The Lenovo Legion Go S offers an ergonomic design that feels custom-made for gamers' hands, featuring a large 8-inch display and adaptive triggers. Despite its comfortable build, the device comes with Windows 11, which detracts from the overall experience due to software-related issues. Priced at $730, it struggles to compete with other handhelds in terms of performance. While the hardware is commendable, users may find themselves frustrated by the operating system's limitations. The upcoming SteamOS version promises improvements and could potentially offer better value.

The Lenovo Legion Go S has been designed with user comfort in mind. From the moment you pick it up, the device fits snugly into your palm, thanks to its ridged plastic surface that ensures a firm grip. Weighing approximately 1.61 pounds, it may feel heavy initially, but the well-designed grips make extended gaming sessions more manageable. The screen, measuring 8 inches, provides a bright and vivid display with relatively small bezels, enhancing the visual experience. However, this comfort comes with a trade-off. Running on Windows 11, the device faces numerous challenges, including update issues, UI headaches, and scaling problems that can be frustrating for users.

The core of the Legion Go S lies in its controls. The clicky, adaptive triggers and quality sticks enhance gameplay significantly. These features are particularly beneficial for games where precise control is crucial. Additionally, the d-pad has undergone a redesign, offering a shallow bowl around the plus sign, which improves usability for 2D or fighting games. However, not everything is perfect. The small trackpad occasionally causes accidental presses, leading to unexpected jolts during gameplay. Moreover, the dual 2W stereo speakers fail to deliver immersive sound, making external headphones a necessity for an optimal audio experience.

Performance-wise, the Legion Go S falls short compared to its competitors. Equipped with a custom AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU and 32 GB of RAM, the device does not match the power of higher-end models. In benchmark tests, it scored lower than expected, especially in CPU-centric games. For instance, in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the Legion Go S managed only 36 FPS on medium settings, while the Asus ROG Ally X achieved 38 FPS under similar conditions. The battery life is another concern, lasting just under two hours on demanding games, even with conservative settings. Rapid charging helps mitigate this issue somewhat, but it remains a limitation for portable gaming.

Despite these drawbacks, the Legion Go S excels in less intensive games. Titles like Hades II and Pyre run smoothly, allowing players to enjoy the 1080p, 8-inch screen fully. The upcoming SteamOS version, set to release in May, promises significant improvements. At a planned price point of $500, it could offer a better balance between cost and performance. With Valve's official operating system, users might finally get the seamless console-like experience they desire. Until then, the Legion Go S remains a solid option for those prioritizing comfort over raw power, albeit with some compromises.