Lenovo Legion Go Handheld PC on Sale: A Powerful Steam Deck Alternative
▼ Summary
– Best Buy’s 4th of July sale features the first-ever discounts on Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS gaming handhelds, with the Z1 Extreme model at $779.99 and the Ryzen Z2 Go model at $549.99.
– The Z1 Extreme model is recommended for its superior performance, featuring double the RAM and storage, a more powerful processor, and better gaming performance than the Steam Deck.
– The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition, released in May 2025, is the first non-Valve handheld to run SteamOS, offering optimized performance and user experience over the Windows version.
– SteamOS provides a more intuitive and controller-friendly interface compared to Windows, launching directly into Steam Big Picture Mode for easier setup and gameplay.
– For extended use, purchasing a portable power bank and Micro SD card is recommended, though the article does not directly compare the Legion Go S to other handhelds like the ROG Ally.
Gaming enthusiasts looking for a premium handheld experience now have an excellent opportunity with Lenovo’s Legion Go models on sale at Best Buy. For the first time since their release, both SteamOS versions of this powerful portable PC are discounted as part of the retailer’s Fourth of July promotions. The higher-end AMD Z1 Extreme model drops to $779.99 (from $830), while the Ryzen Z2 Go version is available for $549.99 (originally $600).
Between these two options, the Z1 Extreme variant stands out as the superior choice for serious gamers. Not only does it feature twice the RAM and storage (32GB/1TB versus 16GB/512GB), but its processor also delivers significantly better performance than the Z2 Go. Benchmark tests confirm that this model even surpasses Valve’s Steam Deck in gaming capabilities while running the same SteamOS platform. The 8-inch 120Hz display ensures smoother visuals, though battery life remains comparable to competitors.
Originally launched in February 2025 with a Windows edition, Lenovo later introduced the SteamOS version in May, making it the first non-Valve handheld to officially support Valve’s gaming-focused operating system. Unlike Windows, SteamOS provides a controller-optimized interface that boots directly into Steam’s Big Picture Mode, eliminating the need for tedious setup.
For those considering the Windows model, which shares the same hardware as the Z1 Extreme SteamOS version, it’s worth noting that SteamOS generally offers better performance and usability for gaming. Windows, while versatile, requires additional configuration and lacks the streamlined experience designed specifically for handheld play.
If you’re planning to take full advantage of this deal, pairing the Legion Go with a portable power bank and a high-capacity microSD card will enhance its usability during travel. While the device already outperforms many competitors, these accessories ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions wherever you go.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older handheld or jumping into portable PC gaming for the first time, the Lenovo Legion Go S represents one of the most compelling options available today, especially at these discounted prices.
(Source: IGN)
