SteamOS is slowly changing into a substitute for Windows for handheld gaming units. After launching the Steam Deck with SteamOS, its personal working system, Valve is now partnering with third-party producers in order that they will launch gaming handhelds with SteamOS assist.
On Tuesday, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S at CES 2025. Unlike its predecessor, the Legion Go, this gaming handheld has a extra conventional form-factor with a big, 8-inch show surrounded by controllers on either side of the display. The removable controllers and the kickstand in the back of the machine are gone.
But essentially the most fascinating a part of the machine is that it is available in a number of configurations. Customers will be capable of determine between two AMD chipsets: the newly introduced funds processor Ryzen Z2 Go, and the Ryzen Z1 Extreme that Lenovo is already utilizing for the Legion Go. Asus can also be utilizing the Z1 Extreme for the ROG Ally X.
Similarly, clients will get to determine whether or not they wish to purchase the Legion Go S with SteamOS pre-installed or Windows 11. While SteamOS is a a lot better expertise for a gaming handheld with a greater interface, a greater out-of-the-box expertise, and higher assist for sleep/wake, some clients may favor Windows in the event that they obtain video games via Xbox Game Pass or if their favourite multiplayer sport depends on Windows-only anti-cheat software program.
The Z2 Go model might be out there for $599 with Windows 11, or $499 with SteamOS, whereas the Z1 Extreme variant will price $729. Lenovo is releasing the Z1 Extreme model in January, whereas the Z2 Go configurations might be out there in May 2025. The entry-level machine will include 16GB of RAM, whereas the $729 one options 32GB of RAM.
When it involves specs, the 8-inch show has a 16:10 facet ratio and helps resolutions of as much as 1920×1200 with a 120Hz variable refresh charge. The Legion Go S comes with a 55Wh battery, two USB 4 ports and a microSD slot. The machine weighs 730g (1.61 kilos) and comes with a particularly tiny touchpad to navigate the desktop interface.
Lenovo additionally plans to replace the unique Legion Go, and it even showcased an early prototype of the Legion Go 2 at CES 2025. The concept is that the Legion Go S and the Legion Go might be two separate merchandise that might be up to date now and again.
While you might take into account the Legion Go S as a Steam Deck competitor, keep in mind that Valve has collaborated with Lenovo to tweak SteamOS for the brand new machine. Valve takes a lower on each Steam buy, and the corporate appears to suppose that it’s extra necessary to develop the Steam ecosystem than change into the following large console maker.
