We have already covered it ahead of its launch: the Lenovo Legion Go S is a high-end handheld PC that comes in two flavors: a SteamOS variant and a Windows 11 version. Today, we are going to look at the performance across both versions, based on multiple benchmarks collected from different sources on the webs.

The Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS for the Masses

Both versions of the Legion Go S use a similar AMD processor (Z2 Go at 4c/8t) and a 55.5 Wh battery, but the SteamOS model is priced about $130 lower (~$599 vs ~$730), officially. This being said, the Windows version can be found cheaper in some places (I seem to recall Bestbuy having it at 600 USD as well). On top of the Z2 Go processor, there is a version with the Z1 Extreme APU as well, if your wallet has more depth to it.

Since the hardware is identical, the performance of both versions is driven by the underlying software stack (OS, hardware support, and drivers).

Gaming Performance on AAA Titles

SteamOS vs Windows 11: FPS

Multiple 2025 benchmarks show the SteamOS Legion Go S outperforms the Windows 11 version across numerous AAA games. There is not always a huge difference, but it’s always in the same direction: equivalent or better on SteamOS. Note that the below numbers are a mix of different hardware and different testing conditions (Some used the Z2 Go APU, others the Z1 Extreme), but at the end it does not really matter: the trend is pretty much the same across numerous conditions observed.

The table is pretty clear. In general you get a massive boost in framerate with the SteamOS version. Between 20 and 30% is a good rule of thumb for most demanding games out there. Nice!

SteamOS vs Windows11: Battery Life Comparison

On top of higher performance, SteamOS gives better power efficiency. The unit will last longer in most games, as you can see in the below table.

Some of the figures seem wrong (Hades, really??), but again on average we are talking about a 15~20% battery life increase across most games, which is significant.

Why Pay More for Less?

In the current situation, choosing the Windows 11 version for the Legion Go S is a what only a fool would do.

Let’s sum it up:

• Worse performance across the board
• Worse power consumption
• More expensive

The Windows 11 version only makes sense if there are games with anti-cheat that you don’t want to miss on. There are some notable exceptions like GTA 5 Online and APEX Legends where SteamOS support was removed recently. And there’s Fortnite, outside of Steam, that remains unplayable on SteamOS. There’s probably a few more too, but those are the important ones that come to mind. If such titles don’t matter for your gaming patterns, the SteamOS of the Legion Go S version is the obvious choice.

Where to get the SteamOS version?

After this magnificent comparison, you must be wondering if Lenovo actually bothers with the Windows version at all! Truth is, it’s worse than that. You can’t even find a mention of the SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S on Lenovo’s website. I am so NOT kidding. There is “View Models” button, but there are no other models apart from the Windows 11 Home version.

I checked a few country sites for Lenovo, and it’s inconsistent as hell for a Global company. France only has the Windows version, Japan doesn’t even list the Legion Go S model (still stuck at the previous Switch like model), and finally I could find the SteamOS version on Lenovo’s site in Indonesia!

So, guys, I don’t want to kill your enthusiasm, but this sounds very much like We are just pretending to release a SteamOS version but in fact we advertise the Windows model everywhere instead. Since I am familiar with large companies, I guess the story was like that. Someone in Business Development managed to secure a deal with Valve, the CEO must have said OK, does not cost much anyway. And then the BD guy went fishing in each territory, asking for the Marketing leaders who wanted to launch that SKU, and turns out most region heads were not interested in hearing about SteamOS. This is probably why you end up with said SKU only listed in some small regions and not the main ones. It’s probably a pilot, at most. I was not in the room, so I don’t really know, but it does sound and smell like this kind of situation.

Well, in the US, if you are actively looking for it, you can find it on Best Buy, at least…

In short, you have SteamOS delivering all the goods, but there’s no appetite on the manufacturer’s side to do anything about it. Sad. Note that Lenovo is the only manufacturer with an official support stated for SteamOS on the Legion Go S. Valve is offering support for additional handhelds (the original Legion Go, and the ROG Ally) but that’s considered experimental and not official at the moment (see their recovery image page).

There are no news currently about other handhelds launching with SteamOS. Things may change by the end of the year, but it certainly does not look like a gold rush so far in Mid-2025.

I guess we will have to rely on Valve’s own marketing initiatives for the moment being.