Lenovo’s Legion Go handheld gaming PC, which debuted in the spring with a price tag of $700, is getting a more affordable sibling. According to recent leaks, the upcoming Legion Go S will be priced at around $399, providing a budget-friendly alternative to the original model. These leaks, which include detailed renderings of the device, have sparked considerable interest, as gamers look for cheaper handheld gaming PCs.
What’s New with the Legion Go S?
The Legion Go S is expected to be a more stripped-down version of the original Legion Go, which has been praised for its powerful performance but is also noted for its hefty price. A firmware leak revealed that the new handheld will feature AMD’s Rembrandt APU, which is based on the Ryzen Z2 platform. While this APU will use Zen 3+ cores—a step down from the Zen 4 cores in the current Legion Go’s Z1 Extreme chip—the new chip will still deliver solid gaming performance at a lower cost.
Despite the internal hardware changes, the Legion Go S will keep some of the same key features that fans appreciated in its predecessor, with a few notable differences. For one, the design appears to include RGB lighting, which wasn’t present in the original Legion Go, offering a more customizable and eye-catching look.
Design Changes
From the leaked images, we can see that the Legion Go S will sport a white colorway, with a design resembling the Asus ROG Ally. The most significant design change is the non-removable grips and triggers, which replace the removable controllers found on the original Legion Go, similar to the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers. This design choice means the device will have a more integrated feel, which could appeal to those who prefer a more solid, cohesive unit.
The D-Pad will also be updated, as the new model will feature a circular version instead of the traditional four-way D-pad. Additionally, the trackpad has been replaced with a TrackPoint-style nub mouse, which could provide more precision for some users, though it deviates from the standard touchpad used in the original Legion Go.
Ports and Features
Regarding connectivity, the Legion Go S will feature two USB-C ports on the top, but it looks like Lenovo has decided to forgo any USB-C ports on the bottom of the device. This may limit some types of connectivity or accessories that users could have with the original Legion Go, but it’s a trade-off for the lower price.
Is the Legion Go S a Good Deal?
While the Legion Go S may not boast the same high-end specifications as the original Legion Go, it’s shaping up to be a great option for budget-conscious gamers who still want a powerful, portable gaming experience. The combination of the lower price point, AMD’s Rembrandt APU, and new design elements make it a strong contender in the growing handheld gaming PC market, competing with devices like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally.
The launch date of the Legion Go S has not been confirmed, but the leaked images and firmware details suggest it could be arriving soon. For those waiting for a more affordable option in the handheld gaming space, the Legion Go S might just be the device to watch.