Lenovo Legion Go S review the ultimate mobile gaming console for performance enthusiasts

Description

Unboxing the Lenovo Legion Go S: A Mobile Gaming Console That Means Business

The Lenovo Legion Go S and AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Go processor had me intrigued from the moment I unboxed it. This mobile gaming console feels like a solid blend of performance and portability. Right out of the box, the Glacier White finish grabbed my attention; it’s sleek, modern, and gives off premium vibes. The 8″ PureSight IPS Display is a beauty to behold, and the promise of 120Hz refresh rate had me hyped to dive into some fast-paced gaming.

The first thing I noticed was the Legion TrueStrike Controllers. They’re incredibly ergonomic, with an anti-slip texture that made even marathon gaming sessions comfortable. The 55.5Whr battery was another standout feature, as I didn’t find myself tethered to a wall charger every other hour, even when testing demanding games. But let’s dive deeper into the experience and see how this device stacks up.

Key Benefits of the Lenovo Legion Go S

• The AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Go processor paired with AMD Radeon graphics delivers smooth and lag-free gameplay, even with graphically demanding titles.
• The 8″ PureSight IPS Display with 500 nits brightness and 100% sRGB color accuracy makes every game visually stunning. Colors pop, and the display is easy to view even in well-lit environments.
• The 120Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth transitions and animations, which is a game-changer for action-packed games.
• Features 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, allowing ample space for large game libraries and quick load times.
• The Legion ColdFront technology keeps the system cool, even during extended gaming sessions.

Design and Build Quality

The Glacier White exterior is not just about aesthetics—it feels robust and well-built. The compact form factor makes it ideal for gaming on the go. I particularly appreciated the 10-point touch support on the screen, which adds versatility when interacting with certain games or apps. The front-firing speaker system is cleverly integrated into the design, delivering surprisingly loud and clear audio without the need for a headset.

One minor gripe I had was the placement of the dual near-field array microphones. While they work well for casual conversations or squad chats, the positioning sometimes picked up ambient noise more than I would’ve liked.

Performance and Gameplay Experience

Testing the Lenovo Legion Go S with a variety of games, from fast-paced shooters to sprawling RPGs, was a delight. The AMD Radeon graphics paired with the 500 nits brightness made visuals crisp and immersive. I could see every detail in the games, from vibrant landscapes to subtle lighting effects.

The Legion ColdFront technology deserves a special mention. Even during graphically intensive games, the device stayed cool, and I didn’t notice any dips in performance. The Legion TrueStrike Controllers also made a significant difference in precision—something that competitive gamers will appreciate.

Areas for Improvement

• The front-firing speakers, while decent, lack a bit of bass, which might disappoint audiophiles or those who rely on the device for multimedia content.
• I found the battery life to be reliable but not extraordinary. It holds up well for gaming on the go, but heavy users might need to carry a power bank.
• The 100% sRGB color accuracy, though fantastic, might not appeal to casual gamers who aren’t as concerned with color precision.

Competing Brands

When stacking the Lenovo Legion Go S against similar products, a few competitors come to mind. Devices like the Asus ROG Ally and the Steam Deck offer stiff competition. The ROG Ally, for instance, boasts similar performance specs but comes with a slightly more gamer-centric design. On the other hand, the Steam Deck has the advantage of extensive library integration through Steam but lags slightly in display quality and refresh rate compared to the Legion Go S.

What sets the Legion Go S apart is the Legion ColdFront technology, ensuring the console stays cool during intense sessions, and the 10-point touch support, which adds a layer of interactivity its competitors often lack. However, the speaker quality and microphone placement feel like areas where Lenovo could have taken notes from its rivals.

Price Performance

In terms of bang for the buck, the Lenovo Legion Go S holds its own. While other gaming consoles might offer similar features, the combination of AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Go processor, 120Hz refresh rate, and 16GB of memory gives this device an edge. It’s a smart investment for gamers who value portability, performance, and a vivid display.

The inclusion of 3 months of PC Game Pass and EA Play is a thoughtful touch, making it easier to dive into gaming right away without additional purchases. For anyone on the fence about whether this is worth the cost—yes, the premium features justify the price tag, especially for serious gamers.

Final Thoughts on Gaming with the Lenovo Legion Go S

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a solid choice for gamers looking to combine performance, portability, and visual excellence. It’s not without its minor flaws, but the 120Hz PureSight display, fast processor, and ample storage make it a standout in its category. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who takes their gaming seriously, this device delivers a well-rounded experience.