Lenovo’s Legion Go S Handheld: Powered by AMD’s Z2 Go, Compatible with SteamOS and Windows

When Lenovo first introduced the Legion Go gaming handheld back in the middle of 2023, it didn’t exactly receive a standing ovation. Fast forward to 2025, and Lenovo is back in the game with three fresh models. These new devices are powered by either the trusty AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the brand-new Z2 chip.

Speaking of the Legion Go S, Lenovo decided to make some notable changes. This time around, they’ve opted for a more traditional design by doing away with the detachable controllers, making it notably lighter at just 1.63 pounds. You have the choice between two versions: one running on Windows 11 in a sleek white finish, and the other, branded as the “Nebula Violet,” which operates on Valve’s SteamOS. The latter offers a more streamlined, console-like experience, but it does mean you’ll be more tethered to Valve’s gaming ecosystem.

Both models, officially named the Legion Go S and the Legion Go S – Powered by SteamOS, boast impressive hardware under the hood. They come equipped with the choice of a Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor, an 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen capable of 500 nits and 120 Hz, a beefy 55.5 WHr battery, and a possibility of up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage. And for those who love a little DIY upgrade, Lenovo’s specs suggest that the device supports standard-sized 2280 M.2 SSDs, giving you room to expand your storage.

When it comes to connectivity, you’ll find a MicroSD card slot, two USB 4.0 ports on top, and an audio jack for all your essential connections. Now for the release dates—Lenovo plans to bring the Windows-powered Legion Go S to the market in January, with a starting price of around $729. Meanwhile, the SteamOS version is set for a May arrival, with an expected starting price of $499. Interestingly, Lenovo mentions additional configurations for the Windows variant expected in May 2025 as well, starting at $599. The company told us that whether you choose the Windows or SteamOS version, you could get a Legion Go S with the same AMD Z2 CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB Storage for $599. If you’re eyeing the $729 Legion Go S with Windows, you’ll enjoy 32GB of RAM.

On a more experimental note, Lenovo has unveiled a prototype of the next-generation Legion Go. This version revives the detachable controllers, complete with the odd mouse sensor, allowing the right control stick to transform into a very unconventional gaming mouse. Controller-wise, they’ve added rounded edges, given the D-pad a circular shape, and significantly boosted the battery from 49.2 to 74 WHr.

The display technology has seen some exciting tweaks, retaining an 8.8-inch screen with a sharp 144 Hz refresh rate, but this time around, it’s an OLED display. Smartly, Lenovo has dialed down the resolution from 2560×1600 to a more sensible 1920×1200. The screen also offers 500 nits of brightness and variable refresh rate support. Lenovo mentioned that the second-gen Legion Go will roll out with a Ryzen Z2 chip, up to 2TB of storage, and a very speedy 32GB of 7500 MHz RAM. The exact port options are still up in the air as of now, but we’re eagerly awaiting more details as the release progresses in 2025.