Lenovo Legion Go S (Stemos)
Key takeaways of zdnet
- Legion GoS Running Steamos is on sale for $ 600.
- This version trims fat and provides a streamlined gaming experience through a vibrant 8 -inch screen.
- Simple OS means less features than Windows models.
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No, you are not looking double. This is the second review for which I have done Lenovo’s army goesHowever, this is a special because it does not run Windows 11 – it runs steamos. That single change in the operating system extended Legion Go to “Just OK” Gaming Hand with a great one – rival Steam Self.
Before I break the handheld, I should explain the steam OS to those who do not know, because the software makes this new model so good.
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Steam There is a light operating system that is basically exclusive to steam decks. It distributes a user -friendly interface that is not bloated with unwanted apps, and more importantly it is especially designed for gaming.
This streamlined OS is a big reason why steam deck has been so popular – it’s no disturbance, no Musk. Back in JanuaryThe valve (Steam’s developer) announced that it would start licensing the operating system to third -party companies, with Lenovo first (and at the time of this writing, only) partner.
A familiar design
Design-wise, it is similar to the first model with the only difference of color. It is now in Nebula Purple instead of Glacier White. The device itself is equally comfortable in my hands and does not feel heavy. The textured grips on the side stop slipping, hall-effect analog sticks maintain accuracy and prevent drifting, and the backward switch affects the distance of travel to the rear trigger.
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However, the touchpad under the right analog stick has lost its purpose. In the previous model, it was used to control the cursor for various purposes, such as navigating a web browser. But, this device does not support any browser or app for that case – it is just steam.
The touchpad can be used in the game as another button or to help in target weapons, although the latter does not feel great. It is so small that it is difficult to achieve accurate movements. Most of the time, I targeted my character in a completely different direction, when I was to shoot the enemy in front of me.
Moving gaming
Your gaming experience on Legion Go depends on the title you play. The better it can be at hand, it is still in just one hand, not some ultra-powerful desktop. The bottom of the hood has an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, an AMD Radeon GPU, and 16GB RAM. This configuration is very happy to deal with lightweight games like “Heads” or “Stardy Valley”. Titics like them run on a consecutive smooth 120Hz. It is like art.
AAA games such as Monster Hunter Wilds have a difficult time to walk on Legion GoS. The graphics are blurred, and the performance slows down when there is too much on the screen. It sounds like a knock against the device, but the steam deck also struggles with it. It is the nature of technology, and the fact that it can also run these titles, it is commendable in itself.
Fortunately, you can make the performance of hardware on the fly. Pressing the button on the upper right corner of the screen launches the Settings menu. Then, just click on Lightning Bolt icon to open the display page where you can tweek the performance of the game to meet your requirements.
If you do not want to spend half an hour in adjusting the settings made by me, you can only activate the default profile of a title. This feature is my full favorite. It automatically applies a game performance profile, which is for steam, for this takes out all the estimates.
Battery life is not great. While “Monster Hunter”, Legion GoS went for about an hour and 15 minutes, before I had to catch the charger. However, on a light game like “Heads 2”, went for two hours at that time.
Lenovo Legion Go S vs Steam Deck
With the release of Steamos Legion GoS, I consider the previous Windows model obsolete. This version is only one you should care, and it acts as a great option for OLED steam deck. Now the question is what you should get: Legion Go S or Steam Deck?
It is close, but I think the legend is more due to its touchscreen. Lenovo’s device has an 8 -inch LCD that runs at a 120Hz refresh rate, while the steam deck of the valve has a 7.4 -inch OLED touchscreen that runs on 90Hz Max. I value high fresh rates as they ensure smooth animation and rapid response time, which means the difference between winning and losing.
On the other hand, the OLED screen of the steam deck means that its color output is more effective.
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Other decisive factor to consider. The OLED display of the steam deck provides a more vibrant color palette, and the device of the valve is lighter at 1.4 pounds, while the lejan goes watches in 1.62 pounds. In addition, the steam deck has a quite large touchpad under the analog stick of the deck, which controls the first person’s shooters.
ZDNET purchase advice
Lenovo’s army goes The best bye is on sale for $ 600, which is a competitive price. I had an explosion with this product, and it is a device that I will receive perfectly for myself, especially on sale. However, if you give importance to more vibrant colors and large trackpads, then get it SteamWhich retails for $ 549.
