Lenovo has just launched its new handheld gaming PC, the Legion Go S, powered by SteamOS, with a price tag of $499.99. This pricing places it squarely in competition with Valve’s Steam Deck models, which range from $399 for the LCD version to $549 for the OLED variant. However, the preorder price has jumped to $549.99, set for a May 25 release. Lenovo’s Jeff Witt confirmed this new base price to The Verge.
While this new handheld boasts some appealing features like Hall effect joysticks, a larger 8-inch screen with variable refresh rate, and a comfy design with adjustable triggers, there are some concerns. The Legion Go S is driven by a Ryzen Z2 Go chip, which, according to reviews from The Verge, does not perform as well as the Steam Deck. Although users switching to SteamOS might improve their experience, the performance gap remains unclear.
The price increase could dampen enthusiasm for the Legion Go S, even though it’s not the only new SteamOS device on the market. Valve is also set to expand SteamOS support to the Asus ROG Ally later this year. Pierre-Loup Griffais, a lead designer of SteamOS, hinted at a beta version arriving after March during CES 2025.
In the gaming world, handheld consoles are gaining popularity. A recent survey by Statista shows that over 40% of gamers prefer portable gaming devices, pointing to a significant trend toward on-the-go gaming. Players are looking for performance and versatility, making the competition among handheld devices more intense.
The rise in interest in handheld gaming devices can be linked to the success of the Steam Deck, which sold more than one million units in its first year. This success shows a growing demand for portable gaming solutions. Meanwhile, user reactions on social media reveal mixed feelings about Lenovo’s price hike; gamers express concerns about affordability, yet some praise the Legion Go S’s innovative features.
In summary, while the Legion Go S offers some exciting advancements, it faces challenges in a competitive market. Keeping an eye on how it performs against the Steam Deck and other upcoming devices will be key for both gamers and Lenovo moving forward.
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