Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Gaming Console Review
The Legion Go S packs desktop-level RAM and storage into a handheld, but its high price and heavy weight make it a niche choice for dedicated portable gamers.
Overview
The Legion Go S is a handheld gaming PC that feels like it's trying to do everything at once, and honestly, it mostly pulls it off. The one thing you need to know is that it's a beast for gaming on the go, but it's also a surprisingly capable little Windows machine if you can handle the weight. It's not the most elegant tablet, but if you want a single device that can run your Steam library and check your email, this is it.
Performance
The performance is solid, but it's the RAM and storage that really stand out. With 32GB of RAM landing in the 94th percentile and a full 1TB of fast storage, you'll never feel squeezed for memory or space. The AMD Z1 Extreme chip and integrated Radeon graphics are good, sitting around the 75th percentile, which means you can play most modern games at decent settings. Just don't expect desktop-level frame rates on the latest AAA titles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Massive 32GB of RAM means you can multitask like a champ. 94th
- The 1TB SSD is huge and fast, so you can install your whole library. 92th
- That 8-inch, 120Hz screen is smooth and great for fast-paced games. 83th
- It runs full Windows 11, so it's way more flexible than a gaming-only handheld. 76th
Cons
- At 740 grams, it's a chonker. Your wrists will feel it.
- Battery life is just average, landing right at the 50th percentile.
- It scored poorly for productivity, so it's not a great laptop replacement.
- The screen, while smooth, is only in the 52nd percentile for quality.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z1 |
| Cores | 6 |
| GPU | AMD Radeon |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 32 GB |
| RAM Generation | LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Expandable | Yes |
Display
| Size | 8" |
| Resolution | 1920 (Full HD) |
| Panel | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Physical
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.6 lbs |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
Value & Pricing
At $1090, it's a tough sell. You're paying a premium for the portability and the massive RAM/storage combo. If you absolutely need a handheld Windows PC with no compromises on specs, it's worth it. For everyone else, it's a lot of money for a niche device.
vs Competition
Don't compare this to an iPad Pro or a Galaxy Tab. Those are media consumption devices. This is a portable gaming PC. A better comparison is to something like the ASUS ROG Ally or the Steam Deck OLED. The Legion Go S crushes them on raw RAM and storage, but it's heavier and more expensive. If you value pure gaming ergonomics and battery life, the Steam Deck is a better choice. If you need the extra Windows power and storage, this Legion has the edge.
| Product | Cpu | Gpu | Ram | Screen | Battery | Feature | Storage | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Gaming Console | 76.1 | 75.4 | 93.6 | 52.3 | 49.5 | 57.2 | 92.3 | 83.4 |
| Apple iPad Pro Apple 13" iPad Pro M5 Chip (Standard Glass, 2TB, | 93.5 | 93.5 | 83.1 | 98 | 49.5 | 76.5 | 98.7 | 90.1 |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Copilot+ PC Tablet - 13" | 99.5 | 99.2 | 89.4 | 90.1 | 49.5 | 76.5 | 96.6 | 83.4 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Samsung 14.6" Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra 256GB | 60.7 | 60.4 | 73.9 | 88.6 | 49.5 | 98 | 64.3 | 88.4 |
| Panasonic Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 Rugged Tablet - 12" QHD | 74.1 | 73.8 | 26.2 | 52.9 | 49.5 | 20.5 | 87.9 | 75.4 |
| Fusion5 Built in USA 10.1” Windows 11 Professional | 75.1 | 74.8 | 99.7 | 27.9 | 49.5 | 20.5 | 81.9 | 44.6 |
Verdict
If you're a PC gamer who dreams of taking your entire Steam library on the bus, the Legion Go S is a compelling, if expensive, option. It's overkill for most people, and the weight is a real downside. But for that specific person who wants maxed-out specs in a handheld form, it's a easy recommendation. For everyone else, a lighter handheld or a cheap laptop plus a tablet is probably smarter.