Lenovo Legion Go S: 性能评测

Handheld gaming PCs like the Lenovo Legion Go S have been around for a while, but their popularity has surged in recent years, largely thanks to the success of the Steam Deck. Since Valve introduced their Linux-based handheld, other mainstream PC manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon, creating their own versions. The Lenovo Legion Go S positions itself closer to the Steam Deck, differentiating from the original Legion Go.

The Lenovo Legion Go S features a unibody design, moving away from the Switch-like detachable controllers of its predecessor, and streamlining the array of dials and buttons that characterized the original. Notably, a future version of the Legion Go S will run on SteamOS, the Linux distribution that powers the Steam Deck, marking it as the first non-Valve handheld to do so out of the box. However, the model reviewed here operates on Windows 11, and at $729, it faces stiff competition among similarly priced Windows-based handhelds.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Photos

7 ImagesLenovo Legion Go S – Design

The Lenovo Legion Go S adopts a design more akin to the Asus ROG Ally than the original Legion Go, presenting as a single unit without the complexity of detachable controllers. This streamlined approach enhances usability, though the rounded edges of the chassis contribute to its comfort during extended gaming sessions, compensating somewhat for its weight.

Weighing in at 1.61 pounds, the Legion Go S is only marginally lighter than the bulkier Legion Go (1.88 pounds) and slightly heavier than the Asus ROG Ally X (1.49 pounds). Despite this, the device boasts an impressive 8-inch, 1200p IPS display with 500 nits of brightness, delivering stunning visuals across games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Horizon Forbidden West. This display ranks among the best in handheld gaming PCs, second only to the Steam Deck OLED.

The Legion Go S comes in two attractive colorways: Glacier White and Nebula Nocturne, the latter exclusive to the forthcoming SteamOS version. RGB lighting around the joysticks adds a vibrant touch, easily customizable through the on-screen menu. The device's button layout is more intuitive than its predecessor, with 'Start' and 'Select' buttons positioned standardly on either side of the display. However, the placement of Lenovo's proprietary menu buttons above them can lead to initial confusion.

The right menu button offers quick access to adjust settings like screen brightness and power management for the AMD Z2 Go APU, while also providing shortcuts for tasks like opening Task Manager. The touchpad, though smaller than the original Legion Go's, aids in navigating Windows, though less efficiently. The LegionSpace software, accessible via the left menu button, helps manage system settings and game libraries.

On the back, programmable 'paddle' buttons are clickier yet resistant to accidental presses, and trigger travel distance can be adjusted, albeit with only two settings. The top features two USB 4 ports, while the bottom includes a centrally placed MicroSD card slot, which might be inconvenient for docking.

Purchasing Guide

The reviewed Lenovo Legion Go S model, equipped with a Z2 Go APU, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD, will be available starting February 14 for $729.99. A more budget-friendly option with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD will follow in May, priced at $599.99.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Performance

The Lenovo Legion Go S is the first handheld to use the AMD Z2 Go APU, which, despite its newness, relies on older Zen 3 and RDNA 2 technologies. This results in performance that lags behind competitors like the original Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X. The battery life, at 4 hours and 29 minutes, also falls short of the original Legion Go despite a slightly larger 55Whr battery.

In benchmark tests like 3DMark, the Legion Go S underperforms significantly. However, in gaming scenarios, it fares better, with marginal improvements in games like Hitman: World of Assassination. Yet, demanding titles like Horizon Forbidden West struggle even on lower settings, suggesting that this handheld excels more with less demanding games like Persona 5.

Wait, It’s More Expensive?

Despite being marketed as a more streamlined option, the Lenovo Legion Go S, at $729, is pricier than the original Legion Go, which starts at $699. This pricing seems counterintuitive given the Go S's weaker APU and lower resolution display. However, the February model boasts 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, which is excessive for its capabilities. Allocating more memory to the frame buffer in the BIOS can improve performance, but this requires technical know-how.

For gamers looking for a portable PC to enjoy most AAA titles at medium settings, the current configuration of the Lenovo Legion Go S may not justify its premium. However, the upcoming $599 model with 16GB of RAM offers a more balanced value, making it a compelling choice in the handheld gaming market.