Latest news with #SteamOS
The Verge
3 days ago
- The Verge
Lenovo Legion Go S review part two: you were the chosen one!
Valve's Steam Deck has dominated the handheld gaming PC space since its 2022 debut. But even as more powerful Windows handhelds arrived to keep up with more demanding games, none have beaten the Steam Deck's combination of ease-of-use, ergonomics, power, and battery life at an affordable price. That still hasn't changed. The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is not the Steam Deck killer that some headlines would have you believe. This was supposed to be a moment for handhelds. When the Legion Go S was revealed as the first authorized third-party handheld to run SteamOS, with a $499 starting price, it looked like a true Steam Deck competitor was finally on the way. It even had the blessing and support of the Steam Deck's creators — something we'd never seen before. With an actual price of $599 and tradeoffs galore, the base Legion Go S with SteamOS is not a match for the $550 Steam Deck OLED. The more powerful AMD Z1 Extreme model is not half bad, but it's far more expensive at $829. But within the disappointment, there is some good news: it's better than the $730 Windows version with the same hardware that came out last February, and SteamOS is definitely a better experience than Windows. 5 Verge Score 7 Verge Score Back in February, I couldn't believe just how poor the Windows gaming experience was on this handheld's AMD Z2 Go chip. A $550 Steam Deck ran Cyberpunk 2077 faster on battery than a $730 Lenovo did while plugged in at maximum boost! And as usual, Windows was a pig: the less you know about the Windows out-of-box experience and wake / sleep issues, the better. Thankfully, SteamOS washes away the Windows stains. Imagine just pressing a power button to pause a game, then seamlessly resuming the next time you press it! Imagine simply picking a language and scanning a Steam Guard QR code to log into your handheld for the first time, instead of spending 45 minutes batting away upsells for Microsoft 365 Copilot and kin. And even though the Windows version has also (slightly) improved since I first tested it, the Legion Go S is so much faster with SteamOS: roughly 17 percent faster, in my tests. SteamOS's performance increase can translate to better battery life, too. On the Windows model, playing 2020's Assassin's Creed Valhalla at 720p resolution and 60fps at low settings required an average of 36 watts — enough to drain the Legion Go S's 55 watt-hour battery in 1.5 hours. But with SteamOS, the same 60fps gameplay requires just 22 watts, giving you an entire extra hour of gameplay (55 watt-hours divided by 22 watts = 2.5 hours) just by installing a different OS. Not all games see as dramatic a boost, but the same is true of Cyberpunk 2077: if you play at 50fps, you get up to an extra hour of battery life from SteamOS. SteamOS also makes it so much easier to change those power modes, map out new control schemes, and monitor your performance and battery life. You can simply hold down a button and flick a joystick to change your screen brightness or summon a virtual mouse, so there's no need to dive into menus. You can even install Decky, the unofficial SteamOS plugin loader, on a Legion Go S, to flesh out your Steam Library with game art or more easily install Epic Game Store titles. But all that is also true of the Steam Deck, which costs less, excels at games that don't require the horsepower of Cyberpunk 2077, and makes it easier to play decades of PC titles that weren't built for gamepad controls. The Steam Deck has two large, responsive touchpads that can emulate a trackball, pull up a radial menu, or each act as an extra set of four buttons to map your keyboard commands. The Legion Go S has a single ultra-tiny touchpad that puts up such a fight whenever I try to use it that I've already given up. The Steam Deck has four back buttons, enough so you can bind ABXY and never have to take your thumb off the right analog stick; the Legion Go S only has two. More importantly to me: perhaps because of these differences in controls, the Legion Go S is missing the mountain of community controller layouts that Steam Deck, PlayStation, and Xbox controller users have been creating for years. Those layouts, which map the games' commands to the controllers' buttons and joysticks, make it a cinch to play mouse-and-keyboard games on a handheld without the tedious work of figuring out a control scheme from scratch. On a Steam Deck, or on any PC with a common controller plugged in, those layout options show up automatically if you go looking. With the Legion Go S, the repository of custom controller profiles is totally empty. The Legion Go S's layout is nearly identical to Xbox, so why doesn't it pull up Xbox controller profiles at least? This honestly feels like an oversight, and I hope it'll be fixed. As I explained in my review of the Windows Legion Go S, though, this hardware does feel great. It's solid, reassuringly well-built, with my second-favorite screen on a handheld after the Steam Deck OLED. While it doesn't have the true HDR or deep blacks of Valve's OLED, the 8-inch IPS touchscreen makes the Steam Deck's 7.4-inch screen seem cramped by comparison, to say nothing of the 7-inch ROG Ally X. And like the Ally, Lenovo's 120Hz variable refresh rate can make for smoother gameplay, particularly on the model with AMD's Z1 Extreme chip. The Steam Deck's one notable disadvantage is that its performance has only slightly improved in three and a half years as games continue to get more demanding. Big hits like Expedition 33 and Baldur's Gate 3 have pushed it out of its comfort zone, and where rivals like the Legion Go S can unlock better performance when plugged into the wall or draining their batteries at very high rates, the Steam Deck can't. The Legion Go S officially brings those 'turbo' modes to SteamOS, as well. But if that's why you're buying, don't get the $599 Z2 Go model. It's not that the Z2 Go is slower than the Steam Deck overall. At max boost on wall power, the base Legion Go S can offer up to 35 percent better framerates. But the Z1 Extreme model offered up to 72 percent faster framerates than the Steam Deck and was 29 percent faster on average than the Z2 Go model. That's enough to make a game feel smooth that was barely playable — like Expedition 33 at the lowest settings — or comfortably go up an entire graphics preset in most games when you're plugged into the wall. (If you do plan to plug the Legion Go S into the wall, you may want to turn on fast charging in the BIOS — hold down Power + Volume Up when booting, then change Charging Speed Selection — and get yourself a 100W power adapter, because Lenovo's stock 65W adapter isn't enough to keep the battery from draining while you're playing full bore.) The Steam Deck OLED can't do turbo at all, but its custom chip can hold its own against the Z2 Go in unplugged 'balanced' power modes. When I capped both at the same 15 watt power draw, the Steam Deck won in Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and tied in Cyberpunk 2077, even as it lost in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Returnal. Another surprise in the Steam Deck's favor: I played a lot of fiendish mansion-building mystery Blue Prince while testing the Legion Go S, and it's far choppier on Lenovo's handhelds. I don't know if it's had Steam Deck-specific optimizations, but I found I needed turbo mode on the Z1 Extreme for it to run as smoothly as it does on the Steam Deck. If you do find yourself choosing between the two Lenovo Legion Go models, you won't sacrifice much battery life by picking the beefier chip. In my tests, the Z1 Extreme model only drew 1 to 3 watts more than the Z2 Go on battery power — we're talking about five minutes shorter battery life in the most intensive games and 15 minutes in less intensive ones. But in those less intensive games like Dirt Rally or Balatro, the Steam Deck OLED is still the champ. Despite having a smaller 49Wh battery, it lasted over 50 minutes longer than either Legion Go S in my Dirt Rally battery drain test (where I set each handheld's screen to the same brightness using a calibration tool) and managed two extra hours of magic poker game Balatro with battery-saving tweaks: 9 hours for Steam Deck vs. 7 hours for the Legion Go S. I have to hand it to Lenovo and Valve: after tangling with the Windows model, I thought the entire Legion Go S lineup was going to be dead on arrival. But that's not the case. Even the Z2 Go runs faster and more efficiently than it did on Windows, and the Z1 Extreme version is a legitimately good handheld if you get it with SteamOS. (You can technically install SteamOS on the Windows-based Legion Go S, but Valve tells me that's not officially supported, and I ran into several issues when I tried it in early June.) Valve and Lenovo have also moved swiftly to address some of the bugs the SteamOS version launched with. In the month and change since release, it's fixed wonkiness around the power modes and the variable refresh rate screen, and how both the tiny touchpad and joystick LEDs can sometimes stop working when the handheld goes to sleep. (We're still waiting on a way to control those RGB joystick LEDs in SteamOS, though.) But while you might be happy with the $829 Z1 Extreme model around your home or otherwise close to an outlet, it's not the best handheld you can buy. The Steam Deck OLED has it beat on price vs. performance and battery life for less intensive games, plus those community controller profiles and twin trackpads. It's the pick if you don't need beefy turbo modes or a big screen. You might also try installing Bazzite on an Asus ROG Ally X: I find it slightly less comfortable to hold, but with the same Z1 Extreme chip and a far larger 80Wh battery, it's a better option than the Legion Go S for intensive games away from a plug. Truthfully, though, I wouldn't buy any PC handheld at this particular moment. Lenovo's greatest achievement with the Legion Go S was to prove the superiority of SteamOS over Windows for handhelds, but prices are unusually high right now and Microsoft is about to fire back. Even if you have no interest in an Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X this holiday season, it seems like Microsoft is finally trying to fix handheld Windows. I, for one, would want to know how the updated OS fares, and which devices will get it, before I buy a new handheld. Photography by Sean Hollister / The Verge
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
STAX Modular Mini PC Runs Official Steam OS and Delivers Big Performance
Have you ever wished for a gaming PC that doesn't dominate your desk but still delivers a capable, versatile experience? Enter the XDO Stax Mini PC, a compact powerhouse that redefines what a small form factor device can achieve. Running the official Steam OS, this modular marvel is designed for both gaming enthusiasts and productivity seekers, offering a seamless blend of performance and adaptability. With its AMD Ryzen APUs and customizable hardware, the XDO Stax Mini PC challenges the notion that you need a bulky tower to enjoy immersive gaming or efficient multitasking. In this overview, ETA Prime explore how the XDO Stax Mini PC stands out in the crowded world of compact computing. From its modular expandability to its dual-purpose Steam OS, this device promises to meet the needs of casual gamers, retro gaming fans, and productivity-focused users alike. Whether you're curious about its gaming performance, intrigued by its potential for upgrades, or simply looking for a space-saving solution, this mini PC offers plenty to discover. Could this be the future of modular computing? Let's take a closer look. Compact Modular Steam OS Gaming PC Key Features and Hardware Specifications The XDO Stax Mini PC is available in two configurations, offering flexibility to meet different performance requirements: The entry-level model is powered by the AMD Ryzen 6600U, suitable for general computing and casual gaming. is powered by the AMD Ryzen 6600U, suitable for general computing and casual gaming. The higher-end variant features the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, boasting 8 cores, 16 threads, and an RDNA 3-based 780M integrated GPU clocked at up to 2700 MHz, delivering enhanced graphics performance for more demanding tasks. Both configurations come equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 6400 MT/s, making sure smooth multitasking and gaming. Storage is customizable via an M.2 SSD slot, allowing users to expand capacity based on their needs. The modular design further enhances its adaptability, supporting optional add-ons such as additional Ethernet ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort connections. These features make the XDO Stax Mini PC a versatile solution for a wide range of use cases. Steam OS: A Dual-Purpose Operating System The XDO Stax Mini PC runs Steam OS, installed using the Steam Deck recovery image. This Linux-based operating system is optimized for gaming while also supporting general productivity tasks, offering two distinct modes: Gaming Mode: Designed to deliver an immersive gaming experience with seamless access to Steam's extensive library of games. Designed to deliver an immersive gaming experience with seamless access to Steam's extensive library of games. Desktop Mode: Transforms the device into a productivity workstation, suitable for tasks like web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption. Steam OS ensures compatibility with a wide range of games and applications, making it a practical choice for users who want a device that can handle both work and play. Built-in support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and gaming controllers enhances usability, while its intuitive interface simplifies navigation and operation. Mini PC Running Steam OS Watch this video on YouTube. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on Modular Mini PC. Gaming Performance and Capabilities The XDO Stax Mini PC delivers solid gaming performance for casual and lightweight gaming, though it is not intended for high-end or ultra-settings gameplay. Popular titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Spider-Man 2, and The Witcher 3 run smoothly at 1080p low settings or 900p for improved frame rates. The inclusion of FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) further enhances visual quality and performance, particularly in graphically demanding games. For indie games and less graphically intensive titles, this mini PC provides a satisfying gaming experience. However, it may struggle with ultra settings or higher resolutions, making it less suitable for hardcore gamers who prioritize top-tier performance. Despite these limitations, the XDO Stax Mini PC is a capable device for casual gamers and those who enjoy a mix of modern and retro gaming. Everyday Computing and Expandability Beyond gaming, the XDO Stax Mini PC excels in general productivity tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and 4K video playback. It is also well-suited for emulation, allowing users to enjoy classic games from older consoles. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for small spaces, such as home offices, dorm rooms, or entertainment centers. The modular design of the XDO Stax Mini PC allows for future upgrades, including the potential addition of a dedicated GPU module for enhanced performance. Connectivity options include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making sure compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. Expandable ports, such as Ethernet, HDMI, and DisplayPort, provide flexibility for connecting to external displays and networks, further enhancing its usability. Considerations and Limitations While the XDO Stax Mini PC offers numerous advantages, there are some limitations to keep in mind: Gaming Performance: The device is not designed for graphically demanding games at higher resolutions or ultra settings, which may disappoint hardcore gamers seeking innovative performance. The device is not designed for graphically demanding games at higher resolutions or ultra settings, which may disappoint hardcore gamers seeking innovative performance. Mounting Options: The lack of a VESA mount limits placement flexibility, which could be a drawback for users looking to integrate the device into specific setups, such as wall-mounted displays. These limitations are worth considering, especially for users with specific performance or setup requirements. However, for most casual gamers and productivity-focused users, the XDO Stax Mini PC provides a well-rounded solution. A Versatile and Forward-Thinking Mini PC The XDO Stax Mini Modular PC stands out as a versatile and compact device that caters to both gaming and everyday computing needs. Its modular design, AMD Ryzen APUs, and Steam OS compatibility make it an excellent choice for users seeking a dual-purpose device. While it may not meet the demands of high-end gaming, its performance at lower settings, combined with its expandability, makes it a practical option for casual gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike. With the potential for future upgrades, such as a dedicated GPU module, the XDO Stax Mini PC offers a forward-thinking approach to modular computing. Its adaptability, compact size, and reliable performance ensure it remains a compelling choice for users looking to maximize functionality without compromising on space or flexibility. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Tom's Guide
30-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Hurry! The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is $50 off right now — perfect timing to ditch Windows gaming handhelds
Buying the best gaming handheld for you is becoming pretty costly for peak performance across your PC game library. As you head closer to Prime Day, you start to see some savings crop up, but to see the latest and greatest get a price cut even got me blindsided! Right now, the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is $50 off at Best Buy, which drops the price of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go model to just $549 and the more powerful Z1 Extreme to $779. Given these have just come out, this is one of the most surprising deals I've seen. This is the option for the indie gamers. The Ryzen Z2 Go is perfect for less demanding titles, and its lower power demands mean you're getting a better battery life too. Just bear in mind if you do want AAA gaming too, you'll have to go one step up. Based on my experience with Z1 Extreme and SteamOS (more on that later), you're getting a ton of horsepower for even the most demanding AAA games to run at a smooth 50-60 FPS. This is the versatile beast for the diverse gaming library of top tier games and indie darlings alike. As Tony found out in his Lenovo Legion Go S review, this is a fantastic gaming handheld with a vibrant display and impressive gaming performance. The amount of RAM is balanced just right for each — with the Z2 Go model getting 16GB and the Z1 Extreme maxing out at 32GB for more demanding titles. But what's always most impressive is the ergonomics, which Lenovo has nailed here. The shape of the system fits perfectly into your hands, the joysticks have a nice smooth movement to them and all the buttons have a great tactile feel to them for playing. If you were looking at the aging Steam Deck and wanted more oomph, this is the one to get. But the Windows versions of these handhelds are also $50 off right now too, which leads to another question… Well, it comes down to three things in my past year of testing — when I installed SteamOS on my Asus ROG Ally X (near-identical spec to the Z1 Extreme Go S): Of course, there are limitations to SteamOS — namely that it's just Steam. But since it's Linux-based, you can figure out workarounds to get Epic Games and the like on there too. If you want everything, Windows is the way to go, but I think you're giving up way too much for that. Not only is the SteamOS Go S nicer to use, faster and lasts longer, but it's cheaper too. That Z1 Extreme configuration with Windows is $849 after a $50 discount. So why waste your money? Until we see what Microsoft is able to do with the ROG Xbox Ally, this is your best bet.
Gizmodo
28-06-2025
- Gizmodo
Lenovo's Legion Go S With SteamOS Is the Only Real Alternative to a Steam Deck
For the last several years, most of us thinking about buying a handheld PC have heard the refrain 'just get a Steam Deck.' The reasons are two-fold: one, the OLED version at $550 is the cheapest of its class, and two, it's so damned easy to use thanks to SteamOS. No other company has come close to offering similar bang for the buck—until now. At $600, Lenovo's Legion Go S with SteamOS is a superior handheld for on-the-go gaming compared to the Windows version released earlier this year, which felt compromised because of Microsoft's desktop operating system. Lenovo also sells an $830 model with a better chip that may seem more enticing, but as you'll see in this review, you shouldn't feel bad about choosing to go cheaper. Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS The Lenovo Legion Go S is the only other handheld that comes with SteamOS out of the box, and it's so much better for it. Pros Cons The Legion Go S is a side-grade from the Lenovo Legion Go from 2023. It still has an 8-inch display, but it's a single-body design that doesn't sport the Legion Go's two detachable controllers ala the Nintendo Switch 2. As comfortable as it was, Windows combined with poor performance drastically hampered what it could be. I could tell from the jump that, at $730, it was relatively overpriced and underpowered—a real 'just get a Steam Deck' device. The new version is cheaper and comes with SteamOS, the same small screen-friendly Linux-based operating system made by Valve. I tested the $600 Legion Go S with SteamOS in a beautiful deep 'nebula nocturne' purple color that reminds me of the goth kid I wish I was in high school. It comes with a Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. That's $50 more than a Steam Deck OLED with the same 512 GB storage capacity. Valve's $400 Steam Deck LCD is the cheapest of its kind, though it comes with only 256GB of storage. The more powerful Legion Go S with SteamOS, powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 32GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, is close to what you might pay for an Asus ROG Ally X, which boasts a better battery life though slightly worse ergonomics. I have not tested this model, though. For shits and giggles, I grabbed the $730 white Windows-powered Legion Go S sent to me earlier this year and installed SteamOS on it to see what happens when you add more RAM to the mix, but I didn't experience a significant jump in performance between games. The Ryzen Z2 Go is the lower-power APU, or 'accelerated processing unit,' designed specifically for the cheaper-end Legion Go S models. Both the Ryzen Z1 Extreme and Z2 Go are a type of processor that combines the capabilities of a CPU and a GPU, or graphics processor. The Z2 Go is running on AMD's older Zen 3+ microarchitecture and has half the number of cores as the Z1 Extreme running on Zen 4. Either way, all Legion Go S models share the same IPS LCD display with a max resolution of 1,920×1,200. It doesn't support the deep blacks and contrast of the OLED panel on a Steam Deck, but it's still bright enough for playing indoors or outside. The larger display resolution can eat into performance with fewer GPU cores and less RAM. Few gamers want to drop their resolution specs lower than their display's max for the sake of performance, so the juggling act of in-game performance settings becomes that much more finicky. The important thing is whether the device can achieve a happy medium between playable frame rates and pretty graphics. In my experience, the Z2 Go with SteamOS can achieve a good equilibrium to play some intensive games, and it's so much better thanks to the Valve-made operating system. I conducted multiple rounds of tests with each Legion Go S plugged in and running at 30W. I set games to the max resolution they could. Both devices can hit 40W of TDP, aka thermal design power, which provides more power to the chip to help them eke out more frames from each game. Still, you likely won't play with higher power unless you plan to keep close to an electrical outlet. Overall, the Legion Go S with a Z2 Go outperformed the same hardware with Windows. Across games like Control and Baldur's Gate III, I saw a performance increase of close to 10 fps after I installed SteamOS. Cyberpunk 2077 at 1200p went from hitting 27 fps in benchmarks to netting nearly 40 fps. Windows introduces a host of background tasks that slow down performance, whereas svelte SteamOS doesn't have that problem. See at Best Buy Comparing the Legion Go S to the Steam Deck's custom AMD APU, Lenovo's SteamOS-powered device has an easy edge thanks to its wider range of TDP beyond the max 15W on Valve's device. With the higher degree of versatility, I could hit the same frame rates at 1200p versus 800p on the Steam Deck across several games, whether they were older, less intensive titles like Weird West or Hades II. In Monster Hunter Wilds benchmarks, the Legion Go S with Z2 Go at 1200p and 30 TDP managed to top the Steam Deck at 800p by a few frames. Of course, doubling the wattage will also affect battery life. If you want to play your games at their best, at the max resolution and graphics setting the system can handle, you'll get less than two hours of playtime. That's not much less than a Steam Deck at half the TDP, but the end result is that you'll need to have a charger handy or else limit your play sessions. SteamOS offers better frame rates than Windows, and if that wasn't enough, it's so much easier to use. Games are easier to download and faster to load, especially when they're built for Steam Deck and limit the number of extra launchers you need to click through. Unfortunately, the experience between playing on Steam Deck and SteamOS on third-party devices is not one-to-one. The big difference is how Valve calculates whether a game is 'SteamOS Compatible' versus 'Steam Deck Verified.' While Valve will determine whether a game can run at playable frame rates on a Steam Deck, it will only label whether a game is technically compatible on the Legion Go S. That means you may install a game expecting it to run well but find you can't even control it with thumbsticks. I managed to install my go-to apps on Steam Deck to the Legion Go S. This included Decky Loader for plugins like Junk Store, which offers easier access to my Epic Games library than going through the trouble of installing Heroic Launcher. I also managed to get EmuDeck operational, which means I could port all my retro games to the new system without any fuss. Did I miss access to apps like Razer Cortex as my preferred way to do PC-to-handheld streaming? Yes, but I would trade access to every Windows app for a clean UI without a second thought. When I'm not worried about popups asking me to sign in to OneDrive or dreading what will happen when I dare put the device to sleep while in-game, I can instead focus on playing my games at their best. In every way, the Legion Go S can become a Steam Deck, but there are still some major considerations if you're trying to decide between the two. For one, the Steam Deck OLED is lighter at 640g, or 1.41 pounds, versus Lenovo's 740g, or 1.6 pounds. That doesn't sound like much until you're feeling the strain in your arms after an extended play session sprawled out on your bed. The Legion Go S has slightly better ergonomics, but either device conforms to the hands better than most other similar devices on the market. What is missing from Lenovo's design are the Steam Deck's two trackpads. Those haptic trackpads add a surprising amount of versatility in some games, especially in CRPGs or strategy games like Tactical Breach Wizards. The minuscule trackpad on the Legion Go S didn't even seem to work out of the box. I had such a bad experience with it on the Windows version—with it vibrating like a rabbit dipped into a freezing-cold lake—I wasn't keen to fix it. I would also give the edge in audio quality to the Steam Deck for clear sound, but the Legion Go S' twin 2W speakers offer enough clarity that I didn't immediately feel the need to reach for a pair of headphones. I did experience odd audio bugs with my review unit that led to crackling when in-game, though it was inconsistent, and it wasn't present on the older model even after I installed SteamOS. The real distinction between Lenovo's and Valve's handhelds is the screen. You get close to 8 inches of real estate on the Legion Go S and a higher max resolution, but it's still LCD. If I have both screens sitting side-by-side, I can't help but gravitate toward the device with better contrast and those ever-touted 'inky' blacks. So the Legion Go S is currently your only out-of-the-box Steam Deck alternative, and that alone makes it worth your time, especially if you don't feel like loading an OS other than Windows. That being said, this year's future slate of handhelds is getting more interesting. We've yet to see any devices launch with AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, but we know they're coming from companies like MSI, Asus, and Lenovo themselves. The other big consideration is how Microsoft can finally make its OS workable on a 7-inch display with the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally. That upcoming handheld will potentially mark a turning point with Windows gaming, not just in performance but overall usability. If you want a handheld now, go with either the Legion Go S or Steam Deck. Either would serve you well. If you're still on the fence, you should wait to see what the future holds. See at Best Buy
Tom's Guide
27-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
New benchmarks reveal SteamOS beats Windows on handheld gaming performance — here's the results
We now have more proof that SteamOS is better than Windows 11 for gaming handheld performance. Ars Technica (via TechSpot) recently tested five PC games on the Lenovo Legion Go S running on SteamOS and Windows 11. With one exception, games run at higher frame rates on Valve's operating system than on Microsoft's. As someone who has tested the best handheld gaming consoles for years, I'm not surprised by the results. For testing, Ars Technica started with the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S and tested five 'high-end' 3D games using the games' respective built-in benchmarking tools at two different graphics and resolution settings. The site then installed Windows 11 on the handheld and downloaded updated drivers from Lenovo's support site, and ran those same benchmarks again. For good measure, Ars Technica also installed AMD-compatible drivers from Asus, since those drivers are closer to the drivers included with SteamOS. Per Ars Technica's numbers, we can see that SteamOS delivers improved performance in four of the five games the site tested. Borderlands 3's performance remained roughly the same on both operating systems, though Windows with Asus' drivers had a slight advantage. For games like Returnal, SteamOS has an extreme advantage over Windows. Sideloading the Asus drivers showed an improvement in Windows performance, but SteamOS still generally has the advantage. The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is a true Steam Deck rival and arguably puts Windows 11 handheld to shame thanks to its snappy interface and strong performance. While its fans can get overly loud and its battery life isn't great, SteamOS alone makes up for any shortcomings. I tested a handful of games on both the SteamOS and Windows 11 models of the Legion Go S, but the numbers I saw had a caveat since those machines have different components. Ars Technica tested games on the same machine, which provides a clearer picture of the performance differences. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I'm not at all surprised by these results, given how SteamOS is specifically designed to work with gaming handhelds. Valve's operating system also doesn't have the overhead of Windows. That said, Windows has greater game compatibility than SteamOS, so that operating system might be preferable for more enthusiast PC gamers. If you're a more general gamer, however, SteamOS has a cleaner, handheld-friendly interface in addition to offering generally better gaming performance for some titles.
