Earlier this year, Lenovo created a stir with the Legion Go, a handheld gaming PC that sells for $700. While the device has since seen price drops, with the current cost sitting at $484.99, rumors have been circulating about an even more affordable option: the Legion Go S. Recently, leaked renders obtained by Windows Central have given us a glimpse of what this budget-friendly gaming handheld might look like.
The Legion Go S is expected to be powered by AMD’s Rembrandt APU, as indicated by a recent firmware leak for the “Legion Go S 8ARP1.” This chip is on the new Ryzen Z2 platform, but it will be powered by Zen 3 plus cores, not the same power as the Z1 Extreme that is Zen 4 in the normal Legion Go.
Design Differences Between Legion Go and Legion Go S
The leaked images showcase some notable design differences between the Legion Go S and its predecessor. The Legion Go S appears to feature RGB lights, two USB-C ports on the top (with none on the bottom), a circular D-Pad instead of the four-way version found on the regular Legion Go, and a TrackPoint-style nub mouse rather than a trackpad.
Another striking difference is the Legion Go S’s white colorway and non-removable grips and triggers, which bear a resemblance to the first Asus ROG Ally. However, the current Legion Go model comes with removable controller grips, like Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers.
Affordable Gaming on the Go
The Legion Go S’s rumored starting price of around $399 positions it as an attractive option for gamers looking for a more affordable entry point into the world of handheld gaming PCs. The demand for budget portable gaming solutions appears to be high, with devices like the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally doing phenomenally well.
While the Legion Go S may not pack the same punch as its more expensive counterpart, it still promises to deliver a solid gaming experience for those willing to make some compromises in terms of performance. With the inclusion of AMD‘s Rembrandt APU, the device should be powerful enough to handle a vast range of games, though not at settings of the regular Legion Go.
The Future of Handheld Gaming
The leak of the Legion Go S renders highlights the ongoing evolution of the handheld gaming PC market. With more players starting to enter the space, more options will be coming for the consumers at different price range, catering to a larger range of budget and taste requirements.
With Lenovo’s introduction of a cheaper Legion Go, it shows the company’s determination to gaining a wider foothold in the handheld gaming market. Lenovo is positioning itself to harvest a portion of the market that might have been reluctant to spend more on the Legion Go with a device that sacrifices on some performance and charges a lower price tag.
Waiting for Official Confirmation
While the leaked renders of the Legion Go S have generated excitement among gaming enthusiasts, it’s important to note that Lenovo has not yet officially confirmed the device’s existence or specifications. Like all leaks, there is still a chance that the final product is different to what we’ve heard.
But in the rising competition of the handheld gaming PC market, it is expected that Lenovo will release a cheaper version of Legion Go soon. For now, gamers can celebrate the idea of having yet another, if not very affordable, option of enjoying their favorite titles on the go.
