Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it? That’s the burning question buzzing across the gaming community as Lenovo unveils its latest entry in the world of handheld gaming. In an era where portable gaming devices are more powerful and versatile than ever, the Lenovo Legion Go S steps up as a strong contender, promising premium performance in a compact form. But how does it stack up against established competitors like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and the Ayaneo Kun?
If you’re wondering, “Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it for serious gamers, casual players, or tech enthusiasts?”—you’re in the right place. This article dives deep into the design, performance, battery life, software experience, and pricing of the Go S to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re after stunning display quality, high frame rates, or seamless OS versatility, we’ll cover every angle so you can decide if this device truly meets your expectations.
By the end of this guide, you won’t just know the specs—you’ll have a clear answer to “Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it in 2025?” Let’s get into the details of what could be your next favorite gaming companion.
Design and Build Quality
Before we get into the performance and software, let’s talk about the design. The Lenovo Legion Go S follows a compact and ergonomic form factor. Weighing under 750g, it’s light enough for extended gaming sessions yet feels premium with its solid build. Unlike the original Legion Go, the Go S uses fixed controllers rather than detachable ones, which improves stability and simplifies the design.
From an aesthetic perspective, it’s a sleek combination of gaming grit and minimalist polish. If you’re a gamer on the go who values comfort and portability, is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it from a design standpoint? Absolutely.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes
One of the most impressive features is the 8.8-inch WQXGA display. With a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate, you’re getting a high-end screen comparable to many full-sized gaming monitors. Whether you’re playing AAA titles or indie games, the sharp visuals and fluid refresh rate offer an immersive experience. Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it for display quality alone? For gamers who prioritize visuals, it’s a resounding yes.
Performance: Powered for Play
Under the hood, the Legion Go S packs AMD Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme processors, depending on the configuration you choose. It pairs this with LPDDR5 RAM (up to 16GB) and SSD storage (up to 1TB). These specs are capable of handling even demanding games like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Forza Horizon 5 at respectable frame rates.
Thanks to its efficient thermal system, the device remains cool under pressure. You won’t need to worry about overheating or frame drops during intense gaming sessions. Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it when it comes to raw power? It competes strongly with rivals like the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is where portable gaming systems often struggle. The Lenovo Legion Go S is equipped with a 49.2Wh battery that delivers around 5 to 6 hours of mixed-use and about 2.5 to 3 hours of heavy gaming. While not groundbreaking, it does support Super Rapid Charge, allowing 70% recharge in under 30 minutes.
So, is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it if battery life is your priority? It’s not the leader in battery performance, but the fast-charging feature makes up for it.
Operating System Options: SteamOS vs Windows 11
Uniquely, Lenovo allows buyers to choose between Windows 11 and SteamOS. Windows 11 offers full game library compatibility via Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass, and more. SteamOS, on the other hand, is lightweight and boosts battery efficiency and UI performance.
Early tests suggest the SteamOS variant delivers better battery optimization and a smoother experience. However, for those needing access to a broader suite of apps and game launchers, Windows 11 is more versatile.
Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it depending on the OS you choose? Yes, especially because you get to pick what suits your gaming style best.
Audio and Controls
Lenovo didn’t skimp on the audio either. The Legion Go S features stereo speakers with 3D spatial audio support. Combine that with precise analog sticks, responsive buttons, and customizable controls, and you’ve got a gamer’s dream interface.
The haptic feedback isn’t as strong as on some premium handhelds, but the controls are responsive and feel good during gameplay. If audio and control fidelity are critical to your experience, you’ll find the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it.
Connectivity and Expandability
With USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, this device is built for modern connectivity. You can hook it up to an external monitor or dock it to a keyboard and mouse setup for a full desktop gaming experience.
Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it for gamers who want flexibility in how they play? Yes—it’s designed with both portability and expansion in mind.
Price
As of mid-2025, the Lenovo Legion Go S starts at around $699 for the base model, with premium configurations pushing up to $999. Considering the performance, display, and flexibility it offers, this is a competitive price.
So let’s circle back to the big question: Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it?
If you’re looking for a high-performance handheld gaming console with a premium display, good thermal management, flexible OS options, and strong connectivity features, then yes—it’s absolutely worth it. While not perfect (no handheld is), its blend of form, function, and features makes it one of the top contenders in 2025’s gaming handheld market.
Final Verdict: Is the Lenovo Legion Go S Worth It?
So, is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it? After examining the device from every angle—performance, design, battery life, and value for money—the answer largely depends on your gaming preferences and expectations. If you’re seeking a high-quality handheld with a sharp display, responsive controls, and seamless Windows integration, then the Legion Go S stands out as a worthy investment in 2025.
The device brings console-grade gaming to your fingertips in a portable format. Its custom AMD chip, 8.8-inch 144Hz screen, and modular controller design set it apart in a growing sea of competitors. Add in great ergonomics and solid thermals, and it becomes clear that Lenovo has learned from earlier models and polished the Go S to near-perfection.
However, if you’re not looking to spend premium money or need longer battery life, other options may better suit your needs. Still, for those asking “Is the Lenovo Legion Go S worth it?” from a serious gaming perspective—the answer is a strong yes.
This device strikes the perfect balance between power, portability, and playability. It’s not just a handheld console—it’s a statement that Lenovo is here to lead the future of mobile gaming.
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