When Lenovo first launched the Legion Go gaming handheld back in mid-2023, it didn’t exactly take the world by storm. Fast forward to 2025, and the company is back in the game, unveiling three fresh models featuring either the trusty AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the brand-new Z2.
### Legion Go S: An Operating System Choice – SteamOS or Windows 11
The Legion Go S takes a different approach from its predecessor by doing away with detachable controllers, presenting a more conventional and lightweight design at just 1.63 pounds. The sleek white variant operates on Windows 11, while the striking “Nebula Violet” model offers Valve’s SteamOS, providing a straightforward, console-like experience. However, there’s a catch: it limits players to Valve’s ecosystem for games.
Both versions, officially named the Legion Go S and Legion Go S – Powered by SteamOS, pack the same internal specs. They boast either a Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor and feature an 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen with impressive ratings of 500 nits and 120 Hz. Powering the device is a 55.5 WHr battery, and users have access to up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage. And for tech-savvy folks looking to upgrade, Lenovo has made room for standard-sized 2280 M.2 SSDs in their design.
In terms of ports, these models include a MicroSD card slot, two USB 4.0 ports located at the top, and an audio jack. Lenovo plans to release the Windows-enabled Legion Go S in January with a price tag starting at $729, while the SteamOS version is expected in May, priced from $499. Additionally, they revealed that new configurations of the Windows variant will become available starting May 2025, with a base price expected around $599. A Lenovo representative hinted that once both versions are released, buyers could snag a Legion Go S with the AMD Z2 Go CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage for $599. The $729 Windows model promises to double the RAM, offering 32GB.
### Legion Go 2 Prototype: The Return of the Detachable Mouse Controller
On the upper end of the handheld gaming spectrum, Lenovo has also teased a prototype of their next-gen Legion Go. This iteration revives the detachable controllers, including the unique mouse sensor—though some might argue that it’s not the most ergonomic addition for those intense gaming sessions. Lenovo has made efforts to refine the design by rounding the controller edges and updating the D-pad to a circular shape. They’ve also beefed up the battery, elevating it from 49.2 to a hefty 74 WHr.
While the display size remains at 8.8 inches and 144 Hz, it now features an OLED screen. A smart move on Lenovo’s part was lowering the resolution from 2560×1600 to a more manageable 1920×1200. The upgraded touch display is also capable of 500 nits brightness and supports variable refresh rates. When it hits the market in 2025, this second-generation Legion Go is set to feature a Ryzen Z2 processor, up to 2TB of storage, and 32GB of super-fast 7500 MHz RAM. The selection of ports is still under wraps as of now, though.
Stay tuned for more on Lenovo’s latest offerings in the handheld gaming arena. It’s clear they are determined to make their mark with these exciting new releases.
