky (a la the Xbox Elite controller) and a pair of “paddle” buttons. The Go S is definitely smaller than the original model, but with that 8-inch screen it’s both taller and slightly thicker than comparable devices like the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally.

But Lenovo isn’t abandoning the original and unique design of the Legion Go. It showed off a prototype of version two at CES, complete with its break-away controllers and a quasi-gaming mouse sensor on the right side. Sadly, this version wasn’t operational at the show, though Lenovo says it’s getting an OLED screen upgrade. That panel will be 1920×1200 (actually a little lower-res than the original) and it’ll use 144Hz.

You’ll get Ryzen Z2 and Z2 Extreme processor options in the same 16GB/512GB and 32GB/1TB configurations as the Go S. The bigger body can handle M.2 2280 SSD upgrades. Adam says the more rounded corners of the device are a huge improvement over the original bulky design, and the bigger body gets space for double rear controller paddles and a kickstand for the tablet-style central screen. The right controller gets two extra buttons, the better to use with the “FPS mode” mouse puck.

There’s no release date info for this upgraded version of the Legion Go, but Lenovo says it’s not currently planning to offer a SteamOS version at this time. For more on the latest PC gaming handheld news, be sure to subscribe to PCWorld on YouTube.