Tag: Lenovo Legion Go S

  • Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Price Hike Exceeds $1500

    Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Price Hike Exceeds $1500

    Key Takeaway

    1. Prices for Lenovo Legion Go S variants with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and Z2 Go APUs have surged significantly, with increases of up to $680.
    2. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme offers over twice the multi-core performance of the Ryzen Z2 Go but only about a 10% gaming performance improvement.
    3. The higher-end variant also includes double the RAM and storage compared to the lower-end models.

    Recent Price Surges in Gaming Handheld Devices

    The ongoing shortages seem to be driving prices for popular gaming handhelds higher and higher. Only a week ago, Lenovo made headlines for hiking up the cost of its AMD Ryzen Z2 Go powered Legion Go S by an astonishing $450. Now, the same story appears to be unfolding with the Z1 Extreme model, which is now facing a similar jump in retail price. Customers who had been eyeing this device are now faced with a much steeper entry point.

    Price Increase of Legion Go S Variants

    Previously, the Legion Go S with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, boasting 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1 TB SSD, was valued at just under $900 on Best Buy. But the latest revision with SteamOS now reaches a hefty $1,580, representing an approx. $680 surge. This drastic hike marks a significant strain for budget-conscious gamers looking to purchase the device. The Windows version with the same specifications is now priced just under $1,680, which is really stretching the limits of affordability for many consumers.

    Differences Between Variants and Performance Expectations

    • SteamOS model with AMD Z1 Extreme: now costs nearly $1,580
    • Windows edition with AMD Z1 Extreme: borders on $1,680
    • Lower-spec variant with Z2 Go, reduced RAM and storage, priced at ~$990

    In terms of hardware performance, the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which has 8 cores, outperforms the 4-core Ryzen Z2 Go by over two times in synthetic multi-core tests. When it comes to gaming performance, the GPU differences are less dramatic — the Radeon 780M (Z1 Extreme) roughly edges out the Radeon 680M (Z2 Go) by about 10%, depending on the game. Additionally, it’s critical to remember that the higher-tier model also offers doubled RAM and storage compared to its lower-end siblings.

    Market Impact and Consumer Concerns

    As these prices skyrocket, it’s clear that current supply chain issues are taking a toll on the gaming community. The steep premium for updated hardware may push many potential buyers away, especially those who had previously considered these devices affordable options. The rising costs also raise questions about the future accessibility of such portable gaming systems in an economy where prices are increasingly unpredictable.


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    • Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Now $1050 — Better Deal at Best Buy for $900

      Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Now $1050 — Better Deal at Best Buy for $900

      Key Takeaway

      1. The Legion Go S with SteamOS has experienced a significant price increase, now costing $1,049.99, up $450 from its initial launch price.
      2. Best Buy offers a more powerful version of the Legion Go S with SteamOS, featuring the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage, for $899.99.
      3. Buyers can still find the lower-priced, less powerful base model on other retailers, but the current market offers advantageous deals on the more powerful version at Best Buy.

      Price Hike for Legion Go S with SteamOS

      Recently, been noticing that the price of the Legion Go S with SteamOS has bumped up, and not just the base model but also the more powerful configurations. Lenovo decided to increase the retail price to a whopping $1049.99, which is a $450 jump from the initial launch price of $599.99. This jump is quite significant especially considering the earlier deals that were available in 2025, where the device could be scored for as low as $499.99.

      Specifications and Variants

      The original version of this handheld was centered around the Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, along with 512GB of storage. Meanwhile, the upgraded model housed the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, matching the processor inside the original Legion Go, bolstered with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage space. The price for this more robust iteration was once $899.99 and available from Best Buy.

      Best Buy Offers and Availability

      Despite Lenovo’s increase in pricing, consumers can still find more affordable options at Best Buy. For instance, the retailer offers the more powerful Legion Go S with SteamOS, equipped with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, at a price of $899.99. Customers can either buy it in-store or place orders online, and the deal’s deadline is uncertain, so acting quickly seems wise.

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    • Free Steam Playtest for Extraction Shooter Now Live on Linux

      Free Steam Playtest for Extraction Shooter Now Live on Linux

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Server Slam play test for Arc Raiders has significantly boosted its popularity, ranking fourth on the SteamDB global sales chart.
      2. Arc Raiders runs smoothly on Linux, even with Easy Anti-Cheat, showing improved performance compared to previous reports.
      3. Players with both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards have had positive experiences, indicating good hardware compatibility.
      4. Easy Anti-Cheat is used in Arc Raiders, but its effectiveness in preventing cheating in the game remains to be seen.
      5. The game has modest minimum system requirements, making it accessible on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S and Asus ROG Ally X.

      The Server Slam play test for Arc Raiders has kicked off ahead of its full release on October 30. This event appears to be boosting the game’s popularity significantly. Currently, the extraction shooter from Embark Studios, the developer behind The Finals, is ranked fourth on the SteamDB global sales chart, surpassing both Borderlands 4 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 in sales.

      Linux Performance

      Intriguingly, during the free playtest, it was discovered that Arc Raiders runs almost perfectly on Linux, even with Embark’s use of Easy Anti-Cheat. While there were some past issues reported on ProtonDB regarding Linux performance, the latest version of the game appears to work smoothly across various Linux distributions without requiring adjustments. As of now, A1RM4X has been live-streaming gameplay of Arc Raiders on Linux for over three hours with no apparent problems.

      Hardware Compatibility

      The hardware you use for Arc Raiders on Linux doesn’t seem to be a big issue. Players using both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards have reported positive experiences. There’s also little reason to believe that Linux support for Arc Raiders will vanish soon, as Embark has a history of being supportive of Linux. For instance, their previous title, The Finals, remains playable on Linux nearly two years post-launch.

      Anti-Cheat Measures

      Both Arc Raiders and The Finals utilize Easy Anti-Cheat, which, despite its limited usage among various developers, comes with built-in compatibility for Linux. It will be interesting to see how effective Easy Anti-Cheat is in preventing cheating in Arc Raiders after its launch. Given that it is a competitive online PvPvE game, some cheating might be expected. However, past experiences show that even the most rigorous anti-cheat systems can’t always eliminate cheaters completely.

      System Requirements

      Arc Raiders has fairly modest minimum system requirements, so devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S (currently priced at $649.99 from Lenovo US) or the Asus ROG Ally X running SteamOS should handle it well, maintaining good frame rates.

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    • Fighting Game Franchise Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass

      Fighting Game Franchise Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass

      Key Takeaways

      1. Microsoft may add Mortal Kombat 1 to Game Pass Premium amid rising subscription prices.
      2. Promotional materials for Mortal Kombat 1 have appeared in the Xbox Game Pass section of the Microsoft Store.
      3. Many gamers are hesitant to subscribe to Game Pass due to the new pricing and the cost of Mortal Kombat 1.
      4. Current Game Pass subscribers could soon play Mortal Kombat 1, which is a reboot of the franchise.
      5. Official confirmation from Microsoft is pending, but Mortal Kombat 1 might be included in the Game Pass lineup for November or December.

      Amid the recent hikes in prices for Game Pass subscriptions and the backlash that followed, it looks like Microsoft might be adding a game from the Mortal Kombat series to Game Pass Premium.

      Possible Hints on Mortal Kombat 1

      Recently, there have been some promotional materials for Mortal Kombat 1 spotted on the Xbox Game Pass section of the Microsoft Store (according to VGT Gaming News on X). Even though the Mortal Kombat franchise is very popular, many gamers aren’t too excited. This is partly due to the new pricing for Game Pass, where buying Mortal Kombat 1 directly costs about the same as just one month of Game Pass. For a lot of players, it seems illogical to pay for a subscription when a big part of the fun comes from competitive multiplayer, which is essential to the Mortal Kombat games.

      Exciting Times for Current Subscribers

      If you’re already subscribed to Game Pass, you might soon get the chance to play the newest entry in this iconic fighting series. Mortal Kombat 1 is actually the twelfth game in the lineup, but it acts as a reboot, offering a new take on some classic characters and memorable fatalities that have defined the fighting game world since the early 2000s.

      Waiting for Official Confirmation

      As of now, Microsoft hasn’t confirmed that Mortal Kombat 1 will join Game Pass, and it hasn’t shown up in previous leaks about upcoming Game Pass titles. However, since Microsoft refreshes the Game Pass game list every month, it seems probable that Mortal Kombat 1 could be included in the line-up for November or December.

      Mortal Kombat 1 has a Gold Proton rating, meaning it should run smoothly on handheld gaming devices using Linux, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S (currently priced at $683 on Amazon).

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    • Cute Base Building Game from Kurzgesagt Launches on Steam with Discount

      Cute Base Building Game from Kurzgesagt Launches on Steam with Discount

      Key Takeaways

      1. Game Overview: Kurzgesagt launched “Star Birds” in early access on Steam, offering a cozy base-building and resource management game with charming animations and a relaxing experience.

      2. Gameplay Focus: Players guide space-traveling birds in a non-competitive environment, focusing on expanding territories, collecting resources, and automating processes without intense adversarial challenges.

      3. Visual Style: The game features Kurzgesagt’s signature bubbly, vector-style art with whimsical designs, ensuring each asteroid is unique due to procedural generation.

      4. Positive Reception: “Star Birds” has received an 85% positive review score from 185 reviews shortly after launch, highlighting its enjoyable art style and accessibility.

      5. Accessibility and Compatibility: The game is user-friendly with minimal system requirements and is compatible with devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S running SteamOS, currently available at a launch discount of $17.99.

      Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, the well-known YouTube channel recognized for its charming animations of adorable birds that break down complex subjects, has launched Star Birds in early access on Steam. This new game immerses players into the delightful universe seen in their videos, blending cozy gameplay with base-building elements, resource management, and automation simulation, even though it wasn’t intended to be a detailed or precise simulation.

      A New Relaxing Experience

      According to the team at Kurzgesagt, the aim of Star Birds was to design a “calm asteroid base-building and resource management game” that would attract both seasoned players and newcomers in the genre. It’s still in the early access phase, but feedback suggests that Kurzgesagt, along with Toukana Interactive — the developers of Dorfromantik — have succeeded, achieving an 85% positive review score so far.

      Gameplay Dynamics

      The mechanics of Star Birds combine classic base-building and resource management features. You guide a team of space-traveling birds on a quest for survival throughout the galaxy. Rather than the intense struggle against adversaries found in FPS survival games like Astrometica, Star Birds opts for a more comfortable and satisfying experience. Players find joy in expanding their territories, collecting resources, crafting new items, and automating their production and harvesting processes as they progress. There are no major boss fights, allowing players to enjoy the game at a relaxed pace.

      Visuals and Compatibility

      In line with its gameplay, the visuals are distinctly cozy, showcasing Kurzgesagt’s signature bubbly, vector-style art and whimsical character and environment designs. Players will spend a lot of time observing some quite unusual asteroids, making the mining areas resemble a 360-degree camera view in “tiny world” mode. While the overall aesthetic remains consistent, each asteroid has unique traits, and procedural generation ensures every playthrough feels new. With a spacious user interface, minimal system requirements, and a Platinum score on ProtonDB, Star Birds is also compatible with devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S (currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon) running SteamOS.

      Star Birds has garnered an 85% positive rating from 185 reviews, an impressive feat considering these were accumulated within just a day. Although there are some complaints regarding UI scaling and a few bugs — which are typical for a day-one early access release — the majority of reviews commend Star Birds for its enjoyable art style, easy accessibility, and relaxed gameplay experience. It appears to be a perfect game for playing with children or for anyone new to base-building and resource management genres, and with a 10% launch discount, it’s available for $17.99.

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    • Boost Elden Ring FPS on Lenovo Legion Go S with Lossless Scaling

      Boost Elden Ring FPS on Lenovo Legion Go S with Lossless Scaling

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Lenovo Legion Go S benefits significantly from Lossless Scaling, which boosts FPS in games without native support.
      2. The device features an 8-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate, 32 GB of RAM, and an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.
      3. Performance tests showed Elden Ring’s FPS increased from 40-50 to 70-80 FPS with Lossless Scaling enabled.
      4. Oblivion Remastered’s FPS improved from 40 FPS to around 70 FPS after activating Lossless Scaling, resulting in smoother gameplay.
      5. Lossless Scaling enhances performance and battery life on handheld devices, making them more efficient for users.

      A recent experiment conducted by YouTuber ETA PRIME shows how the Lenovo Legion Go S (now priced at $729 on Amazon) greatly advantages from Lossless Scaling. This is a frame generation tool that increases FPS in games that do not have native support. The video features the handheld device running SteamOS while playing games like Elden Ring and Oblivion Remastered at noticeably higher frame rates.

      Specifications Overview

      The Legion Go S showcased in the video comes equipped with an 8-inch IPS display that has a 120 Hz variable refresh rate. It also includes 32 GB of RAM and is powered by an 8-core, 16-thread Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. This version, which runs on SteamOS, is distinct from the Windows version that uses the Ryzen Z2 Go APU, which we have previously reviewed, although many hardware design aspects are similar.

      Previously, we pointed out its comfortable grip, solid build quality, and the upscale feel of its large 8-inch screen. These features continue to highlight the unique aspects of the Legion Go S. For a detailed exploration of its design and user-friendliness, you can check out our complete review of the Windows version or watch the video.

      Performance Insights

      In performance evaluations, ETA PRIME observed that Elden Ring at 900p on high settings achieved around 40–50 FPS while using 18 W TDP. However, once Lossless Scaling was activated, the frame rate improved dramatically, averaging between 70 and 80 FPS.

      On the other hand, Oblivion Remastered initially provided an average of 40 FPS at 900p with medium settings when frame generation was off. After enabling FSR, it saw an increase to 60 FPS but experienced occasional drops to 55 FPS or lower. When ETA PRIME turned on Lossless Scaling at 2x, the game played smoothly, maintaining around 70 FPS and even hitting 80 FPS in some areas.

      Conclusion

      The core concept behind Lossless Scaling is straightforward: it seeks to enhance performance while consuming less power, thus prolonging battery life on handheld devices and making them more efficient for users on the go.

      ETA PRIME delves deeper into how Lossless Scaling functions on the SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S, so be sure to check out the complete video below. In it, they also examine Lossless Scaling in Cyberpunk 2077, where they encounter some ghosting issues, but you’ll gain a clearer understanding by watching it for yourself.

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      Boost Elden Ring FPS on Lenovo Legion Go S with Lossless Scaling

       

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    • SteamOS Beta Expands Support for Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld

      SteamOS Beta Expands Support for Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Lenovo Legion Go S is a strong competitor to the Valve Steam Deck due to its SteamOS compatibility.
      2. SteamOS beta update allows direct customization of joystick RGB settings through the Steam client.
      3. The update includes bug fixes for the system file browser and high contrast mode.
      4. Recent enhancements support third-party handhelds, including improved compatibility for the Asus ROG Ally X display and controllers.
      5. The Lenovo Legion Go S is available for $649.99 on Amazon (Windows version) and $599.99 at Best Buy (SteamOS version).

      The Lenovo Legion Go S has shown to be a remarkable gaming handheld in our latest device review, with its SteamOS compatibility making it a strong rival against the Valve Steam Deck. Windows users typically rely on Lenovo Legion Space to customize features such as the joystick RGB settings, whereas Linux users had to depend on unusual methods involving Decky Loader plugins and terminal commands.

      New Features in SteamOS

      In the latest SteamOS beta update (you can find the patch notes here), Valve has introduced the option to modify the RGB LEDs on the joysticks of the Legion Go S directly through the Steam client. You can access these new settings by navigating to Settings→Customisation. The update also includes various bug fixes addressing issues with the system file browser and high contrast mode.

      Enhancements for Gaming Devices

      The inclusion of RGB controls may appear to be a simple enhancement for SteamOS, but it emphasizes the growing compatibility for devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S and other gaming handhelds from third parties. Previous improvements to the third-party handheld experience featured enhanced support for the Asus ROG Ally X display and its controllers, as well as frame-rate caps for VRR displays. Additional updates for the Legion Go S included features such as charge rate limits, a SteamOS compatibility indicator, built-in firmware updates for controllers, and a repair tool for both the Legion Go S and Steam Deck.

      Where to Buy

      You can find the Windows-based Lenovo Legion Go S on Amazon for the current price of $649.99 or the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S at Best Buy for a current price of $599.99.

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    • $15 Co-op FPS Launches in Early Access After 120K Steam Demo Players

      $15 Co-op FPS Launches in Early Access After 120K Steam Demo Players

      Key Takeaways

      1. Mycopunk will launch in early access on Steam on July 10, with a potential price around $15-$20.
      2. The game features both multiplayer and single-player modes, with a focus on balancing based on player feedback during early access.
      3. Players will control quirky robotic outcasts working to combat a hazardous fungal infection in a chaotic shooter setting.
      4. The game supports four-player co-op and offers significant weapon upgrades, customization options, and diverse builds.
      5. Positive feedback was received during the demo phase, and the game is expected to be compatible with devices like the Steam Deck.

      When we first talked about Mycopunk, we didn’t know when it would be out. However, the developer has now confirmed that it will launch on July 10. Now that day is here, as Pigeons at Play and Devolver Digital are all set for the chaotic new shooter to enter early access on Steam.

      Pricing Insights

      The price hasn’t been disclosed yet, but the publisher recently took a jab at Borderlands 4 and its creator, Randy Pitchford, on social media platform X. They hinted that Mycopunk will be priced at or below $20. When Borderlands 4 was rumored to cost $80, the publisher remarked, “You can get Mycopunk for you and three of your pals for the price of a single copy of Borderlands 4.” This was later updated to say you could buy “4.6 copies of it for the price of one Borderlands,” which places the estimated price around $15.

      Game Features

      Earlier this year, Mycopunk generated excitement with a free demo during Steam Next Fest, attracting over 120,000 players. According to the announcement for early access, this initial version of the game will include a variety of features for both multiplayer and single-player experiences. Pigeons at Play stated, “We believe there’s enough content in Mycopunk for a full 1.0 release,” but they want to use early access to balance the game based on player feedback. They also assured fans that they won’t “ruin your favorite build or weapon interaction,” suggesting there will be numerous “broken” weapons or builds in the game. The development team aims to ensure everything is finely tuned. They plan to use the early access phase and frequent updates leading to the 1.0 launch to create a “constantly evolving” story, with each update supposedly linked to the narrative in some way.

      Gameplay Experience

      In Mycopunk, players assume the roles of quirky robotic outcasts working under corporate bosses as part of the New Atlas Hazard Crew, tasked with tackling a hazardous fungal infection that threatens the galaxy. This chaotic shooter will take you across New Atlas on special missions aimed at eliminating the ever-changing fungal menace. Players will uncover details about their mysterious enemy, the world at stake, and the corporation sending them into battle. The updates following the early access launch will introduce new weapons and gear, along with upgrades to current equipment, all aimed at combating the fungal threat on New Atlas. The game supports four-player co-op gameplay but can also be played solo for those without friends.

      So far, the response to the game’s Next Fest demo has been quite positive, with Reddit users praising its replayability, significant weapon upgrades, and customization options, as well as the diversity of builds. The stylized graphics and quirky NPCs also received a lot of love, enhancing the gritty punk vibe and personality of the game.

      Compatibility and Performance

      Mycopunk is currently un-rated for the Valve Steam Deck or SteamOS, but the developer confirmed on Reddit that they received plenty of positive feedback from the Steam Deck community during the demo phase, showing no signs of withdrawing support. The game’s replayability and light system demands could make it a good fit for devices like the Lenovo Legion GO S (currently priced at $589.99 on Amazon) running SteamOS.

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    • Charming 1997 Platformer Remaster Set for Steam Release Soon

      Charming 1997 Platformer Remaster Set for Steam Release Soon

      Key Takeaways

      1. Game Overview: Croc Legend of the Gobbos features a small crocodile on a quest to save Gobbos from the evil Baron Dante, involving puzzles and exploration.

      2. Steam Release: The game, previously available on GOG, is set to launch on Steam, with a price of $29.99 on GOG and a release date “Coming soon.”

      3. Gameplay Duration: Players can expect 6–10 hours of gameplay, depending on exploration, filled with environmental puzzles and collectibles.

      4. Positive Reception: The game has received favorable feedback on Reddit, with nostalgia for its early gaming experiences and improved gameplay in the remastered version.

      5. Game Preservation: The release signals a commitment to preserving classic games and their history, aligning with the Stop Killing Games movement.

      If you were a kid during the early Sony PlayStation era, you might remember the game Croc Legend of the Gobbos. In this adventure, players control a little crocodile as he journeys through Gobbo Island, solving various puzzles, saving tiny creatures called Gobbos, and collecting items along the way.

      A Charming Adventure

      Croc Legend of the Gobbos takes you on a delightful adventure with a lovable, small crocodile who only has his famous backpack and a wiggly tail to help him. He jumps, runs, climbs, swims, and spins his way through distinct worlds on a mission to save his adopted family of Gobbos from the evil sorcerer Baron Dante and his mischievous Dantini minions.

      Exciting News for Gamers

      Although Croc Legend of the Gobbos has been available on GOG since April 2025, it is now set to launch on Steam. The exact price is still unknown, but it currently retails for $29.99 on GOG. The release date for Steam hasn’t been officially revealed yet, but there is a detailed Steam page indicating that it will be “Coming soon.” GOG estimates that players can expect around 6–10 hours of gameplay, depending on how much of the game they wish to explore, filled with amusing environmental puzzles, hidden collectibles, and that classic ’90s nostalgia.

      Positive Reception

      Feedback on r/Games on Reddit has been generally favorable, with many users reminiscing about the game as one of their earliest gaming experiences. Some users mention that while the game is quite easy, the remastered version enhances several of the more awkward gameplay aspects found in the original.

      A Step Towards Preservation

      There are also comments pointing out that this wider release signals continued interest from developers and publishers in preserving classic games and the history of video games overall. This is especially relevant today, in light of the Stop Killing Games movement.

      Croc Legend of the Gobbos is expected to perform well on gaming handhelds, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S, which is currently priced at $589.99 on Amazon.

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    • Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage Issues

      Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage Issues

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Lenovo Legion Go S performs better on SteamOS than on Windows, showing higher FPS and better battery life.
      2. In testing, the Legion Go S achieved significantly lower performance on Windows, especially in demanding games like Returnal.
      3. Windows background processes are believed to consume CPU resources, negatively impacting gaming performance compared to SteamOS.
      4. Lowering resolution and graphics settings on Windows improves FPS, but SteamOS still outperforms it at all settings tested.
      5. Microsoft is working on a specialized version of Windows for gaming devices that minimizes background tasks to enhance performance.

      Back in May, we shared that the Lenovo Legion Go S performed better in games when using SteamOS instead of Windows. According to testing by Dave2D, SteamOS not only boosted FPS but also enhanced battery life for the handheld gaming device. Ars Technica also did their own benchmarks comparing Legion Go S on SteamOS with the Windows version, and the findings are quite surprising.

      Testing Details

      Ars Technica evaluated both the Legion Go S with SteamOS and Windows, using graphics drivers from Lenovo and Asus. They found that the performance of the Legion Go S on Windows was consistently lower than on SteamOS, sometimes by significant amounts.

      Among the five games tested, Returnal struggled the most on Windows. The Legion Go S could only achieve an average of 18 FPS and 24 FPS at a resolution of 1920×1200 with “High” settings when using Windows with Lenovo and Asus drivers, respectively. In contrast, it managed to run the game at 33 FPS with the same settings on SteamOS.

      Performance Comparison

      When the resolution was decreased to 1280×800 and graphics settings were lowered to “Low,” the FPS increased to 30 on Windows and 47 on SteamOS. Ars Technica observed a similar trend in Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom: The Dark Ages, though the difference in performance between the two operating systems was not as significant.

      So, what could be causing this?

      It looks like the many background processes running on Windows are stealing CPU time from the games, leading to these performance discrepancies. Windows is known for its numerous background tasks, such as managing the Desktop, which takes away valuable CPU resources. The kernel assigns a block of CPU time to handle these processes.

      Understanding the Bottleneck

      At lower resolutions and settings, the CPU performance tends to be the main limitation for most games. Therefore, Windows is using critical CPU resources that could be better spent on gaming, creating a noticeable drop in performance. In contrast, SteamOS appears to be less demanding in terms of CPU-intensive tasks, which may explain why it outperforms Windows in some situations.

      Luckily, Microsoft seems to be addressing this problem, as seen with the ROG Xbox Ally handheld console, which runs a specialized version of Windows. This “Xbox” edition of Windows reportedly minimizes background tasks, like loading the Desktop, enhancing performance and energy efficiency. As this gaming-focused version of Windows is likely to appear on more portable consoles, we hope Microsoft will resolve these issues permanently.

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      Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage IssuesLenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage Issues
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