Lenovo Legion Go S Review: A Used Handheld That Makes Sense in 2026

Introduction

The handheld gaming market has gotten expensive. New devices can range anywhere from $1,000 up to around $3,000, which puts a serious dent in most budgets. That is why the Lenovo Legion Go S, especially the Windows version with the Z2 Go APU, has become an interesting option for people who want a capable handheld without paying flagship prices.

This review looks at the Legion Go S as a used purchase. The white variant with Windows 11, a 1 TB SSD, and 32 GB of RAM can often be found on the secondhand market for around $550. That is a much more approachable price point than most new handhelds, and it makes the device worth a closer look.

Who the Legion Go S Is For

The Legion Go S is aimed at gamers who want a Windows-based handheld that can run modern titles at playable frame rates without requiring a huge upfront investment. It is not the most powerful handheld on the market, but it does not need to be. The Z2 Go APU, a lower-end 4-core, 8-thread part, still puts out better performance than the Steam Deck’s custom APU, which makes it a solid choice for people who want a step up from Valve’s device without jumping to a $1,000+ flagship.

This device also appeals to tinkerers. The Windows version can have Steam OS installed directly on it, since it uses the same hardware as the Steam OS version. That flexibility means buyers can choose their preferred operating system after purchase, rather than being locked into one from the factory.

Design and Ergonomics

One of the strongest aspects of the Legion Go S is its comfort. The device is one of the most comfortable handhelds available, with a palm rest that hugs the hands naturally. All of the buttons are easy to reach, the triggers feel great, and the analog sticks are decent. The overall weight is evenly distributed, so even though the unit is a bit heavier than some competitors, it does not feel unbalanced during longer sessions.

The Legion Go S also includes a built-in trackpad, though it is not a standout feature. It works, but it feels like an afterthought compared to the trackpads on other handhelds. More useful are the rear features: trigger locks that allow for either a full throw or a hair trigger, and two programmable macro keys on the back.

There is a micro SD card slot on the bottom for storage expansion. The Z2 Go version does not include USB 4, but both USB ports on the top function properly. The device also supports either a 2242 or a 2280 M.2 SSD, which gives owners more flexibility when upgrading storage compared to some competing handhelds.

Display and Hardware

The Legion Go S features an 8-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate support. It is a bright, responsive screen that handles fast-paced games well. The Steam Deck OLED does have a better-looking display with its 7.4-inch 90 Hz OLED panel, but the Legion Go S offers a larger canvas and a higher refresh rate, which some gamers will prefer.

Under the hood, the Z2 Go APU is based on Zen 3 Plus architecture with four cores and eight threads, boosting up to 4.3 GHz. The integrated GPU uses RDNA 2 with 12 compute units clocking up to 2,200 MHz. That is a meaningful step up from the Steam Deck OLED’s 8 CU iGPU, which tops out at 1,600 MHz.

The 32 GB RAM model is particularly interesting because it allows users to dedicate up to 16 GB to the integrated GPU. That extra memory can help with higher-end games, especially when combined with Steam OS, which tends to be more efficient than Windows for gaming workloads.

Performance in Real Games

In practice, the Legion Go S delivers solid performance for its price class. With Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p on the Steam Deck preset, the device matches what the Steam Deck OLED puts out, but it needs a slightly higher TDP to do so. The balanced mode with smart mode enabled typically runs around 17 to 19 watts to keep pace.

The real advantage shows up when pushing further. At 1920 x 1200 with medium settings and FSR frame generation enabled, the Legion Go S can pull over 60 fps while drawing around 22 watts. Locking the frame rate to 60 through Legion Space improves battery life while keeping the experience smooth.

Other titles perform well too. Forza Horizon 6 at 1200p medium settings without FSR averages around 33 fps, and dropping to 1600 x 1000 pushes that up to about 42 fps. Street Fighter 6 runs steadily at 1200p medium settings, while Red Dead Redemption 1 at 1200p high settings can reach the 90s in some scenes and averages in the mid-70s outdoors. Halo 3 from the Master Chief Collection locks at 60 fps at 1200p high with enhanced mode enabled.

Battery Life and Efficiency

The Legion Go S packs a 55.5 Wh battery, which is slightly larger than the Steam Deck OLED’s 50 Wh unit. In quiet mode with smart mode enabled, a 60 fps frame lock, and screen brightness at 50%, the device draws around 15 watts total from the battery. That translates to nearly four hours of runtime for a moderately demanding game.

Lighter 2D games can stretch the battery even further. Windows does add some background overhead that reduces efficiency, but installing Steam OS can significantly lower power draw during gaming sessions. For users who want maximum battery life, switching to Steam OS is a worthwhile consideration.

Buying Advice

The most important advice for anyone interested in the Legion Go S is to avoid buying it brand new. The Z2 Go version is too expensive at retail. Instead, look for refurbished or used units on sites like eBay, where they frequently appear for around $550. The white Windows variant tends to be cheaper than the Steam OS version on the used market, which makes it the better value for buyers willing to install Steam OS themselves.

Before purchasing, check the condition of the unit carefully. Cosmetic damage is common on used devices and does not affect performance, but it is worth confirming that all ports and buttons function properly. The 32 GB RAM model is the better choice for gamers who want headroom for VRAM allocation and future-proofing.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Go S with the Z2 Go APU is a practical choice for gamers who want a comfortable, capable handheld without spending flagship money. It offers better performance than the Steam Deck OLED, a larger and faster display, and a design that is genuinely comfortable for long sessions. Windows does hold it back somewhat, but the option to install Steam OS makes it a flexible platform.

At used prices around $550, the Legion Go S represents strong value in a market where new handhelds routinely cost twice as much or more. It is not the most powerful device available, but it is more than enough for a wide range of games, and it leaves room in the budget for accessories or future upgrades.