Lenovo Legion Go S review powerful handheld gaming console with AMD Ryzen and 120Hz display

Description

A Design that Commands Attention

The Lenovo Legion Go S is sleek, modern, and surprisingly lightweight for what it packs inside. At just 1.63 pounds, I could carry it around comfortably without feeling like I had a brick in my hands. The ergonomic unibody design is a game-changer. It feels natural to hold, even during extended gaming sessions. The anti-slip texture on the Legion TrueStrike Controllers is a detail I didn’t realize I needed until I found myself gripping them during intense battles. I appreciated how the 8-inch PureSight IPS display with its 16:10 aspect ratio gave me a more immersive view, making open-world games feel expansive.

One small gripe, though: the glacier white finish, while stunning, tends to attract smudges. I had to wipe it down more frequently than I would have liked to keep it looking pristine. Still, the overall design feels premium and well thought-out.

Performance Packs a Punch

The performance on this console is nothing short of impressive. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor and AMD Radeon graphics, games loaded seamlessly, and I didn’t experience any lag, even when playing demanding titles. One of my favorite features was the Legion ColdFront technology, which kept the system cool even during marathon gaming.

The 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage is another win. I had room for multiple AAA games without worrying about running out of space. Launching games was quick, and switching between titles felt effortless. However, I did notice that the dual near-field microphones sometimes picked up background noise during multiplayer sessions, which could be a slight annoyance for those gaming in noisy environments.

Visuals That Pop

The 120Hz refresh rate paired with 500 nits of brightness and 100% sRGB color accuracy made every scene look vibrant. Whether I was exploring lush forests or navigating dimly lit corridors, the visuals were crisp and clear. The 10-point touch support added a layer of precision when interacting with menus or strategy games.

Admittedly, the 8-inch display might feel small for some, especially those used to larger monitors or TVs. But for a handheld device, it strikes a great balance between portability and a quality viewing experience.

Key Benefits

• Outstanding gaming performance with powerful AMD hardware.
• 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant colors for immersive visuals.
• Ergonomic design and anti-slip controllers enhance comfort during long sessions.
• Rapid Charge Pro provides a 50% charge in 30 minutes.

Limitations

• Controllers may feel bulky for users with smaller hands.
• Dual microphones can pick up background noise.
• Glacier white finish is prone to smudging.

Unleashing the Sound

The front-firing speaker system caught me off guard—in a good way. The sound was full and clear, making every explosion and subtle footstep feel impactful. I didn’t always need headphones, but when I did, the dual microphones made communication with teammates straightforward, even if they weren’t flawless.

Battery Life That Keeps Up

One of the standout features is the 55.5Whr battery, which kept me gaming for hours. Whether I was on a plane or just lounging on the couch, I didn’t have to worry about constantly hunting for an outlet. And for those moments when the battery did dip, the Rapid Charge Pro feature was a lifesaver. It felt like I barely had to wait before I was back in action.

Still, if you’re someone who forgets to charge devices, you might wish for even longer battery life. But for most gamers, I think it strikes a good balance between power and portability.

Competing Products

In comparison to similar handheld gaming consoles, the Lenovo Legion Go S holds its own quite well. Devices like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch OLED are obvious competitors. Where this product stands out is the 120Hz display, which delivers smoother visuals than the Steam Deck’s 60Hz. Additionally, its 16:10 aspect ratio offers a wider field of view compared to the Switch’s 16:9 ratio, which is great for immersive gameplay.

That being said, the Steam Deck offers a larger game library due to its native Steam integration, and the Switch provides unmatched exclusives like Zelda and Mario. The Legion Go S, however, bridges the gap between serious PC gaming and portability, which might appeal to those who want the best of both worlds.

Price to Quality Ratio

For what it offers, I’d say this device provides excellent value. The high refresh rate, ample storage, and powerful internals make it a worthy investment for gamers who want top-tier performance in a portable package. While it’s not cheap, it’s competitive with other gaming consoles in its class, especially when you factor in the 3 months of PC Game Pass that come included.

If you’re someone who values portable gaming without compromising on performance or visuals, this product certainly delivers. It’s a smart choice for gamers looking to combine mobility with high-quality gaming experiences.

Additional information