Revolutionize Your Gaming with Lenovo Legion Go S – SteamOS-Powered Handheld for Just $499
Lenovo’s SteamOS Handheld is a Game-Changer
Get ready for a new era in gaming with Lenovo’s latest experiment: a handheld PC running Valve’s SteamOS. In May, Lenovo will become the first company outside of Valve to release a handheld gaming PC with SteamOS, rivaling the popular Steam Deck at a lower price point of $499.
The Lenovo Legion Go S is the name of this innovative device, which ditches the detachable gamepads and kickstand of its predecessors for a sleeker, more traditional design. With a sculpted grip that felt comfortable in our hands, the Legion Go S is poised to revolutionize the gaming industry.
The Tech Behind the Legion Go S
The Legion Go S features a 120Hz variable refresh rate screen, a highly desirable feature that allows for smooth gaming even in low-power modes. The screen may be lower in resolution at 1920 x 1200, but the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip promises to deliver power-sipping performance. Lenovo is also offering versions with AMD’s existing Z1 Extreme chip in some markets.
Another notable feature of the Legion Go S is its 55Wh battery, which should provide around 2-2.5 hours of battery life in demanding games. The device can also fit full-length M.2 2280 solid-state drives, offering ample storage space for your gaming needs.
The Future of SteamOS
Valve isn’t keeping the keys to its SteamOS kingdom to itself. Lenovo’s SteamOS device will receive the same updates as the Steam Deck, minus hardware-specific tweaks. However, Valve is planning to release a new beta of SteamOS in the near future, which could potentially support other handheld devices as well.
Meanwhile, Lenovo is also working on a larger Legion Go 2 with detachable controllers and an 8.8-inch OLED screen. Although the company has no specific plans to put SteamOS on the larger device, it may depend on customer demand.
A New Era for Gaming
Lenovo’s SteamOS handheld marks a significant step forward in gaming technology. The company’s focus on delivering a seamless gaming experience, combined with Valve’s SteamOS, is set to shake up the industry. With a lower price point and more competitive features, the Legion Go S is poised to give the Steam Deck a run for its money.
Will We See a SteamOS-Capable Larger Legion Go 2?
Only time will tell if Lenovo decides to offer SteamOS on its larger Legion Go 2 device. The company’s current plans are for a Windows-only release, but customer demand may play a crucial role in deciding the future of SteamOS on this device.
The Road Ahead for Valve
Valve is still focused on its own Steam Deck roadmap, with Griffais hinting that the company is close to releasing a new beta of SteamOS. Meanwhile, the lack of a "leap" in CPU performance from AMD’s Z2 means there won’t be a Z2 Steam Deck.
The future of gaming has never been brighter, with innovations like Lenovo’s SteamOS handheld paving the way for a new era of excitement and competition in the industry.