When Lenovo first launched the Legion Go gaming handheld back in 2023, it didn’t quite win over the masses. Fast forward to 2025, and the company is back in the spotlight with three intriguing new models, each equipped with either the trusty AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the fresh Z2 chip.
Legion Go S: Choose Between SteamOS or Windows 11
Lenovo’s latest iteration, the Legion Go S, shakes things up a bit from its predecessor by getting rid of the detachable controllers, opting instead for a sleeker, lighter design that tips the scales at just 1.63 pounds. Buyers can choose between a Windows 11 version in classic white or a unique "Nebula Violet" model running Valve’s SteamOS. While SteamOS offers a straightforward, console-like user experience, it does lock you into Valve’s gaming network, limiting your options for purchasing and playing titles outside its realm.
Both iterations—the Legion Go S and Legion Go S with SteamOS—share a robust set of specs. They’re powered by either the Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor, boast an 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen that delivers impressive 500 nits of brightness and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, and come with a 55.5 WHr battery. You can also pack in up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage. Plus, if you’re looking to expand your storage, these models support standard-sized 2280 M.2 SSDs.
In terms of connectivity, they feature a MicroSD card slot, two USB 4.0 ports on top, and an audio jack. The Windows-powered Legion Go S is slated for release in January with a base price around $729. On the other hand, its SteamOS counterpart is expected to hit the shelves in May for about $499. Lenovo also plans to offer additional configurations for the Windows model starting in May 2025, with entry-level pricing at $599. Once both models are available, you should be able to snag a Legion Go S, featuring the AMD Z2 Go CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage, for $599. The premium $729 Windows version will ramp up the RAM to 32GB.
Legion Go 2 Prototype: Bringing Back the Detachable Mouse Controller
On the premium end, Lenovo unveiled a next-generation Legion Go prototype. This model revives the detachable controllers, including the debatable mouse sensor that awkwardly converts the right control stick into a gaming mouse—perhaps not the most user-friendly idea. They’ve tweaked the design, rounding the controllers’ edges and redesigning the D-pad into a circular form, alongside boosting the battery from 49.2 to 74 WHr.
The display is an 8.8-inch OLED with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which Lenovo wisely reduced from 2560×1600 to 1920×1200 for better balance. It offers 500 nits of brightness and variable refresh rate support. When it officially launches in 2025, the second-gen Legion Go is expected to feature a Ryzen Z2 processor, up to a hefty 2TB of storage, and 32GB of blazing-fast 7500 MHz RAM. As of writing, the specific port configurations remain undisclosed.
