As a tech enthusiast, I do buy a lot of stuff (you know, just doing my bit!), but I believe the Lenovo Legion Go S is the best purchase I've made since the pandemic. The reason why? Sitting in bed and playing Call of Duty multiplayer is one of my new favorite things to do. It does come with some compromises, but playing my favorite game without setting foot on the floor? Worth it.
I spent a lot of time trying to decide which handheld to buy, whether the Steam Deck, the Nintendo Switch 2 or any one of a number of Windows devices. Here's why I chose the Legion Go S and why I'll probably never install SteamOS on it.
Also read: Best Handheld Gaming for 2025
Which handheld should I choose?
The Steam Deck OLED (right) looks compact next to the Legion Go S (left). Scott Stein/CNET
When I was looking for a handheld, I had only tried a handful of them before. I have used the ROG device and both Switches (and I own the original) but have still not played the OG: the Steam Deck. I have also envied friends' Decks, but they have always seemed kinda janky, and you can't play the latest Call of Duty or Battlefield games on SteamOS due to their respective antipiracy restrictions.
I was a little tempted by the prospect of the $450 Nintendo Switch 2, but having to build up a brand new library -- and pay an eye-popping $80 a game -- put me off. With the Legion S, I had the ability to enjoy every PC game I've ever played, and just for an extra $50 over the Switch.
Yes, I have read Scott Stein's review of this Lenovo handheld, but I come at this device from 30 years of playing FPS games on PC. I know a lot about Windows' shortcomings, and its... longcomings? Strengths? Strengths! Even so, I think this PC/gaming hybrid is exactly what I have dreamed about since playing Doom on my first 486.
A PC, but for your hands
My dog was less impressed than me about the Legion Go S Ty Pendlebury/CNET
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