Lenovo's Legion Go S: A Sleeker, More Affordable Handheld for Casual Gamers
The Handheld Revolution: A New Era of Portable Gaming
Lenovo's initial foray into the handheld gaming market with the Legion Go was a bold move, and while it was a bit of a wild ride, it left a lasting impression. Now, with the Legion Go S, Lenovo aims to refine the experience, offering a more accessible and sleek handheld for casual gamers. But is it a step forward or just a slight tweak?
A Comfortable Grip and a Streamlined Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Legion Go S is its compact size and ergonomic design. Say goodbye to bulky detachable controllers; the Go S boasts a solid, unibody construction that feels like a natural extension of your hands. While it's still one of the heavier handhelds on the market, the new anti-slip texture and slimmer profile make it significantly more comfortable for extended play sessions. The simplified button layout, featuring the iconic RGG sticks and minimalist volume and power buttons, ensures a smooth and intuitive gaming experience, even in the dark.
A Screen That Delivers
The display has been given a "nip-and-tuck," shrinking from an 8.8-inch behemoth to a more manageable 8-inch screen. The 1920x1200p120Hz resolution feels just right, especially with the lack of processing power behind it. Extra pixels on such a large screen would only drain the battery, so the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is the real hero here, ensuring smooth gameplay even during intense moments.
A Casual Gamer's Dream
The Legion Go S is designed for a more casual gaming experience, perfect for clearing out your backlog of titles. While it may not offer the best quality for AAA games, it excels at running classics like "Bioshock Infinite," "Far Cry 4," and "Dishonored," as well as indie gems like "Back to the Dawn" and "Roadside Research," at a stable 60fps. It's an absolute joy to play, allowing you to catch up on PC gaming time that you've been neglecting in favor of console experiences. Games like "Burnout Paradise Remastered" showcase the system's ability to handle high-speed action, while "Baldur's Gate 3" can be played, albeit with some upscaling.
Versatility Beyond Gaming
The Legion Go S is not just for gaming; it's also a versatile media player. With its bright display and high refresh rate, it's perfect for catching up on your favorite shows and movies on the go. However, it's worth noting that YouTube and Netflix are not yet available on more console-based handhelds like the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Reality Check: Windows and AAA Challenges
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip is the "entry-level" sibling of the new generation, with only four cores, making it struggle with demanding tasks. Running "Cyberpunk 2077" on this device is like asking a marathon runner to sprint with you on their back; it's technically possible, but not a pleasant experience. The Windows experience, while improved with Lenovo's "Legion Space" software, still has its quirks, reminding you that you're essentially holding a squashed laptop. The constant requests for Microsoft 365 installations can be frustrating.
Verdict: A Solid Base for Casual Gamers
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a beautiful piece of hardware that feels right in your hands. It's slimmer and more affordable than the Legion Go 2, but it's not the device for raw power. If you're a casual gamer looking for a refined Windows handheld for indies, older gems, or just to play Fortnite, the Legion Go S is a solid choice. However, if you crave raw power, you might want to save up for the true Lenovo Legion Go 2. At an Australian price point under a thousand dollars, it's a tempting offer, but consider your needs and the competition before making a decision.
Controversy and Comment Hooks
While the Legion Go S is a solid handheld, it's not without its limitations. The Windows experience and the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip may not satisfy those seeking raw power. The question remains: is the Legion Go S a step forward for handheld gaming, or just a slight tweak in the right direction? Share your thoughts in the comments! Do you think the Legion Go S is a worthy upgrade for casual gamers, or is it just a slight improvement over its predecessor?
