Lenovo Legion Go S vs Legion Go: What's the difference?

I personally conducted our own Lenovo Legion Go review here at Windows Central shortly after the handheld was released in 2023. It is a fantastic device, but as with most first iterations, it has room to improve. Now, Lenovo has revealed a newer and slightly smaller model in the form of the Legion Go S. My colleague, Zachary Boddy did our Legion Go S review. While not a next-gen device like the Legion Go 2; it has some improvements over the original handheld as well as some downgrades.

It's also important to note that there are two versions of the Legion Go S. One is officially labeled the Legion Go S (8" , 1) and runs Windows 11 while the second one is referred to as Legion Go S — Powered by SteamOS (8" , 1) and runs SteamOS. That's quite a mouthful, so I'll mostly just refer to these handhelds as either the Windows 11 or SteamOS version of the Legion Go S.

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Specs

The Legion Go S and Legion Go have similar length and height, but the Legion Go S isn't as thick. (Image credit: Windows Central / Lenovo)

Let's dive in and discuss the differences between the original Legion Go and the new Legion Go S devices. Just note that the specs for the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S haven't fully been revealed yet.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0

Legion Go S

Legion Go

Price

$499.99* (SteamOS) | $599.99, $729.99 (Windows 11)

$699 | $749

Release date

Jan 2025 | May 2025 (SteamOS & more configurations)

Nov 1, 2023

OS

Windows 11 Home | SteamOS

Windows 11 Home

Display

8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 LCD touchscreen, 500 nits, 97% DCI-P3

8.8-inch QHD (2560 x 1600) 16:10 IPS touchscreen, 500nits, 97% DCI-P3

Refresh rate / VRR

120Hz / Yes

144Hz / No

Processor

AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Unknown

AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

Graphics

Integrated AMD Radeon 700M Series | Unknown

RDNA Graphics

Memory

Up to 32GB 6400Mhz LPDDR5X

16GB 7500Mhz LPDDR5X

Storage

Up to 1TB PCIe SSD (Gen 4)

512GB | 1TB SSD

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

Ports

2x USB4, 1x microSD card reader, 1x audio jack

2x USB-C 4.0, 1x microSD card reader, 1x audio jack

Touchpad

Yes (one)

Yes (one)

Detachable controllers

No

Yes

Color

White or Nebula Violet (dark purple)

Black

Dimensions (controllers attached)

299 x 127.55 x 22.6mm (11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88in)

299 x 131 x 41mm (11.8 x 5.15 x 1.61in)

Weight

740g (1.63 lbs)

854g (1.88 lbs)

Battery

55.5 Whr

49.2 Whr

*These are starting prices for the Legion Go S models. Prices can go up depending on the configuration.

As shown in the above table, there are some significant differences between the original Legion Go and the Legion Go S. Now that you've been able to see the specs, let's discuss what these differences mean for you as a potential handheld owner. I'll go through various comparison categories and explain which handheld is better, but first, take a look at the specs.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Price & value

The Legion Go S's 8-inch screen looks a lot smaller next to the Legion Go's 8.8-inch display. (Image credit: Windows Central / Lenovo)

The original Legion Go has a starting price of $699.99, but if you go with the higher SSD, it has a $749.99 MSRP. Meanwhile, things get a bit tricky with the new Legion Go S.

If I understand Lenovo's press release correctly, then the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S will be the most affordable option, slated with a starting price of just $499.99. However, this particular configuration won't be released until May 2025, and we don't fully know its specs yet.

Meanwhile, the only Legion Go S configuration available now only runs Windows 11 and has an AMD Z2 Go CPU, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, and it has a whopping $729.99 MSRP. Apparently, there will also be another configuration that will have an AMD Z1 Extreme, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and $599.99 pricing.

In some ways, you could argue that the original Legion Go is a better value since it does have those extra tabletop mode features, with detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand. But the Legion Go S does support VRR and native landscape, which might help some games run more smoothly in some ways.

This is a way in which the new Legion Go S differs. There is no built-in kickstand, regardless of if you have the Windows 11 or SteamOS models, and the controllers cannot be removed. Of course, there will likely be a case on the market that can put a kickstand on these newer devices, and you can always pair an Xbox controller with the handheld if you want.


TL;DR: PRICE WINNER: The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S has a much lower starting point of $499.99, but it won't be released until March 2025. Until then, the original Legion Go actually has a lower starting price than the Legion Go S Windows 11, which makes it the better value.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Performance

The Legion Go has an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip while the Legion Go S can have up to a Z2 Go chip. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The original Legion Go totes an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor that has proven to be a fantastic handheld APU. However, the new Legion Go S (Windows 11) has both a Z1 Extreme configuration as well as a configuration with the new Z2 Go chip. AMD has claimed that the newer Z2 Go processor trades off power for battery consumption, but our own testing shows that the Z2 Go in the Legion Go S isn't nearly as powerful and the original Legion Go's Z1 Extreme.

Meanwhile, the specs for the lowest configuration Legion Go S (SteamOS) haven't been revealed yet. If rumors are true, then its processor won't be as powerful as the ones offered in the Windows 11 version, though. That would definitely explain the lower price point of this model.


TL;DR: PERFORMANCE WINNER: The original Legion Go, with its Z1 Extreme is more powerful than the current Legion Go S Z2 Go configuration. Even though the newer device supports VRR and native landscape, the older device tends to runs games more smoothly.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Display

The new Legion Go S display supports VRR for better motion clarity. (Image credit: Lenovo)

The display is somewhat of a tricky topic when comparing the Legion Go and Legion Go S since the winner, in this case, will mostly come down to a matter of preference. Despite the casings being similar in height and length, the Legion Go S has a much smaller screen than the Legion Go.

Simply looking at the specs, you can easily see that the Legion Go's larger 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen with 2560 x 1600 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate has better specs than the Legion Go S's smaller 8-inch panel, with its lower 1920 x 1200 resolution and lower 120Hz refresh rate touchscreen. However, the original Legion Go does not support VRR (variable refresh rate), while the new handheld does. In case you don't know, VRR helps games play more smoothly by eliminating (or significantly reducing) screen tearing and stuttering. To me, that more than makes up for the Legion Go S's lower refresh rate.

As for screen size, It might not seem like a big difference, but an 8.8-inch panel will feel a lot larger than an 8-inch one when held in your hands. But bigger isn't always better unless you specifically want a handheld with a large display.


TL;DR: DISPLAY WINNER: This is a tricky one to call since the two devices have some tradeoffs. Legion Go S actually supports VRR, so that gives it an edge over Legion Go even if it has a smaller screen, lower refresh rate, and lower max resolution. Still, if you specifically want a big screen that can be put in tabletop mode, then the Legion Go will suit you better.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Controls and play modes

The Legion Go S does not have detachable controllers or a built-in kickstand. (Image credit: Lenovo)

One of the biggest differences between the Legion Go and Legion Go S is that the former has a built-in kickstand and detachable controllers, while the Legion Go S does not.

If you look at the front and back of the Legion Go S compared to the original Legion Go, you'll notice that some buttons and controls have been rearranged or removed entirely. For example, I personally have a hard time reaching the Menu and View buttons on the bottom left Legion Go controller, but their new placement looks a lot more manageable on Legion Go S.

It's also worth noting that there is a difference between the Windows 11 Legion Go S versus the SteamOS handheld. On the Windows 11 version, the top left button brings up Legion Space, but the Steam version has a Steam button instead.

Speaking of the front of the device, both the Legion Go S and Legion Go have ABXY buttons, two Hall Effect joysticks, a D-Pad, bumpers, triggers, Menu buttons, View buttons, and Legion R buttons. But you'll notice that the D-Pad looks different, and the touchpad has been made a whole lot smaller on the Legion Go S. It's currently unclear how this smaller touchpad affects navigation, but if it's made well, it shouldn't be an issue.

You can detach the Legion Go's controllers and prop the display up via kickstand. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

As for the back, there are only two buttons on the back of the new Legion Go S compared to four back buttons, two side buttons, and a mouse wheel on the backside of the Legion Go. This reduction in back controls is largely due to the Legion Go S not having detachable controllers and, thus, not needing FPS mode buttons.

However, you will notice that the Legion Go S has something on the back that the Legion Go doesn't have — adjustable trigger switches, which can help give players better control during different types of games. I'll have to see how well these work myself before I say whether this is a good or bad addition.


TL;DR: CONTROLS WINNER: Since it has a better layout and gets rid of unnecessary buttons, the new Legion Go S has better controls.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Software and games

The Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S can access all of the same services that the Legion Go can. (Image credit: Lenovo)

Software and games is yet another nuanced area for the Legion Go S. The original Legion Go runs Windows 11, but the new Legion Go S has two variants — A Windows 11 version and a SteamOS version.

The Windows 11 Legion Go S version and the original Legion Go (which also runs Windows 11) can access any gaming service or retailer that you would be able to access on a gaming laptop right out of the box. For instance, you'll be able to use a web browser to access Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, and more.

However, many people will be drawn to the SteamOS Legion Go S since this Linux-based operating system has a simplified interface, which makes the handheld feel more like a game console than a full-blown computer. Just like with the Steam Deck, SteamOS literally ties to your Steam account, making it quick and easy to access your Steam library of games without having to navigate around the internet. However, adding other services requires getting to the desktop mode and adding other features, which might be confusing for people who aren't familiar with Linux.

That said, anyone who is familiar with Linux can tell you that it is highly customizable. If you're more comfortable with Windows 11 and want to do more than just play games on your handheld, then a Windows 11 operating system might be a better fit.


TL;DR: SOFTWARE & GAMES WINNER: The Legion Go S wins this category since it offers more options to choose from, whether you want to access any gaming service out of the box with the Windows 11 version or else want a simplified but highly customizable SteamOS interface.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Battery life

Settings and control mapping can be adjusted within Legion Space. (Image credit: Lenovo)

Based on battery information revealed by Lenovo, I had previously assumed that the Legion Go S would have better battery life than the original Legion Go handheld, but this has proven to be false. Despite the original handheld having a 49.2 Whr battery and the Legion Go S's 55.5 Whr battery, the two devices actually tend to last around the same amount of time when playing intensive games — roughly 1.5 hours. When playing less demanding titles or performing simple tasks, the devices can last between three and four hours.

Of course, it's also possible that having Windows 11 vs SteamOS could impact the device's battery life. But we'll have to wait until the Legion Go S (SteamOS) comes out so we can test these devices ourselves to know for sure.


TL;DR: BATTERY LIFE WINNER: Unfortunately, we have a tie. Despite the Legion Go S having a larger battery capacity and a supposedly improved power consumption, it basically reached the same amount of battery life as the original Legion Go in our testing.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Grip ergonomics and comfort

There are only two back buttons on the Legion Go S compared to the four back buttons, mouse wheel, and two side buttons of the Legion Go. (Image credit: Windows Central / Lenovo)

I have pretty average-sized hands, but when I first held the Legion Go, I immediately noticed that the boxy device and controllers were uncomfortably thick. Even my 6-foot-five husband, with his larger-than-average hands, found the handheld a bit too large to hold comfortably.

The original Legion Go measures 11.8 inches wide, 5.15 inches tall, 1.61 inches thick, and it weighs a hefty 1.88 pounds. Meanwhile, the new Legion Go S (Windows 11) is roughly the same height and width but notably lighter and thinner. Not to mention, it isn't nearly as boxy as its predecessor, which should be easier on the hands. It measures 11.77 inches wide, 5.02 inches tall, 0.88 inches thick, and weighs 1.63 pounds.

As such, it's easy to see that the new Legion Go S (Windows 11), with its refined and slimmed-down shape, is easier to grasp. Lenovo did a good job of balancing the weight of the internals and making a casing that feels great in your hands. It's possible that the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S could have a different weight than the Windows 11 one, but we don't know for sure at this moment.

On another note, I personally find it hard to get my thumb to reach the lower two buttons on the original Legion Go's left controller. However, these buttons have found new placement on the Legion Go S, which makes them easier to access and, thus, more comfortable to use.


TL;DR: COMFORT WINNER: Based on the slimmer casing, reduced weight, and more rounded design, the Legion Go S is definitely easier and more comfortable to hold.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Accessories

The original Legion Go comes with a carrying case and FPS stand. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The Legion Go comes with a hard shell carrying case and an FPS mode stand for the detachable right controller. Additionally, there are a few third-party docking stations, protective cases, skins, and other accessories on the market. While not an accessory, the fact that it has a built-in kickstand with that larger screen means that it's very easy to pair a keyboard to the Windows 11 handheld and use it like a computer; you don't have to go by a peripheral with a kickstand if that's a feature you want.

As for the Legion Go S, there might be some pairing differences between the SteamOS version and the Windows 11 version. Additionally, it's new to the market, so there aren't as many accessories specifically made for its shape and size just yet. However, if the handheld does well, more third-party options will likely become available over time.


TL;DR: ACCESSORIES WINNER: This win goes to the Legion Go. Simply by virtue of having been out on the market longer, there are more third-party accessories available for the older device. However, that could change with time.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Comparison chart

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Category

Winner

Price

Legion Go S (SteamOS) — Starting at $499.99, this upcoming handheld is cheaper than the $699.99 starting price of the Legion Go or the $729.99 starting price of the Legion Go S (Windows 11).

Performance

Legion Go — The Z1 Extreme chip in the original Go out performs the new AMD Z2 Go chip in the Legion Go S and makes games run smoother on the older device.

Display

Legion Go — Technically, the original handheld is larger, has higher resolution, and a higher refresh rate.

Controls & ports

Legion Go S — The newer buttons and controls have been improved upon, plus they've been rearranged, which makes them easier to access. Additionally, the new handheld has USB4 ports, which is an improvement over the USB-C ports. However, if you specifically want something you can play in tabletop mode with detached controllers than the Legion Go is a better pick.

Software & games

Legion Go S — This one will come down to a matter of preference. The Windows 11 Legion Go S can access the same services as the original Legion Go out of the box. However, the some people will find the SteamOS configuration easier to use due to its simplified interface. Legion Go S wins in this case because it offers more options than Legion Go.

Battery life

Tie — The newer handheld and the original tend to last the same amount of time when running more graphically demanding games.

Grip

Legion Go S — Due to its slimmer design, lighter weight, and rearrangement of buttons, the newer Legion Go S is likely more comfortable to hold.

Accessories

Legion Go — This win goes to the original handheld simply because it has been out longer on the market and so there are more accessories for it at the moment, but this could change.

Best overall

Legion Go — The new Go S might feel better in your hands, but the original handheld offers better performance overall while costing less.

Back to the top ^

Legion Go S vs Legion Go: Which should I buy?

You can play with the controllers detached on the original Legion Go. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)

Alright, we've discussed all of the differences between the Legion Go and the Legion Go S variants, but which one should you actually buy? As of right now, there's clearly one winner between the two: The original Legion Go.

To be fair, the new Legion Go S has a lot of physical improvements over the original device that makes it more comfortable to hold and use. However, the Z2 Go chip version is all that's out right now, and it offers lower performance than the original Legion Go. That said, the upcoming SteamOS version might be a far better buy than the Windows one. We'll need to do testing when it comes out to verify.

But really, the original Legion Go will still be a better choice for most people. It has that larger screen, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, detachable controllers, and a built-in kickstand as well as better game performance. As such, it serves as a great computer for anyone who pairs a keyboard with it. Plus, you can detach the controllers and use the handheld more like a tablet to stream shows if you want. In any case, its lower price point and higher performance make it a better value than the Legion Go S.

Consider what features you want most in your handheld, and if you just want a simple gaming device, then go for the Legion Go S. If you want more of an all-rounded gaming and entertainment device, consider the Legion Go.

Back to the top ^

CATEGORIES
Rebecca Spear
Gaming and News Editor

Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central's editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, mini PCs, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn't checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She's written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her @rrspear on X (formerly Twitter).

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.