By Bryan Tropeano
Lenovo is stepping up its game in the handheld console space with the recent launch of the Lenovo Legion Go S, a lighter, more compact sibling to its original Legion Go. Released on May 25, 2025, the Legion Go S is already turning heads in the gaming community, coming just days before the anticipated release of Nintendo’s Switch 2. With such tight timing, the Lenovo Legion Go S is staking a bold claim in the evolving battle for dominance in the handheld gaming market.
A Slimmer, More Affordable Gaming Companion
The Lenovo Legion Go S is designed to cater to gamers looking for high performance in a more travel-friendly package. It features an 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate, the new AMD Ryzen Z2 chip, and up to 16GB of RAM. It’s notably lighter than the original Legion Go, weighing about 31% less, and it sheds the detachable controllers to achieve that leaner profile. While some may miss the modular functionality, the integrated gamepad makes it more solid and easier to handle on the go.
Competing with the Switch and Steam Deck
Launching so close to Nintendo’s next-gen Switch, the Lenovo Legion Go S aims to offer a more powerful alternative for players looking to push beyond traditional console limitations. Running on Windows 11 and optimized for SteamOS through Legion Space software, it effectively transforms into a compact PC gaming rig. That makes it a strong contender against not only the Switch 2, but also the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.
Lower Price, Broader Appeal
Priced at $649, the Lenovo Legion Go S targets a middle ground — not quite budget-tier, but more accessible than high-end gaming laptops or premium handhelds with detachable accessories. Lenovo also announced a Legion Glasses XR headset to pair with the Go S, offering an immersive 1080p visual experience per eye. It’s clear Lenovo is leaning into a full ecosystem of gaming hardware.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of the Lenovo Legion Go S marks Lenovo’s strategic attempt to solidify its presence in the handheld gaming world. By launching just before a major competitor like Nintendo, the brand signals its intent to compete seriously in this space. Whether it’s enough to sway loyal Switch or Steam Deck users remains to be seen, but the Go S offers an appealing blend of portability, power, and price.
As more gamers explore handheld consoles as primary gaming platforms, the Lenovo Legion Go S could become a favorite for those wanting a PC-like experience in a slim, no-fuss form factor.
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About the Author: Bryan is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.
