When Lenovo first introduced its original Legion Go gaming handheld back in the middle of 2023, it didn’t exactly receive rave reviews. Fast-forward to 2025, and the company is trying once more with three fresh models, each powered by either the trusty AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the brand-new Z2.
Let’s dive into the Legion Go S. This model has done away with the detachable controllers you might recall from its predecessor, opting instead for a lighter, more conventional design at 1.63 pounds. There are two versions: the white model, which operates on Windows 11, and a striking “Nebula Violet” version with Valve’s SteamOS. The SteamOS option offers a streamlined, console-like experience but does limit you to games within Valve’s sphere.
Both variants, officially named the Legion Go S and the Legion Go S – Powered by SteamOS, come with identical hardware. You’re looking at a Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor, teamed with an 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen that’s rated at 500 nits and 120 Hz. Throw in a 55.5 WHr battery, along with up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage, and you have quite the setup. Plus, if you feel like you need more space, Lenovo’s specs mention that standard-sized 2280 M.2 SSDs are compatible.
For ports, you’ve got a MicroSD card slot, two USB 4.0 ports at the top, and an audio jack. The Windows variant of the Legion Go S is slated for a January release with a starting price tag around $729, while the SteamOS model is expected in May, kicking off at $499. Lenovo also shared that additional configurations for the Windows model will be available starting in May 2025, beginning at $599. According to a company representative, once both models hit the market, a Legion Go S, whether running Windows or SteamOS, equipped with the AMD Z2 Go CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage, should be obtainable for $599. The $729 version running Windows will offer an impressive 32GB of RAM.
Moving on to something for the handheld enthusiasts, Lenovo also teased a prototype for the next-gen Legion Go. It revives the detachable controllers, including that intriguing yet questionably practical mouse sensor, which transforms the right control stick into a somewhat awkward gaming mouse. They’ve refined the design by curving the controllers’ edges and making the D-pad circular. There’s also a significant battery boost from 49.2 to 74 WHr.
The screen is still 8.8 inches and offers 144 Hz, but this time around it’s been upgraded to an OLED display. Lenovo wisely scaled down the resolution from 2560×1600 to a more sensible 1920×1200, maintaining the touch display’s 500 nits of brightness and adding variable refresh rate support. The second-gen Legion Go will be equipped with a Ryzen Z2 processor, up to 2TB of storage, and 32GB of zippy 7500 MHz RAM when it launches sometime in 2025. As of now, Lenovo is still finalizing the port selection.
