Best Buy has launched its 4th of July Sale, featuring the first-ever discount on both Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS gaming handheld models. The more capable AMD Z1 Extreme version is now priced at $779.99 (down from $830), while the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go model is available for $549.99 (originally $600). I strongly suggest choosing the Z1 Extreme edition—it stands as the top gaming handheld PC of 2025. Originally launched in February 2025, the Lenovo Legion Go S initially came only with Windows; the SteamOS edition followed in May. This marks the first SteamOS gaming handheld not manufactured by Valve.
Lenovo Legion Go S Steam OS Gaming Handheld PC
Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme SteamOS Gaming Handheld PC (32GB/1TB)
$829.99 save 6% $779.99 at Best Buy
Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz AMD Ryzen Z2 Go SteamOS Gaming Handheld PC (16GB/512GB)
$599.99 save 8% $549.99 at Best Buy
If your budget allows, I highly recommend spending the extra $230 for the $780 model. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme is substantially more powerful than the Ryzen Z2 Go (which received lukewarm reviews) and includes twice the RAM and storage. The Z1 Extreme model also outperforms the Steam Deck. Running the same SteamOS client, it delivers better performance in most games. Visuals are enhanced with smoother motion thanks to the larger 8-inch display and higher 120Hz refresh rate. Battery life is comparable, but the Legion Go S supports faster maximum charging speeds.
From the Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS) Review by Jaqueline Thomas
There are two versions of the Lenovo Legion Go S, one featuring the Z2 Go and the other the Z1 Extreme. Despite their names, the Z1 Extreme delivers superior performance and is built on more advanced architecture. This chip incorporates a CPU based on AMD Zen 4 and a GPU using RDNA 3 technology, compared to the Z2 Go's Zen 3 and RDNA 2... The Z1 Extreme model significantly outpaces the Steam Deck, even while running the same operating system. The Go S also boasts double the memory of the Steam Deck with 32GB of LPDDR5X running at 6,400MHz. By default, the Go S reserves 10GB of system memory for the GPU, versus just 6GB on the Steam Deck. This makes demanding titles like Monster Hunter Wilds impractical on the Deck but fully playable on the Legion Go S.
The SteamOS model is better than the Windows model
A third Legion Go S model is also on sale. It shares the same specifications as the higher-end SteamOS version but operates on Windows 11. The optimized SteamOS interface is more user-friendly and delivers better performance than Windows—a general-purpose OS not inherently designed for controller-based gaming.
From the Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS) Review by Jaqueline Thomas
SteamOS was designed from the start for controller use, and it shows. Like the Steam Deck, it boots directly into a version of Steam Big Picture Mode. Just log into your Steam account, and you're ready to play. In contrast, setting up the Windows version of the Go S takes you to the Legion Space app, where you must download Steam and other game stores manually... As someone with over a decade of experience reviewing gaming PCs and laptops, I'm comfortable navigating Windows on a small touchscreen. But for many users, this extra effort is a major drawback.
If you decide to take advantage of this offer, consider a portable power bank for longer trips and a Micro SD card for extra storage. While our Steam Deck vs. ROG Ally comparison doesn't include the Legion Go S, it offers valuable insights into the key differences between SteamOS and Windows-based gaming handhelds.
