When Lenovo first introduced its Legion Go gaming handheld back in mid-2023, the reception was lukewarm at best. Fast forward to 2025, the company is making a comeback with three fresh models, powered either by the trusty AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the brand-new Z2 chip.
### Legion Go S: Choose Between SteamOS or Windows 11
The latest iteration, the Legion Go S, moves away from the detachable controllers seen in its predecessor, opting for a sleek, lighter design, weighing in at just 1.63 pounds. The classic white version operates on Windows 11, while the eye-catching “Nebula Violet” edition will run on Valve’s SteamOS. This makes for a streamlined, console-like experience, although it does limit game purchases to Valve’s ecosystem.
Both versions, known officially as the Legion Go S and Legion Go S – Powered by SteamOS, share the same robust hardware. They boast a Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor, a vibrant 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen with a brightness of 500 nits and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a hearty 55.5 WHr battery. Plus, you can equip up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and a storage capacity of 1TB. Moreover, if you’re in need of more space, Lenovo has ensured compatibility with standard-sized 2280 M.2 SSDs.
For connectivity, you have a MicroSD card slot, a pair of USB 4.0 ports, and an audio jack at your disposal. Lenovo says the Windows-equipped Legion Go S will hit the shelves in January starting at approximately $729. Meanwhile, the Legion Go – Powered by SteamOS is set to launch in May at a starting price of $499. Interestingly, Lenovo mentions that more configurations for the Windows version will be available from May 2025, beginning at around $599. A company representative has confirmed that once available, you can snag a Legion Go S, whether it’s running Windows or SteamOS, with an AMD Z2 Go CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage for around $599. On the other hand, if you’re opting for the $729 model running Windows, you’re in for a boost with 32GB RAM.
### Legion Go 2 Prototype: The Return of the Detachable Mouse Controller
On the premium end, Lenovo unveiled a prototype of the next-gen Legion Go. This model retains the detachable controllers, along with the somewhat divisive mouse sensor that converts the right control stick into a gaming mouse, albeit not the most comfortable one. Lenovo has refined the design by smoothing out the controller edges and switching the D-pad to a circular shape, along with a significant battery upgrade from 49.2 to 74 WHr.
The display size holds steady at 8.8 inches with a 144 Hz refresh rate. However, Lenovo has smartly opted for an OLED display while scaling down the resolution to a sensible 1920×1200. It also features a 500 nits brightness touch display and supports variable refresh rates. When it eventually launches in 2025, the second-generation Legion Go will come with a Ryzen Z2 processor, and options for up to a whopping 2TB of storage and 32GB of ultrafast 7500 MHz RAM. Port configurations were still being finalized at the time of writing.
