Updated 4 Nov 2026
Is the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) worth it?
Yes — if you want a faster Steam Deck and can pay more.
It runs SteamOS, the Steam Deck's system, so it boots straight into your Steam library and is easy to use by touch or with the buttons. With the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip reviewers tested, it runs big games clearly faster than a Steam Deck and faster than the same handheld on Windows. The 8-inch 1200p 120Hz screen is bright but LCD, not OLED, the grips are among the most comfortable, and the sticks are Hall-effect. Battery lasts about 1.5 to 3 hours, the fans get loud, and it costs well over a Steam Deck. A cheaper version with the slower Z2 Go chip is sold too.
Good to know
- The fans are loud in most games; headphones help.
- Battery lasts about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the game.
- The screen is a good LCD, not OLED.
- Game Pass and some games with anti-cheat don't run on SteamOS.
- Two chips are sold: the Z2 Go version is cheaper and noticeably slower than the Z1 Extreme reviewers tested.
- SteamOS: no Windows fuss
- Faster than a Steam Deck in big games
- 8-inch 120Hz screen, comfy grips
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Get it if…
- Your games are on Steam and you want more speed than a Steam Deck.
- You want a bigger screen.
- Windows on a handheld has annoyed you.
Skip it if…
- You want an OLED screen: the Steam Deck OLED has one.
- You play Game Pass: that needs Windows.
- You want the cheapest way into Steam handhelds.
More on the Legion Go S SteamOS
How we reached this verdict
Engadget says SteamOS makes all the difference: the Z1 Extreme model beat the Steam Deck OLED and the Windows Legion Go S in its game tests and lasted longer on battery than the Windows version, with Hall-effect sticks and good ergonomics, but costs a lot more than the Z2 Go version. Tom's Hardware found it far faster than the Windows model and easy to use, with loud fans and a high price. T3 calls it the best portable Steam handheld it has tested, comfortable for hours, with loud fans, 1.5 to 3 hours of battery and a high price. We haven't found enough verified owner reviews of the SteamOS model to count yet.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Engadget, Tom's Hardware, T3, Lenovo (specs), PC Gamer, Engadget, Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 4 Nov 2026How we decide