Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) vs Steam Deck: Which is the better Steam gaming handheld?

The Steam Deck has held its ground as the only official SteamOS PC gaming handheld for several years, but now the Lenovo Legion Go S — Powered by SteamOS handheld has come in as another option. I was curious how these two differed, so I took time comparing them in various categories on this page.

But first, here's something to note: A Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S is launching in January, and SteamOS configurations will follow in May 2025. Lenovo has not fully revealed all configuration options for the SteamOS Legion Go S, so we're only working with the information we have so far. I'll update you when we learn more.

Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Specs

Now that you've taken a gander at the Legion Go S (SteamOS) and Steam Deck's specs, let's dive in and talk about how these differences affect the playing experience.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Price & value

The much beloved Steam Deck LCD (2022), with its $399.00 starting price, and the Steam Deck OLED (2023), with its $549.00 starting price, are older devices that use less powerful internals. This means that they have lower starting points than newer and more powerful handhelds.

As such, it's not surprising that the Legion Go S (SteamOS) has a higher $499.99 starting point than the base Steam Deck LCD. There will apparently be at least one other configuration of this SteamOS Lenovo handheld that will apparently sell for $599.99.

TL;DR: PRICE WINNER: In terms of affordability, the Steam Deck LCD has a lower starting price than the Legion Go S (SteamOS).

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Performance

There are several factors that determine how well a gaming device performs. In terms of power, the Legion Go S and its new AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip are likely stronger than the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED's older AMD Zen 2 processors. Of course, some games have been specifically optimized for Steam Deck play, which could affect things. Still, having a more powerful CPU (central processing unit) tends to make games play more smoothly anyway.

Performance also depends on other features and how well a system's components work together. The Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S supports VRR (variable refresh rate). If the SteamOS version does as well, then this will help eliminate screen tearing and help games play very smoothly on the SteamOS version as well.

TL;DR: PERFORMANCE WINNER: The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go in the Legion Go S is likely a far more powerful processor than the AMD Zen 2 processors found in Steam Deck.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Display

Obviously, the Steam Deck OLED has an OLED touchscreen, which helps imagery come through more crisply than LCD screens. This equates to there being more color and true black for better contrast. All of this together produces more vibrancy and helps colors pop in darker scenes.

We don't fully know the Legion Go S (SteamOS)'s specs. However, we know that the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S has an 8-inch LCD touchscreen that can reach up to a resolution of 1920x1200 as well as up to a refresh rate of 120Hz. If this is the same for the SteamOS Legion Go S, then these specs are higher than the Steam Deck OLED's smaller 7.4-inch touchscreen, which only reaches up to 1280 x 800 resolution and up to a 90Hz refresh rate. Plus, if the Legion Go S (SteamOS) supports VRR, then the gameplay will not only look crisper but also look smoother on Lenovo's handheld.

TL;DR: DISPLAY WINNER: It's a tie with tradeoffs. Comparing the displays on the Legion Go S vs the Steam Deck is a bit tricky since they both have tradeoffs. The Steam Deck OLED wins when it comes to color range and contrast, but the Legion Go S likely wins in terms of motion clarity.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Controls and ports

Both devices offer many of the same buttons and controls, but there are also some major differences. Starting with similarities, both handhelds have a Steam button — Legion Go S's button is in the top left corner while the Steam Deck's is in the bottom left corner. This allows both devices to quickly interact with SteamOS. Both handhelds also have a microSD card reader for expanding storage space.

Now, for the differences. For one thing, the Legion Go S has a more traditional layout that includes offset joysticks, while the Steam Deck has its joysticks at the same height. Valve did this to make room for the dual touchpads below the joysticks. Legion Go S also has a singular touchpad, but it is much smaller and only located below the right joystick.

It's unclear how well Lenovo's touchpad works compared to Valve's at this point in time, but if it is well-made, then its smaller size shouldn't be an issue. Some people love using the touchpads on games while others do not, so this difference is a matter of preference.

While both handhelds have bumper and triggers, the Steam Deck has a total of four back buttons, while the Legion Go S only has two. Additionally, the Legion Go S also has back trigger switches to customize how the triggers work.

As far as ports go, the Legion Go S has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, while the Steam Deck only has a singular USB-C port. This not only means that Lenovo's device has better port types, but it also means that the device can charge and use a plugged-in accessory at the same time.

TL;DR: CONTROLS WINNER: There are a lot of tradeoffs here, but the Legion Go S has a more traditional, offset joystick design and customizable trigger switches. It also has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Steam Deck only has a singular USB-C port.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Software and games

Since Legion Go S and Steam Deck both run SteamOS, they both offer simplified interfaces that make it easy to access your Steam library of PC games. In that way, these handhelds feel more like gaming consoles than handheld PCs.

Since SteamOS is Linux-based, it is easy to customize these devices as long as you know how to do so. This is how many people access other gaming services on Steam Deck outside of Steam.

However, I'm inclined to think that the Legion Go S will be able to access and play more games than the Steam Deck due to it likely having more powerful internals. I've written several handheld game guides talking about how the Steam Deck isn't powerful enough to run more intensive games that the Legion Go and ROG Ally can easily run (STALKER 2, for example). The flip side of this is that some games are specifically optimized for Steam Deck. Still, if there is a handheld that offers a more powerful processor, then it likely can run games better.

TL;DR: SOFTWARE & GAMES WINNER: Despite the two handhelds running the same operating system, the Legion Go S likely can access and play games more smoothly since it probably has a more powerful processor.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Battery life

As I've previously said, we don't know all of the specs for the Legion Go S (SteamOS), including battery capacity. However, if it is the same as the Windows 11 version, then the Legion Go S (SteamOS) will have a 55.5 Whr battery, which is larger than the Steam Deck LCD's 40Whr battery or the Steam Deck OLED's 50Whr battery. Still, this doesn't mean the Legion Go S will have a longer battery life.

How long a battery lasts before needing a recharge depends on a few different factors. Having a larger screen drains more battery, and having a processor that requires more power drains more battery. As such, it's very possible that the Steam Deck lasts longer than Legion Go S, but we'll have to conduct testing to know for sure.

TL;DR: BATTERY LIFE WINNER: As of right now, this is unknown. The Legion Go S has a larger capacity battery, but it might require more power to run than the Steam Deck.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Grip ergonomics and comfort

When it comes to grip and handheld comfort, the actual shape, balance, and weight of a gaming device are important. The Steam Deck is undoubtedly a very boxy and clunky handheld compared to the more ergonomic design of the Legion Go S. Having fewer back buttons also means that players can get a better grip on the Legion Go S than on the Steam Deck.

In terms of dimensions, the two devices are likely relatively similar in size when it comes to height and length, but not thickness. Lenovo hasn't verified all of the dimensions of the Legion Go S (SteamOS) yet, but we do know that the Windows 11 Legion Go S measures 11.77-inches long, 5.02-inches tall, and 0.88-inches thick, while the Steam Deck measures 11.7inches long, 4.6-inches tall, and a meatier 1.9-inches thick. We'll have to wait to hear more from Lenovo before we can fully compare the dimensions.

As part of this, we also do not know yet how much the Legion Go S (SteamOS) weighs. However, we do know that the first Legion Go S (Windows 11) configuration weighs 1.63 pounds, which is heavier than the Steam Deck LCD's 1.47 pounds. So, it's possible that the SteamOS version will weigh more than either Steam Deck. Still, if the Legion Go S's internals are balanced well, then those more ergonomic grips will likely feel better in your hands than the Steam Deck.

TL;DR: COMFORT WINNER: While many people love the bulky Steam Deck, there's no denying that the Legion Go S has a far more ergonomic shape, which likely makes it easier to hold, even if it might weigh more.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Accessories

Since the Steam Deck was the first PC gaming handheld to really go mainstream, it has a massive audience. This has led to there being dozens and dozens of third-party accessories for it, along with the official peripherals Valve released. It only has one USB-C, though. This means you can really only connect one device at a time, which is why docking stations with USB-C connections are so helpful.

Now, the Legion Go S (SteamOS) doesn't release until May 2025, so there aren't a ton of gaming accessories for it. If it sells well, we'll likely see more third-party offerings come to market down the road.

TL;DR: ACCESSORIES WINNER: The Steam Deck is by far the best-selling PC gaming handheld, and so there are plenty of third-party accessories out there for it. Meanwhile, the Legion Go S is new, so there aren't a ton of peripherals just yet.

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Comparison chart

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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Which should I buy?

There are a lot of factors to consider when determining which handheld is the best. Based on specs, one device might conclusively be better than the other. However, that doesn't mean it is the best fit for you. In that way, both the Legion Go S (SteamOS) and the Steam Deck are fantastic gaming devices that meet different needs.

In terms of power and performance, the Legion Go S is likely the more powerful SteamOS device since it has a newer processor and likely has a nicer screen to go with it. Additionally, it has a more ergonomic design than the Steam Deck, which likely makes it easier to hold for longer gaming sessions.

Meanwhile, the Steam Deck remains the king when it comes to handheld affordability. It might not be the most powerful or ergonomic device out there, but you don't have to spend as much to get your hands on one. Plus, there are so many third-party docking stations, cases, screen protectors, and other Steam Deck accessories out there that you don't have to pay more for the official options if you don't want to.

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