Lenovo Legion Go S Deal Overview
If you have been thinking about getting into handheld PC gaming, this Lenovo Legion Go S offer is worth a closer look. The device is currently available with a 21 percent discount, bringing the price down to under £428. For a portable gaming PC with modern hardware and a console style experience, that is a solid price point.
The Legion Go S is a handheld gaming PC, similar in concept to devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. It aims to give you proper PC level gaming in a compact form factor that you can use on the sofa, in bed, or on the go. The big advantages are its AMD Ryzen based APU, support for PC games, and the option to use SteamOS for a familiar gaming focused interface.
Hardware: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU Power
At the heart of this handheld is the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU. An APU is a processor that combines CPU and GPU cores on one chip, which is ideal for a compact handheld design. While it will not match the power of a full sized gaming rig with a dedicated desktop graphics card, it provides more than enough performance for 720p and 1080p gaming in many modern titles when settings are tuned sensibly.
The benefit of using an AMD Ryzen APU in a handheld is the balance of performance and power efficiency. You get:
- Multiple CPU cores for smooth system performance and modern game engines
- Integrated graphics powerful enough for popular games like esports titles and many AAA games on adjusted settings
- Lower power draw compared to a separate CPU and GPU which is important for battery life and thermals
For players who want PC flexibility without lugging around a heavy laptop, this kind of APU powered handheld can hit a sweet spot. It is strong enough to enjoy your Steam library, older AAA games, indie hits, and emulation while being much more portable than a traditional gaming laptop.
SteamOS And The Handheld Gaming Experience
One of the main selling points of this Legion Go S configuration is the use of SteamOS. SteamOS is a Linux based operating system built around the Steam client with a controller friendly interface. This matters for handheld PCs because it streamlines the whole experience.
With SteamOS you get:
- An interface designed for controllers rather than a keyboard and mouse
- Easy access to your full Steam library wherever Proton compatibility allows
- Quick navigation through your games, settings, and downloads on a small touchscreen
- A console like user experience on PC hardware, perfect for casual use on the couch
For beginners or console gamers crossing over to PC, SteamOS can make the handheld feel far less intimidating than a full Windows desktop. You can still access advanced settings if you want to tweak performance or visuals, but you can also just pick up the device, tap your game, and play.
Why This Handheld PC Is Interesting For Gamers
Even with a short spec teaser you can pick out a few reasons why this discounted Lenovo Legion Go S is appealing for gamers.
- Affordable entry into PC handhelds The 21 percent saving that brings the price under £428 makes it more accessible than many gaming laptops or higher end handhelds.
- Portable PC gaming You get your games in a form you can throw in a bag. Perfect for travel, commuting, or gaming away from your main setup.
- Modern AMD technology The Ryzen Z2 Go APU is designed specifically for this kind of compact device which means better balance of performance and efficiency than older mobile chips.
- Steam centric ecosystem If you already have a Steam library, you can instantly benefit from your existing purchases without rebuying games for another console.
Of course there are trade offs. Handheld PCs generally run at lower power limits than desktop PCs or even many gaming laptops. To get the best performance you will usually lower resolution, use FSR or other upscaling tech, and pick medium or low graphics settings in demanding titles. However for a lot of gamers that is a fair trade for the ability to play PC games anywhere.
If you are more focused on esports titles such as Counter Strike, Rocket League, or Valorant style games you will likely see very playable frame rates on tuned settings. Indie games and older AAA titles should also run smoothly. This makes the Legion Go S especially good for players with diverse libraries who enjoy experimenting with a wide mix of games.
When you combine an attractive discount, an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU, and a gamer friendly operating system like SteamOS, this Lenovo Legion Go S stands out as a strong value handheld PC. It will not replace a high end desktop for 4K ultra gaming, but as a secondary device or a flexible way to enjoy your Steam library away from your desk, it is an appealing option at its current price.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/handheld-gaming/lenovos-powerful-steam-deck-rival-handheld-just-hit-a-record-low-price-on-amazon-uk-8-inch-legion-go-s-running-steamos-now-under-gbp428-with-16gb-ram-and-1tb-ssd
