The Rise of Handheld Gaming PCs
Handheld PCs are surging in popularity among gamers. Picture this: playing your favorite PC game while on the move. That dream is quickly becoming a reality.
If you’re considering an upgrade, the Steam Deck has a new rival worth eyeing. The Lenovo Legion Go S has just hit the market, featuring an impressive 8-inch WUXGA display backed by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip. At just £349, it offers an affordable option compared to other handhelds, making it a solid choice for gamers who want to play popular titles on the go.
This model runs on Windows, setting it apart from the SteamOS variant priced at £499 available at Currys. While it’s the slightly toned-down version of the original Lenovo Go, it still boasts a remarkable 120Hz refresh rate and VRR, presenting a tall 16:10 aspect ratio perfect for immersive gameplay. Plus, it features a larger battery and the option for additional RAM, enhancing its performance.
Gaming Comfort and Performance
The Legion Go S comes with a year-long limited warranty and a three-month trial for the Xbox Game Pass, perfect for gamers wanting variety in their gaming library.
But it’s not just the Legion Go S that’s making waves. Gamers can also look at alternatives like the new Nintendo Switch 2, currently priced at £429.99 at Argos, offering another powerful handheld option. For those seeking the pinnacle of handheld performance, the ROG Ally X stands tall at £799.99.
Nathan Bliss, Gaming Editor at The Mirror, pointed out that for the price, the feature set of the Legion Go S is impressive compared to its Valve counterpart. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, and an 8-inch screen that supports a resolution of 1920×1200. With a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR capabilities, it aims to deliver smooth gaming experiences.
On the ergonomic side, it’s highly rated. Bliss highlighted how the Legion Go S feels incredibly comfortable, possibly even surpassing the Steam Deck in terms of grip and usability thanks to its more controller-like compact size and asymmetrical joystick layout.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. There are performance concerns, especially when tackling AAA titles. Despite having a robust screen, the gaming experience can falter under pressure, leaving some players wishing for a bit more horsepower.