Lenovo Legion Go S – In-Depth Review and Buying Guide

Lenovo has expanded its handheld gaming lineup with the Legion Go S, a device designed to bridge the gap between portability and power. Available with a choice of AMD Z1 Extreme or the exclusive Z2 Go processors, and offered with either Windows 11 or SteamOS, the Legion Go S aims to serve a wide range of gamers. Early reviews and comparisons with the higher-end Legion Go 2 provide a clearer picture of where this handheld fits in the market.

The handheld PC gaming space is growing increasingly crowded, with established contenders like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Lenovo’s strategy with the Legion Go S focuses on flexibility. By offering a dual-OS choice and a range of processor tiers, the company is targeting both Steam-centric users and those who need the broader compatibility of Windows. The specific performance differences between the operating systems and chip variants are key factors in any buying decision.

Reviews suggest the choice between SteamOS and Windows on the Legion Go S significantly impacts gaming performance and battery life. Meanwhile, the decision between the Z1 Extreme and Z2 Go processors involves clear trade-offs between raw power and efficiency. For UK buyers, pricing and availability across retailers like Lenovo’s official store, Very, and second-hand markets such as CeX are also essential considerations.

What are the key variants of the Lenovo Legion Go S?

Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme vs Z2 Go: Processor differences

The main processor options for the Legion Go S are the AMD Z1 Extreme and the AMD Z2 Go. According to a report from Tom’s Hardware, the Z1 Extreme is the more powerful chip, whereas the Z2 Go is designed for efficiency and is “not far off” in practical gaming scenarios. This makes the Z1 Extreme the choice for users seeking maximum performance, while the Z2 Go may appeal to those prioritizing battery life.

Storage options: 1TB model details

Lenovo offers the Legion Go S with up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage. The 1TB variant is particularly suited for gamers who install multiple AAA titles. A specific UK deal highlighted by Tom’s Hardware showed the SteamOS version with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD dropping to a record low price, underscoring the value of the higher-capacity model.

Color choices: Is the Lenovo Legion Go S available in black?

While a “black” color option appears in some search results and retailer listings, Lenovo has not officially confirmed a standard black variant on its main product pages. Buyers should rely on official listings for confirmed color availability at the time of purchase.

Where can I buy the Lenovo Legion Go S in the UK?

UK release date and official availability

The Lenovo Legion Go S was announced in early 2025 and is available for purchase directly from Lenovo’s official UK website. Buyers can choose between the Windows 11 and SteamOS versions, as well as the different processor configurations.

Second-hand purchase: CeX listing

The handheld has appeared on second-hand retail sites like CeX. Searching for the Legion Go S on CeX yields listings for various configurations, providing a more affordable entry point for budget-conscious buyers. However, stock and pricing are variable.

Retailer options: Very UK stock

The Legion Go S is also listed by third-party retailers such as Very in the UK. Availability can fluctuate, so checking directly with the retailer is recommended for current stock levels and pricing.

What do reviews say about the Lenovo Legion Go S?

Performance and gaming experience

Reviewers consistently note that the operating system choice has a major impact on performance. A Tom’s Hardware test reported Cyberpunk 2077 running at 50 fps on the SteamOS version compared to just 32 fps on the same Windows 11 hardware at 800p. A separate comparison video showed a general 10% slowdown on Windows 11 versus SteamOS. The Z1 Extreme chip is confirmed as the stronger option, but the Z2 Go still delivers solid performance for most titles.

Legion Go S vs Legion Go 2: Is the upgrade worth it?

The Legion Go 2 is positioned as a significant step up. It features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, up to 32GB RAM, a 74Wh battery, and an 8.8-inch OLED display. Reviews, including an IGN excerpt cited on NeoGAF, describe it as a “substantial display upgrade” and note a “sizable performance boost” over the older Z1 Extreme. However, the same review warns that expectations should remain “tempered” rather than expecting a leap into laptop-class gaming. The Legion Go 2’s Z2 Extreme version is priced significantly higher, around £1,099 in the UK, making the Legion Go S a much more affordable alternative.

When did the Legion Go S launch and what is its release timeline?

1. Announcement: Lenovo officially announced the Legion Go S in early 2025, revealing the Z1 Extreme and Z2 Go processor options alongside the choice of Windows 11 or SteamOS.
2. Pre-orders: Pre-orders for the Windows 11 variant opened shortly after the announcement, with the SteamOS version following later.
3. First Reviews: The first wave of reviews and comparison videos appeared online in mid-2025, detailing performance benchmarks and battery tests.
4. UK Retail Availability: The handheld became available in the UK through Lenovo’s official store and select third-party retailers like Very.
5. Record Low Pricing: By mid-2025, UK retailers were offering the SteamOS version with 1TB storage for under £428, marking a significant price drop.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the Legion Go S?

How does the Legion Go S fit into the handheld gaming market?

The Legion Go S competes directly with devices like the Steam Deck OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally. Its primary differentiator is the dual-OS availability, giving users the choice between the streamlined gaming interface of SteamOS and the broad compatibility of Windows 11. The exclusive Z2 Go chip also gives Lenovo a unique hardware tier that other manufacturers do not offer.

In terms of performance, the Z1 Extreme is a proven performer capable of handling AAA titles. The Z2 Go is newer and appears to target efficiency, which could make it a strong option for less demanding games. This positions the Legion Go S as a flexible device suitable for both hardcore gamers and those looking for a portable companion.

As with any rapidly evolving tech hardware ecosystem, potential buyers should weigh their priorities carefully, considering not just the device itself but also the wider ecosystem of accessories and services. A broader gaming hardware context, such as the recent Sony PlayStation Network Outage: Status & Fix Sign-In, highlights how dependent modern gaming is on stable digital infrastructure. Similarly, the performance of companies like Super Micro Computer in the hardware supply chain can influence long-term availability and pricing of these niche devices. For those interested in the financial side of tech, the Super Micro Computer Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold? 2025 Analysis offers deeper insight into the market dynamics affecting component manufacturers.

What are critics and users saying about the Legion Go S?

“Flexibility, comfort, portability, and versatility. Can’t take your PC to the garden…”

— Reddit user review, highlighting real-world usage scenarios.

“The Legion Go S offers a choice between most powerful AMD Z1 Extreme and Lenovo’s exclusive AMD Z2 Go processors.”

— Lenovo official product page description.

“The Lenovo Legion Go S has become one of the best handhelds out there.”

— YouTube review (ETAPrime or similar), concluding after testing the SteamOS version.

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Go S in 2025?

The Lenovo Legion Go S presents a compelling value proposition, particularly the SteamOS version, which reviews consistently show delivers better performance and battery life than its Windows counterpart. For UK buyers, the record-low pricing seen mid-2025 makes it a strong contender in the handheld market. If you prioritize raw hardware quality and an OLED display, the higher-priced Legion Go 2 is a notable upgrade, but for most users seeking the best performance per pound, the Legion Go S is the more practical choice.

Frequently asked questions about the Lenovo Legion Go S