When Lenovo first introduced the Legion Go gaming handheld back in mid-2023, the reception was less than stellar. Fast forward to 2025, and the company is making a fresh attempt with three new versions, all sporting either the well-known AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the new Z2 variant.
### Legion Go S: Choose Between SteamOS or Windows 11
Lenovo’s Legion Go S bids farewell to the detachable controllers that its predecessor had, opting for a more conventional and streamlined design. Weighing in at just 1.63 pounds, it’s lighter and more user-friendly. The lineup includes a white model running Windows 11 and another, in a striking “Nebula Violet,” that operates on Valve’s SteamOS. The latter offers a console-like experience but restricts game purchases to what’s available on Valve’s platform.
Hardware-wise, both versions—officially dubbed the Legion Go S and Legion Go S – Powered by SteamOS—share the same specs. They pack a punch with either a Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor, an 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen (with a brightness of 500 nits and a refresh rate of 120 Hz), a 55.5 WHr battery, and can be fitted with up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage. For those who need even more storage, the devices support the use of standard-sized 2280 M.2 SSDs according to Lenovo’s specs.
Connectivity options include a MicroSD card slot, two USB 4.0 ports at the top, and an audio jack. The Windows-equipped Legion Go S is slated for a January release at a starting price of roughly $729, while its SteamOS counterpart is expected in May, starting at $499. Lenovo also mentions that additional configurations for the Windows model will be released in May 2025, with a beginning price of $599. A representative informed us that once both models hit the shelves, a version running Windows or SteamOS, with identical specs—an AMD Z2 Go CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage—will cost around $599. The $729 Windows model will offer an upgrade to 32GB of RAM.
### Legion Go 2 Prototype: Reinventing the Detachable Mouse Controller
At the premium end, Lenovo has unveiled a prototype of the next-generation Legion Go. This model retains the detachable controllers and reintroduces the quirky mouse sensor, transforming the right stick into what could be considered the least ergonomic gaming mouse ever. Updates include rounded controller edges, a circular D-pad, and a significant battery upgrade, jumping from 49.2 WHr to 74 WHr.
The screen size remains at 8.8 inches with a 144 Hz refresh, but now it’s OLED, and the resolution has been wisely adjusted to 1920×1200 from the original 2560×1600. It also supports variable refresh rates and maintains a brightness of 500 nits. This upcoming Legion Go will come equipped with a Ryzen Z2 processor, offer up to 2TB of storage, and boast 32GB of extremely fast 7500 MHz RAM when it eventually launches in 2025. The exact port selection is still under wraps.
Get ready for an exciting year in gaming as Lenovo aims to make a comeback in the handheld market!
