If you can afford the $230 price premium, I would strongly recommend going with the $780 model. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme is a significantly more powerful processor than the Ryzen Z2 Go (which we didn't like very much at all) and also includes double the RAM and double the storage. The Ryzen Z1 Extreme model is also more powerful than the Steam Deck. Since it runs on the same SteamOS client it outperforms the Steam Deck in most games. Games look better with more fluid movement as well, thanks to a bigger 8" screen with a higher 120Hz refresh rate. Battery life remains roughly equivalent, however the Legion Go S has the benefit of a much faster maximum charging rate.
The SteamOS model is better than the Windows model
There's a third Legion Go S model on sale. This model has the same specs as the more powerful SteamOS variant, but it runs off Windows 11. The optimized SteamOS client is more user intuitive and better performing than Windows, which is a general purpose operating system that wasn't inherently built to focus on controller-based gaming by default.
If you end up getting this deal, we'd recommend picking up a portable power bank for extended travels and a Micro SD card, which you might be able to find in ongoing Fourth of July sales. We've compared the Steam Deck to the ROG Ally and although the Legion Go S isn't mentioned, the article gives you a good idea of the major differences between a Steam-based and Windows-based gaming handheld.
PlayEric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
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