Lenovo has expanded its gaming handheld lineup with the introduction of the Legion Go S, a new device offering a choice between Windows and SteamOS. This marks a departure from the original Legion Go, which only ran Windows, and establishes the Legion Go S as the first officially licensed handheld console powered by SteamOS. While not a direct successor to the original Legion Go (a prototype Legion Go 2 was also teased), the Legion Go S provides an alternative approach with distinct operating system options. Crucially, consumers must choose their preferred OS at the time of purchase, as dual-booting is not supported. However, the SteamOS version allows access to third-party game stores like the Epic Games Store, expanding the gaming ecosystem beyond Steam. This flexibility allows users to tailor their handheld experience based on their software preferences and gaming libraries.
The integration of SteamOS into the Legion Go S opens up several key advantages for gamers. Cloud saves enable seamless transitions between gaming sessions on a desktop PC or laptop and the handheld, ensuring progress is maintained without interruption. Furthermore, the ability to stream games from a PC to the Legion Go S caters to graphically demanding titles that might otherwise strain the handheld’s resources, provided a stable and robust internet connection is available. This feature effectively transforms the Legion Go S into a portable extension of a user’s primary gaming rig, offering both local and remote gaming capabilities.
Beyond the software variations, the Legion Go S models share identical hardware specifications. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Go or Ryzen Z1 Extreme processors, these handhelds boast an 8-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and a 120Hz variable refresh rate. The smaller screen size and lower resolution compared to the original Legion Go contribute to improved battery life, further enhanced by a larger 55.5-watt-hour battery. While the controllers are not removable, the inclusion of two USB-C ports allows for connection to an external monitor, creating a desktop-like gaming setup. Additionally, a microSD card slot provides expandable storage for an ever-growing library of games and other media.
Pricing for the Legion Go S varies depending on the chosen operating system and configuration. The Windows version starts at $730 with availability this month, while models with newer chipsets will follow in May with prices starting at $600. The SteamOS version offers a more budget-friendly option, starting at $500 with a May release. This tiered pricing structure allows consumers to select the model that best aligns with their budget and performance requirements, further expanding the accessibility of PC gaming on the go.
Shifting focus from handheld gaming, Lenovo also unveiled an innovative feature within its new ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 all-in-one computer. Dubbed “Lenovo Focus Sound,” this technology utilizes a specialized film applied to the display to direct audio specifically towards the user. Leveraging machine learning algorithms and the built-in camera, Focus Sound ensures that only the person directly in front of the monitor can hear the audio, effectively creating a private listening experience. This eliminates noise distractions for nearby colleagues and maintains confidentiality in shared workspaces.
While the concept might sound unusual, akin to someone whispering directly into your ear, practical demonstrations have proven its effectiveness. Tests have shown that audio remains localized to the user’s position, becoming inaudible to those even slightly off-center. While headphones serve a similar purpose, Lenovo Focus Sound offers a more seamless and integrated solution for private audio in open office environments. Although this technology might feel somewhat unsettling initially, its potential applications for privacy and focused work are undeniable. The ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6, incorporating this innovative audio technology, is slated for release this quarter with a starting price of $2,539.
