The Lenovo Legion Go S has arrived as a serious contender in the handheld gaming market. With a larger 8-inch display, a choice of AMD processors, and an optional SteamOS variant, it directly challenges the Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally. UK buyers are showing particular interest in the black Z1 Extreme model with 1TB storage, available at retailers like Very and potentially through second-hand channels such as CeX.
What makes the Legion Go S stand out is its hybrid approach. Lenovo offers both Windows 11 and SteamOS versions, giving users a console-like experience without sacrificing access to PC game libraries. Early reviews highlight the Z1 Extreme variant as a powerful alternative to Valve’s handheld, especially when paired with 32GB of RAM and a fast SSD.
What are the key specs of the Lenovo Legion Go S? (Z1 Extreme, 1TB, Black)
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores, 24MB cache) or AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (6 cores, 16MB cache). Both based on Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architectures.
Up to 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. 32GB LPDDR5X RAM on the Z1 Extreme variant.
8-inch Full HD+ (1920 x 1200), 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support, 16:10 aspect ratio, 500 nits brightness.
Windows 11 or SteamOS (separate model). The SteamOS variant is the first non‑Valve handheld to ship with the OS natively.
Key insights
- The Z1 Extreme variant comes with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, making it the premium option.
- The SteamOS variant removes Windows overhead, resulting in faster UI navigation and improved efficiency.
- Hall effect joysticks provide precision and long‑term durability.
- The 8‑inch 120Hz display with VRR offers a smoother experience than many rivals.
- SSD is user‑upgradable, and teardowns suggest support for full-length M.2 drives.
- Competitive pricing against the Steam Deck OLED, especially with the Z2 Go variant.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 8-inch Full HD+ (1920 x 1200), 120Hz, 16:10 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or AMD Ryzen Z2 Go |
| Storage | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 / SteamOS (variant) |
| Joysticks | Hall effect |
| Weight | ~680g (approximate) |
How does the Lenovo Legion Go S compare to the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck remains the benchmark for handheld PC gaming, but the Legion Go S Z1 Extreme challenges it on several fronts. Performance benchmarks show the Z1 Extreme APU delivering higher frame rates in many titles, especially when the device is plugged in and set to Performance mode. Under SteamOS, the Legion Go S feels faster in menus and general navigation due to lower system overhead.
Performance: raw power vs mature ecosystem
The Legion Go S Z1 Extreme can sustain 60 fps in games like Doom Eternal and Shadow of the Tomb Raider at medium settings. The Steam Deck OLED, by contrast, often relies on lower resolutions and upscaling to maintain stable frame rates. However, actual gains vary by title, driver maturity, and power mode. The Z2 Go variant is more evenly matched with the Steam Deck, making the choice price‑dependent.
Early reviewers stress that performance depends heavily on the exact SKU, the amount of RAM, game optimization, and whether the device is plugged in. The Z1 Extreme delivers the largest uplift, but only in higher power modes and when thermal headroom is available.
Display and battery
The Legion Go S’s 8‑inch panel is larger and has a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR, which the Steam Deck LCD lacks. But the Steam Deck OLED offers deeper black levels and better contrast in dark scenes. Battery life is comparable: around 4‑6 hours for light gaming on either device, dropping to under two hours for AAA titles. The Legion Go S benefits from SteamOS on the efficiency front.
Ergonomics and feel
Reviewers describe the Legion Go S’s hand feel as “nice” and “equivalent” to the Steam Deck, though the layout differs. The controls include rear paddles and a controller‑focused arrangement, which some users prefer for shooters and action games.
Where can I buy the Lenovo Legion Go S in the UK? (Very, CeX)
Very pricing and deals
Very has been a key UK retailer for the Legion Go S. Early deals included a £100 discount on the 32GB Z1 Extreme 1TB model, bringing the price down to around £699. This configuration is often framed as a serious step‑up from the standard Z2 Go version, which retails for about £499. For the latest offers, check the Very listing directly.
UK buyers comparing the Legion Go S to the Steam Deck should monitor Very for flash sales. The Z1 Extreme model sometimes appears with 28% off, similar to US discounts of up to $250 at Best Buy. These temporary reductions make the Legion Go S more competitive with the Steam Deck OLED.
CeX trade-in and second‑hand options
CeX does not currently show a fixed listing for the Legion Go S Z1 Extreme in the provided research, so trade‑in values remain uncertain. CeX is a common marketplace for used gaming hardware, and a second‑hand Legion Go S could become an attractive option once stock appears. Buyers should compare CeX pricing against discounted retail at Very or Currys before committing.
If CeX offers a price materially lower than discounted retail, it could appeal to those comfortable with pre‑owned electronics. However, availability and condition will vary.
As of the latest research, no official CeX listing or price for the Legion Go S Z1 Extreme has been confirmed. CeX pricing typically fluctuates based on supply and demand. The absence of data means buyers should check the CeX website directly and compare against Very’s current deal.
What do reviews say about the Lenovo Legion Go S?
Performance and SteamOS advantage
A consistent theme across reviews is that the Z1 Extreme APU is “very capable” and that SteamOS transforms the experience. The WindowsForum summary noted that the device went from “just okay” to a “true contender” once the Linux‑based OS was installed. The Z1 Extreme SKU benefits more from SteamOS than the Z2 Go, with larger performance uplifts reported.
Display quality
The screen is repeatedly praised for its size, brightness, and colour reproduction. One Reddit user wrote: “The Go S has an impressive 8 inches 16:10 panel, it’s amazing – the blacks are way better than the Rog Ally and the colours pops out a lot more as well.” However, it does not match the OLED black levels of the Steam Deck OLED in very dark scenes.
Battery and daily use
Battery comments are mixed. The handheld is not considered a “battery‑beating” device, but runtime is on par with competitors when the same power mode and game are used. Plugged‑in performance is significantly better, and SteamOS helps efficiency compared to Windows.
What is the release timeline for the Lenovo Legion Go S?
- Early 2025 – Lenovo officially announces the Legion Go S at CES 2025. The device is shown with both AMD Z2 Go and Z1 Extreme options.
- Mid‑2025 – First reviews appear, and retail availability begins in the UK at Very and Currys. The Windows version launches first.
- Late 2025 – The SteamOS variant ships, and trade‑in options start appearing on platforms like CeX. Initial firmware updates address game compatibility and battery optimisation.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the Lenovo Legion Go S?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Two processor variants (Z1 Extreme and Z2 Go) are available. | Exact launch dates for each variant in UK retail are not uniformly published. |
| The black (“Nebula”) colour is confirmed for the SteamOS model. | Battery life under sustained gaming load has not been officially published. |
| The SteamOS version exists and ships withGB RAM and 1TB storage. | CeX trade‑in pricing is not yet documented and will vary over time. |
| The 8‑inch 120Hz VRR display is confirmed. | Availability of the 1TB model vs the 512GB model across UK stores is inconsistent. |
Why does the Lenovo Legion Go S matter in the handheld gaming market?
The handheld gaming market is crowded with established players like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch. The Legion Go S differentiates itself with a larger display and a dual‑OS strategy. By offering both Windows and SteamOS, Lenovo appeals to users who want a console‑like UI without giving up access to the full PC game catalogue, including Game Pass and Epic Games Store.
With the Z1 Extreme, the Go S competes directly with the ROG Ally X in raw performance, while the Z2 Go provides a price‑competitive entry point. The screen quality has been consistently praised in early reviews. The biggest unknown is long‑term software support for the SteamOS variant, as Valve’s own hardware remains the primary platform for that ecosystem.
What are the key sources and reviews for the Lenovo Legion Go S?
“The Go S has an impressive 8 inches 16:10 panel, it’s amazing – the blacks are way better than the Rog Ally and the colours pops out a lot more as well.”
— Reddit user review (r/Handhelds)
“The Legion Go S offers a choice between most powerful AMD Z1 Extreme and Lenovo’s exclusive AMD Z2 Go processors, offering ultra‑responsive gameplay.”
— Lenovo official product page
For further details, consult the Lenovo official product page (Z1 Extreme variant) and the Lenovo official SteamOS variant page. For processor specifications, see AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme / Z2 Go official specs.
What is the bottom line for UK buyers?
For a UK buyer specifically looking at the Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme, the device offers more raw performance, a larger display, and a SteamOS experience that rivals the Steam Deck. The price is higher, but deals at Very can narrow the gap. If you prioritise power and screen size, the Legion Go S is a strong buy. If budget or OLED black levels matter more, the Steam Deck remains a solid alternative. Also explore Pre Built Gaming PC – Cheap UK Deals at Currys and Amazon for related gaming hardware options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of the Lenovo Legion Go S in the UK?
Pricing varies by retailer and configuration. On Very, the 512GB Z2 Go model is typically £499, while the 1TB Z1 Extreme model is around £699. Check Currys and Very for current deals.
Is the Legion S compatible with eGPU?
The device supports USB4, which can be used for external GPUs, but performance may vary. Lenovo has not officially endorsed a specific eGPU enclosure.
Does the Legion Go S have a user‑upgradable SSD?
Yes, the SSD is user‑upgradable. Teardown videos suggest support for full‑length M.2 drives in some configurations.
What is the battery life like under gaming load?
Early reviews suggest around 4‑6 hours for light gaming, and under two hours for AAA titles. Battery life depends heavily on the game, power mode, and whether the device is plugged in.
Can I play Windows games on the SteamOS variant?
Yes, SteamOS includes Proton compatibility layers for many Windows games. However, some anti‑cheat titles may not work. Check individual game support.
Does the Legion Go S support VRR?
Yes, the 8‑inch display supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which helps reduce screen tearing in supported titles.
What is the weight of the Legion Go S?
The device weighs approximately 680 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Steam Deck but lighter than some larger handhelds.
Is there a black colour option for the Legion Go S?
Yes, the black “Nebula” colour is confirmed for the SteamOS model. Windows versions may come in different finishes.
Can I trade in my old device at CeX for a Legion Go S?
CeX may accept trade‑ins, but no specific offer for the Legion Go S has been published yet. It is best to check their website or local store.
For more on portable tech, see Smart Watch for Kids – Best UK Picks 2026.
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Lucy Palmer covers crime, courts and community affairs across Southampton and the South Coast.