When Lenovo introduced their first Legion Go gaming handheld back in mid-2023, the reception was lukewarm at best. Fast forward to 2025, and Lenovo is ready to change that narrative with three exciting new models. These devices are gearing up with either the trusty AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the all-new Z2, promising a more refined gaming experience.
Legion Go S: Choose Between SteamOS or Windows 11
First up, let’s take a closer look at the Legion Go S. Lenovo has simplified the design this time around, opting for a conventional, lightweight model weighing in at just 1.63 pounds, which says goodbye to the detachable controllers of its predecessor. Gamers can opt for a sleek white version running Windows 11 or go with the "Nebula Violet" variant, which comes with Valve’s SteamOS. This latter option caters to users seeking a console-like interface, though it might limit gaming options to those within Valve’s ecosystem.
Both versions of the Legion Go S, whether powered by SteamOS or Windows 11, come packed with impressive specs. Expect a sturdy Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor under the hood, paired with a vibrant 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen that supports 500 nits of brightness and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. Powering this is a 55.5 WHr battery, and it doesn’t skimp on memory either, offering up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage. Plus, if you need more space, Lenovo supports standard 2280 M.2 SSDs, making upgrades straightforward.
As for ports, there’s a MicroSD card slot, two USB 4.0 ports on the top, and an audio jack. Those interested can look forward to the Windows version of the Legion Go S hitting the shelves in January, priced at approximately $729. Meanwhile, the SteamOS version is expected to launch in May, starting at $499. Lenovo plans additional configurations of the Windows model around that time, beginning at $599. A rep from the company mentioned that once both versions are out, you could grab a Legion Go S—with either OS—featuring the AMD Z2 Go CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB Storage, all for $599. If you’re willing to spend $729, the Windows version will boost the RAM to 32GB.
Legion Go 2 Prototype: Bringing Back the Detachable Mouse Controller
For those seeking premium options, Lenovo has something special up its sleeve with the Legion Go 2 prototype, aimed at the high-end sector of handheld gaming. This iteration reintegrates the detachable controllers, bringing back the curious mouse sensor that transforms the right control stick into a somewhat clumsy gaming mouse. They’ve also rounded off the controller edges and made the D-pad circular, offering a more comfortable grip. Additionally, the battery gets a significant upgrade from 49.2 to 74 WHr.
Fans of larger displays will appreciate the unchanged 8.8-inch size, now boasting an OLED panel with 144 Hz refresh rate. Lenovo wisely reduced the screen resolution to a practical 1920×1200 from the previous 2560×1600, maintaining the touch display’s 500 nits brightness and adding variable refresh rate support. Expect the second-gen Legion Go to roll out with a Ryzen Z2 processor, up to 2TB of storage, and 32GB of super-speedy 7500 MHz RAM when it launches in 2025. As of this writing, Lenovo was still finalizing the port selection for this advanced handheld.
