Because the graphical settings listed below are mainly turned all the way in which down already, if you wish to play the most recent video games, you’ll need to compromise by dropping the decision. I didn’t discover the medium choice of 1,600×1,000 that compelling, and some video games didn’t help it in any respect. At 1,280×800, I used to be hanging out extra comfortably within the 45+ vary, which felt playable, however not one of the trendy 3D video games I examined had been capable of break 60 FPS to essentially reap the benefits of the high-refresh panel.
One different callout I wish to make, which I imagine is expounded to CPU efficiency, is the “Shaders Compiling” course of that runs if you launch some new video games takes a particularly very long time on the Go S. I observed it once I first launched Marvel Rivals, and used a well-timed replace to time it. It took over 14 minutes to finish, lengthy sufficient that my associates would already be taking part in with out me by the point I obtained to the primary menu.
{Photograph}: Brad Bourque
The followers on the Legion Go S are additionally surprisingly loud, notably in efficiency mode, sufficient that the particular person sitting subsequent to you on the bus will most likely preserve trying over to wonder if you’re cooking one thing. They’re a bit quieter on the balanced setting, however that causes the GPU and CPU temps to shortly hit 80 levels beneath load.
Battery life isn’t too dangerous in comparison with related methods. I obtained two hours and alter of runtime taking part in Marvel Rivals at full decision and refresh, on Balanced energy, with the display brightness at 35%. I obtained properly over three hours simply jamming video games of Balatro with the identical settings. That’s about the identical as I get taking part in related video games on my Steam Deck, however with a better decision and refresh display, so I’d name {that a} strong victory for the Legion Go S.
A Actual Home windows Handheld?
I can see a few of you licking your chops a few correct Home windows handheld, and I don’t blame you. If you happen to’re prepared to place in some effort, the Legion Go S could possibly be the centerpiece of a really slick transportable desktop setup. I can completely think about having a setup for residence with an exterior GPU and high-end monitor, taking part in some video games on the way in which to the workplace, then plugging in at my desk with extra productivity-focused peripherals.
The largest barrier right here is certainly Home windows, and the distinct lack of help for this type of machine, which can make the SteamOS model extra interesting to informal avid gamers. Lenovo put some effort into making instruments that assist make the expertise work higher, however even these want some polish for usability and responsiveness. Nonetheless, the display is a definite improve from the Steam Deck, even when you received’t get to essentially use it besides whereas taking part in Terraria.
