**Lenovo Legion Go S “Fueled by SteamOS” Takes Center Stage at CES 2025**
CES 2025 has delivered a flurry of thrilling announcements in the gaming sector, but one item has notably attracted the interest of handheld gaming fans: the Lenovo Legion Go S. While Lenovo showcased three new gaming handhelds at the expo, the Legion Go S differentiates itself not solely due to its hardware but also because of its innovative software. As the inaugural third-party gaming handheld to officially utilize SteamOS, the Legion Go S is set to emerge as a formidable rival to Valve’s Steam Deck.
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### **Lenovo Legion Go S: A Revolutionary Device with SteamOS**
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a sleek, portable gaming handheld that provides gamers with a choice between two operating systems: Windows 11 or SteamOS. The SteamOS edition, in particular, is generating buzz as it marks the first instance of a third-party vendor collaborating with Valve to integrate the Steam Deck’s operating system into another gadget. This development suggests a possible transformation in the handheld gaming landscape, paving the way for additional manufacturers to embrace SteamOS.
SteamOS, a gaming-centric Linux operating system, is optimized for controller use and delivers a console-like experience. It replicates the Steam Big Picture mode found on desktop PCs, providing an intuitive interface for gamers who are accustomed to the Steam environment. With Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, SteamOS has experienced substantial enhancements in game compatibility over the years, establishing it as a viable substitute for Windows in the gaming arena.
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### **Technical Specifications of the Lenovo Legion Go S**
The Legion Go S is crafted to provide an exceptional gaming experience in a compact design. Below is an overview of its principal specifications:
– **Dimensions:** 299 x 127.55 x 22.6 mm
– **Weight:** 740 grams
– **Display:** 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200), LCD, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, 100% sRGB, VRR support
– **Processor:** AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme
– **Graphics:** AMD Radeon 780M
– **Memory:** Up to 32 GB LPDDR5X @ 6400 MT/s
– **Storage:** Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD (2242 and 2280-compatible)
– **Operating System:** Windows 11 or SteamOS
– **Battery:** 55.5 Wh with 65W fast charging
– **Ports:** 1x microSD, 2x USB 4, 1x audio combo jack
– **Audio:** 2x 2W speakers
– **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
– **Controls:** Hall effect joysticks
– **Colors:** Glacier White and Nebula Violet (SteamOS-exclusive)
The Legion Go S is marginally smaller and lighter than its forerunner, the Legion Go, enhancing its portability. Despite speculations of diminished performance, the device actually features upgraded specifications, including up to 32 GB of RAM, which is twice that of the original Legion Go.
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### **SteamOS: A Crucial Selling Point**
The integration of SteamOS into the Legion Go S represents a significant advancement for the handheld gaming industry. Here’s why:
1. **Controller Enhancement:** SteamOS is crafted for optimized controller navigation, delivering a console-like experience.
2. **User-Friendly Interface:** The operating system reflects the Steam Big Picture mode, making it accessible for gamers already familiar with Steam.
3. **Expanded Game Compatibility:** With Valve’s Proton technology, SteamOS now accommodates a vast library of PC games, including many that were previously incompatible with Linux.
4. **Economic Advantage:** By choosing SteamOS, gamers can save on acquiring a Windows license, rendering the device more budget-friendly.
The SteamOS variant of the Legion Go S will be available in the “Nebula Violet” color and is set to debut in April 2025, with a starting price of $500 in the US. This price point positions it as a robust alternative to the Steam Deck, which has led the handheld gaming market since its launch.
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### **Lenovo Legion Go 2: A Sneak Peek into the Future**
While the Legion Go S is garnering attention, Lenovo has also previewed the prototype of its next-generation handheld, the Legion Go 2. Here’s what we know thus far:
– **Display:** 8.8-inch OLED, WUXGA (1920 x 1200), 144 Hz refresh rate, 97% DCI-P3 color gamut, VRR support
– **Processor:** AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme or Z2
– **Graphics:** AMD Radeon 890M or 780M
– **Memory:** Up to 32 GB LPDDR5X @ 7500 MT/s