## The Lenovo Legion Go S: A Compelling Handheld Gaming Option

As the market for handheld gaming devices continues to grow, the Lenovo Legion Go S has emerged as a noteworthy contender. With recent price cuts making the device more attractive, it’s a good time to take a closer look at its features and how it compares to competitors like the Steam Deck OLED.

### Pricing and Variants

Initially, the Lenovo Legion Go S may not have been on the radar for many gamers, but a significant Black Friday price cut has created new interest. The device is now available in two versions: the budget Ryzen Z2 Go model and the higher-end Z1 Extreme version, which comes equipped with 32GB of RAM and operates on SteamOS. The Z1 Extreme version is currently priced at £599 in the UK (a savings of £100) and $650 in the US (down $250).

What makes this pricing particularly compelling is its proximity to the Steam Deck OLED, which is only $1 more expensive for a 1TB model.

### Performance and Features

While the Steam Deck OLED is generally recognized for its solid performance and value, the Legion Go S presents itself as a formidable rival. The Z1 Extreme chip utilized in the Legion Go S has demonstrated superior performance compared to the Steam Deck’s internals in various gaming benchmarks, as highlighted in reviews of the Asus ROG Ally X.

The display on the Legion Go S also stands out as a significant advantage; it is larger, faster, and boasts a higher resolution compared to the Steam Deck OLED. Additionally, the Legion Go S includes premium design features such as Hall Effect thumbsticks, which are designed to provide improved durability and precision, as well as adjustable triggers that enhance the gaming experience.

### Considerations: Battery Life and Quiet Operation

However, the Steam Deck OLED still holds some key advantages. It is often praised for its quiet operation, an important factor for handheld devices, as well as its battery life. In various comparisons, the longevity of the Steam Deck has been a strong selling point, especially in light of both the ROG Ally X and the Legion Go S’s varying battery performance.

### The Verdict

As the handheld gaming landscape continues to evolve, the Lenovo Legion Go S positions itself as a competitive option against established devices like the Steam Deck OLED. With compelling specifications, a more powerful chipset, and price cuts that make it more accessible, it presents a challenging choice for consumers looking for high-performance portable gaming. Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal preferences regarding battery life and operational noise, but the close pricing makes this choice all the more complex.