Lenovo Legion Go S is less expensive than some other current-gen handhelds — but it might not be a good fit for everyone

The Legion Go S resting on a chair with a dBrand screen protector installed on it.
The Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go) offers tradeoffs compared to other current-gen handhelds. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

Lenovo's entry-level next-gen handheld gaming PC, the Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go), is currently on sale for $50 off this Amazon Prime Day.

Specifically, this portable gaming device usually sells for $699.99, but it's now only $649.99 at Amazon.

You can also view more tech deals during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.

Legion Go S
Gaming handheld 🎮
Save $50
Legion Go S: was $699.99 now $649.99 at Amazon

In my colleague's Legion Go S review, they explained how the price of the device was too high for this handheld's level of performance. But with this deal, it's finally at a suitable cost. This model is in direct competition with the Steam Deck, offering a similarly powerful processor but with a Windows operating system instead of the Linux-based SteamOS. It isn't the most powerful handheld out there, but it is one of the least expensive next-gen Windows handhelds. — Rebecca Spear, Tech News and Gaming Editor

Display: 8" 120Hz IPS touchscreen. CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go. GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics. NPU: N/A. RAM: 16GB. Storage: 512GB SSD.

👉 See at: Amazon.com

💰 Alternative Windows option: $709.99 at Best Buy

🎮 Alternative SteamOS option: $649.99 at Best Buy

Should you buy the Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go)?

Just so you know, there are a few different Legion Go S (Windows) models to choose from, and also a few Legion Go S (SteamOS) models as well.

These handhelds stand out from others since they have relatively large displays, a small touchpad on the right side, and adjustable trigger switches on the back.

When my colleague, Zachary Boddy, wrote their Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Extreme) review, they pointed out that the price of these Lenovo gaming handhelds was too high given the performance they offer.

Getting $50 off helps bring this device down to a more reasonable price, even if it isn't the best discount this handheld has ever seen. Still, it might not be a good fit for everyone.

if you typically play less graphically demanding games like 2D platformers or pixel-art life sims, then this level of performance will suit your needs just fine.

You see, the specific Legion Go S (Windows) model available in this highlighted deal is the one with the Ryzen Z2 Go processor, which is the most basic entry-level option with lower performance akin to the Steam Deck rather than the more powerful upcoming Legion Go 2 or Xbox Ally X (releasing this October 2025).

This means the Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go) offers lower performance than the Z2 Extreme Legion Go S (Windows) devices as well. Of course, if you typically play less graphically demanding games like 2D platformers or pixel-art life sims, then this level of performance will suit your needs just fine.

Just don't expect the latest AAA games to run as well on this handheld.

The Legion Go S (SteamOS) is another great option for anyone looking for a gaming handheld. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

That said, it might also be better to consider the Legion Go S (SteamOS), which isn't on sale at Amazon, but might fit your needs better.

In my Legion Go S (SteamOS) review, I found that this device was an improvement over the Windows models, but that it did have some tradeoffs compared to some rival handhelds.

The biggest pro is that the SteamOS interface makes this handheld feel more like a console or dedicated gaming machine. You can access all of your games far more easily without having to navigate around Windows.

Meanwhile, the biggest con is that it costs more than the Steam Deck, so unless you really want Windows, you might want to consider Valve's handheld.

Legion Go S FAQ

The Legion Go S (Windows) operates just like a gaming laptop that has controllers instead of a keyboard. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

For those of you who might not be as familiar with the Legion Go S, or Windows gaming handhelds in general, I've put together some answers to commonly asked questions.

Is the Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go) worth buying?

If you tend to play less-demanding games and want a device that runs Windows 11, then this could be a great fit for you.

What are the benefits of using a handheld gaming PC?

The great appeal of gaming handhelds is that they can be taken anywhere and used wherever you go. I love chilling in my bed or sitting on the couch and playing, but I also take my handhelds on trips.

What are the disadvantages of a gaming handheld?

Gaming handhelds offer lower performance than dedicated gaming laptops and gaming desktops. Depending on the model, some handhelds might not be optimized well to handle certain games. You'll need to purchase a handheld with a powerful enough processor and large enough memory and storage to fit your gaming needs.

Does Legion Go S run Windows?

Yes, all white versions of the Legion Go S run Windows 11 while all of the black versions run Windows SteamOS.

How powerful is Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go)?

The Legion Go S (Windows, Z2 Go) offers performance that's similar to the Steam Deck. This makes it less powerful than many other Windows handhelds on the market right now.

Is Legion Go S better than Steam Deck?

This largely depends on what you're looking for in a device. If you want a handheld that feels more like a gaming machine than SteamOS can be a better fit. If you want a handheld that feels more like a typical computer but with controllers than the Windows version might be a better fit.

Legion Go S
Gaming handheld 🎮
Save $100
Legion Go S: was $699.99 now $599.99 at Amazon

Display: 8" 120Hz IPS touchscreen. CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go. GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics. NPU: N/A. RAM: 16GB. Storage: 512GB SSD.

👉 See at: Amazon.com

💰 Alternative option: $709.99 at Best Buy


Click to follow Windows Central on Google News

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!


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.