The Lenovo Legion Go S is now available for pre-order and will launch on February 14, 2025. This handheld gaming device offers high performance and competes directly with the ROG Ally X. In a market where gaming consoles can be very expensive, the Legion Go S provides impressive features at a more affordable price. It also includes three months of free Xbox Game Pass, adding value right from the start.
For gamers who want the latest technology without overspending, the Legion Go S is a great choice. Pre-orders are currently open, and it will be available by February 14, 2025, making it an appealing option for any gaming fan.
Pre-Order On BestBuy
Handheld Gaming Face-Off: Lenovo Legion Go vs. ASUS ROG Ally X
The Specs
The Lenovo Legion Go and the ASUS ROG Ally X are both powerful handheld gaming PCs. They offer impressive specs that let you play your favorite games on the go. But which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look.
| Feature | Lenovo Legion Go | ASUS ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 3 Graphics | AMD RDNA 3 Graphics |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X (7500 MHz) | 16GB LPDDR5X (7500 MHz) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
| Display | 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS, 144Hz refresh rate, 10-point touch | 7-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080) IPS, 120Hz refresh rate, 10-point touch |
| Weight | 854g (without controllers) | 608g |
| Battery | 49.2Wh | 40Wh |
| Other Features | Detachable controllers with Hall effect joysticks and trackpad, built-in kickstand, microSD card slot | XG Mobile interface for external GPU |
| Price | Starts at $699 | Starts at $699 |
Choosing Your Champion
As you can see, both devices pack a punch. The best choice depends on what you value most in a handheld gaming PC.
- Screen Size and Resolution: The Legion Go boasts a larger, sharper display. This means more immersive gaming and better productivity if you use it for other tasks.
- Portability: The ROG Ally X is lighter and smaller, making it easier to slip into a bag and take with you.
- Controls: Both have comfortable controls, but the Legion Go’s detachable controllers offer more flexibility and the trackpad adds another layer of control.
- Storage: The Legion Go offers more storage options and expandable storage via a microSD card slot, which is great for large game libraries.
- Battery Life: Expect similar battery life from both devices, though the Ally X might edge out the Legion Go slightly due to its smaller screen.
- Price: Both devices start at the same price point, but the Legion Go’s higher storage options will cost more.
Beyond the Basics: What Else You Should Know
- The Legion Go’s detachable controllers function similarly to the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. This allows for tabletop mode and more comfortable gaming in different positions.
- The Legion Go’s kickstand is a handy feature that lets you prop up the device for hands-free viewing or gaming with a separate controller.
- The ROG Ally X’s XG Mobile interface allows you to connect to an external GPU enclosure for even more graphical power. This is a unique feature that serious gamers might find appealing.
Making the Call
If you want the biggest and best screen with versatile controllers, the Legion Go is a compelling choice. If portability and a slightly lower price are more important, the ROG Ally X is still an excellent option. Both devices deliver a premium handheld PC gaming experience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Handheld PC Gaming
With devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally X pushing the boundaries of portable gaming, the future looks bright for handheld PC gaming. We can expect to see even more powerful and innovative devices in the years to come. Some trends to watch include:
- Improved Battery Life: Manufacturers are constantly working to improve battery technology. Expect to see handhelds that can play for longer periods on a single charge.
- Cloud Gaming Integration: Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now are becoming increasingly popular. Handheld PCs could become even more powerful by leveraging the cloud for demanding games.
- More Versatile Form Factors: We may see more foldable or dual-screen handheld PCs that offer new ways to play and interact with games.
- AR/VR Integration: As augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies mature, we may see handheld PCs that can power these experiences, creating truly immersive gaming on the go.
The competition between companies like Lenovo and ASUS will drive innovation and bring us even more exciting handheld gaming devices in the future. This is a great time to be a PC gamer who loves to play on the go!
Short Summary:
- The Lenovo Legion Go S is available for pre-order at $729.99.
- It features impressive specs including an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor and 32GB of RAM.
- The device is designed for a superior gaming experience while being more affordable than its competitors.
Lenovo has recently announced that its latest handheld gaming console, the Legion Go S, is available for pre-order at a price of $729.99. This device aims to shake up the market dominated by the ASUS ROG Ally X, which retails for $799.99. Scheduled to hit the shelves on February 14, 2025, the Legion Go S looks promising with a host of features that cater to both casual and hardcore gamers.
Currently, Best Buy is the exclusive retailer for pre-orders, but more options may arise as the launch date approaches. Lenovo is anticipating high demand for the Legion Go S, especially as it also plans to offer a variant with SteamOS upon release, with additional configurations expected in May. This dual offering aims to accommodate a wider range of gaming preferences and experiences.
Comparative Analysis
In terms of design and build, the Legion Go S exhibits similarities to the ROG Ally X, particularly in its aesthetics, featuring curved hand grips and offset thumbsticks. However, Lenovo has taken a step further in terms of performance. The handheld is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 CPU, significantly outperforming the original ROG Ally, which operates with lower specifications.
“The Legion Go S might just be the smartest preorder of the year. It brings massive specs at a price that rivals cheaper handheld consoles,” said an industry analyst.
More specifically, the configuration options of the Legion Go S include 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, which is double that of the original ROG Ally. Its display is also set to impress, with an 8-inch PureSight display that can deliver a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200, making for a sharp and vibrant visual experience.
Performance Metrics
What sets the Legion Go S apart from its competitor is its emphasis on performance alongside affordability. The device is engineered with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ensuring that gameplay remains smooth without compromising graphics quality, even in the most demanding titles.
While the ROG Ally X does boast a higher-tier Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with only 24GB RAM, the additional RAM and newer processor in the Legion Go S may appeal to gamers looking for robust performance without the hefty price tag. As noted by one tech reviewer, “Lenovo’s new powerhouse is poised to redefine expectations for handheld gaming devices.”
Connectivity Features
Connectivity is another crucial area where the Legion Go S shines. It includes dual USB-C 4.0 ports, not limited to charging but also providing compatibility with external GPUs. This feature empowers users to enjoy desktop-level graphics performance when the device is docked, a significant enhancement often found in much more expensive gaming rigs.
“The ability to connect an eGPU means users can elevate their gaming experience, using the Legion Go S at home like a full-fledged gaming PC,” commented a Lenovo spokesperson during the launch.
Software Integration
Another noteworthy aspect of the Legion Go S is its Windows 11 operating system, which allows users to effortlessly switch between platforms like Xbox Game Pass and Steam. The Legion Space feature further facilitates this, enabling gamers to customize power settings, adjust resolutions, and even tweak controller sensitivity mid-game, enhancing the overall user experience.
This capability allows gamers to prioritize battery life or switch to more graphical settings based on gameplay needs. This approach positions the Legion Go S not only as a gaming console but as a versatile device that adapts to the user’s preferences and gaming style.
Future-Proofing the Experience
Lenovo’s commitment to supporting the device through updates and enhancements demonstrates their focus on future-proofing the Legion Go S. The potential support for SteamOS in future updates indicates that Lenovo is keen on maximizing game compatibility and performance improvements for its user base.
In contrast, while the ROG Ally X includes some impressive features like Dolby Atmos sound and advanced cooling, the Legion Go S’s forward-looking design and competitive price point are expected to position it as a strong contender in the ever-evolving handheld gaming landscape.
“With its powerful specs and competitive pricing, we’re confident the Legion Go S will become a favorite among gamers,” said a Lenovo executive.
This could very well be the year of the handheld as enthusiasts eagerly wait to get their hands on the latest innovations in mobile gaming technology. The Lenovo Legion Go S is certainly a device that promises to deliver on that front.
