The Lenovo Legion Go S: A Portable Gaming Companion for the Casual Gamer
The handheld gaming market is evolving, and Lenovo is making a bold statement with its latest offering. When the original Legion Go burst onto the scene, it was a beast of a machine, pushing the boundaries of what a handheld could be. Now, Lenovo has refined its approach with the Legion Go S, a more streamlined and affordable option, but is it a worthy contender?
Let's dive in and explore this cheeky handheld, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed gaming lifestyle. The Legion Go S is a Windows-based handheld (with a Steam OS model also available) that offers a 'Lite' experience without compromising on enjoyment. The device boasts a sleek, unibody design, ditching the detachable controllers for a more integrated feel. At 740 grams, it's still hefty but the anti-slip texture and slimmer profile make it a pleasure to hold for extended gaming sessions.
But here's where it gets interesting: The Legion Go S strikes a balance between portability and functionality. The 8-inch display, down from the previous 8.8 inches, is a welcome change, offering a crisp 1920x1200p120Hz resolution. The addition of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) ensures smooth gameplay, even with less powerful hardware. This is a device that knows its audience, catering to those who want a casual gaming experience without breaking the bank.
When it comes to gaming, the Legion Go S shines with classics and indie titles. Games like 'Bioshock Infinite', 'Far Cry 4', and 'Dishonored' run smoothly at 60fps, providing a premium console-like feel. It's a great way to revisit old favorites or discover hidden indie gems. Even 'Burnout Paradise Remastered' showcases the system's capabilities, handling high-speed action with ease. And for those who enjoy RPGs, 'Baldur's Gate 3' is surprisingly playable, thanks to clever upscaling.
Now, for the controversial part: The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, an entry-level processor, struggles with more demanding AAA titles. Running 'Cyberpunk 2077' on this handheld is a challenge, and the Windows experience can be frustrating with its pop-ups and constant Microsoft 365 reminders. It's a reminder that this device is not meant for high-end gaming, but rather a more relaxed, backlogged gaming experience.
However, the Legion Go S is not just for gaming. With the Lenovo Legion dock, it transforms into a desktop, allowing you to connect a monitor or TV via HDMI. This versatility lets you use it for work, connecting a mouse and keyboard, or for playing games that benefit from a larger screen. And let's not forget its media capabilities. The bright, high-refresh-rate screen makes it ideal for catching up on your favorite shows or movies on the go, a feature that many handheld gaming devices lack.
The verdict? The Lenovo Legion Go S is a sleek and comfortable handheld, perfect for casual gamers. It's a joy to use for indie and older titles, offering a solid gaming experience. While it may not pack the punch of its more powerful sibling, the Legion Go 2, it's a more budget-friendly option. Priced under a thousand dollars, it's a significant investment, especially when compared to traditional consoles like the PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2. But for those seeking a portable, versatile gaming device, the Legion Go S is a compelling choice.
And this is the part most people miss: The handheld gaming market is evolving, and with it, the expectations of gamers. As the industry moves towards handhelds, the OS and pricing will need to adapt to cater to the casual consumer. So, are handhelds the future of gaming? And is the Legion Go S the device to lead the charge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
