Lenovo Legion Go S Review: SteamOS Handheld, FPS Benchmarked
The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition is Lenovo’s answer to the Steam Deck: a Windows-handheld-form-factor device running Valve’s console-like SteamOS instead. We unboxed it, benchmarked real FPS across a modern AAA lineup, and found out if it’s the best new handheld around.
Short version: SteamOS on a Legion Go-sized screen is a compelling combo: console-simple, PC-flexible, and it games the way Steam Deck owners expect.
TL;DR: The 10-second verdict
| What it is | Lenovo’s Legion Go S running SteamOS: a Steam Deck competitor in a Windows-handheld shell |
| Who it’s for | Steam-library gamers who want a bigger/better-screened handheld without leaving the SteamOS ecosystem |
| The headline | SteamOS simplicity on Legion Go hardware: FPS-benchmarked across the modern AAA lineup at 800p Medium |
| The catch | SteamOS means Windows-only games (Game Pass, anti-cheat titles) won’t run natively; performance is still iGPU-bound |
| Our take | The best SteamOS handheld that isn’t a Steam Deck. If your library lives on Steam, it’s a winner |
| Where To Buy (Affiliate Links) | Amazon · Later · JoyLink |
| Video Review | YouTube |
What It Is
The Legion Go S takes the Legion Go’s handheld concept and ships it with SteamOS (Valve’s Linux-based, console-style operating system), instead of Windows. For Steam-library gamers, that means the pick-up-and-play simplicity of a Steam Deck with the Legion Go’s hardware: a bigger screen, detachable-style controls, and solid handheld ergonomics.
Gaming Performance
We benchmarked a real AAA lineup at 800p Medium: Remnant 2, FF7 Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Thrones of Liberty, Wuthering Waves, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sniper Elite Resistance, and The Ascent.
At 800p Medium (the sweet spot for handheld iGPUs), the Legion Go S delivered playable frame rates across the lineup, with the usual caveats for the heaviest titles. The full FPS results are in the video, game by game.
The Trade-Offs
- SteamOS pros: console-simple UI, suspend/resume, Steam-native optimization, no Windows overhead
- SteamOS cons: no native Game Pass / anti-cheat Windows games; some titles need Proton tweaks
- Hardware: the Legion Go S’s screen and controls are a step up from the Steam Deck OLED in several ways
If your library is Steam-first, the Legion Go S is arguably the best SteamOS handheld available. If you need Game Pass or Windows-native games, the Windows Legion Go (or an Ally) is the safer pick.
The bottom line
The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS is the best SteamOS handheld that isn’t a Steam Deck: real FPS across the modern AAA lineup at 800p Medium, console-simple SteamOS, and Legion Go hardware. For Steam-library gamers, it’s an easy recommendation.
— Tame That Tech Minion
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