Lenovo Legion Go S Gaming Handheld: Powered by Ryzen Z2G CPU, Features 8-Inch Screen, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD for $650

The handheld gaming market is getting more competitive, and Lenovo seems ready to jump into the fray with the rumored release of a budget-friendly Legion Go S. Recent leaks from WinFuture suggest that this new device could be the first to feature AMD’s upcoming Z2G APUs, anticipated to hit the scene by 2025. Buyers can look forward to a sharp 120 Hz 1080p display, a spacious 512GB SSD, and 16GB of RAM.

Being dubbed the Ryzen Z2G, short for Z2 Go, this processor is reportedly built on AMD’s Rembrandt architecture. It’s equipped with eight powerful Zen 3+ CPU cores and an RDNA 2 Integrated GPU boasting 12 Compute Units. While it may lack some of the more advanced elements found in the latest Ryzen AI 300 (Strix Point) chips, or even those in the Phoenix line, the Z2G is significantly more cost-effective to manufacture. This should translate into friendlier price tags on the shelves. Technically speaking, the Z2G resembles the Ryzen 7 6800U, which includes 16MB of L3 cache, standard for AMD’s octa-core APUs, and 4MB of L2 cache. While its current clock speed of 4.7 GHz could get a slight enhancement, don’t expect any major performance leaps.

Other noteworthy specs include 16GB of soldered LPDDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD using the compact M.2 2242 form factor. For connectivity, the Legion Go S packs support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The device sports an 8-inch 1080p IPS panel that operates at 120 Hz, which means you won’t get the inky blacks and vibrant color experience that OLED screens offer. Just for comparison, the Steam Deck with an OLED screen starts at $549 but is held back by a slower APU, illustrating how every option has its trade-offs.

Moving on, the Legion Go S features a 55.5Wh battery, larger than the one found in the original Legion Go, though its battery life might be limited by the somewhat outdated architecture. However, the Vantage app provides a nifty option to set a custom charging threshold, enabling you to run the handheld on AC power and extend your battery’s lifespan if that’s your preference.

One downside mentioned in the report is that the Legion Go S comes with fixed controllers, so swapping them out for third-party alternatives isn’t possible. We’re still in the dark about whether the joysticks and triggers use Hall Effect technology, which might disappoint some enthusiasts. Initial quotes from European retailers peg the price at around $650. Without VAT, that drops to roughly $500, just $50 below the Legion Go, which boasts a zippier APU and a superior display.

Chances are, we’ll catch a glimpse of the Lenovo Legion Go S in action next month at CES, alongside AMD’s introduction of its Z2 family of APUs among other new releases. There’s also a possibility that the final retail price might adjust and be even more competitive once it officially hits the market.