Ryzen Z2G CPU Drives Lenovo Legion Go S: New $650 Gaming Handheld Features 8-Inch Display, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD

The buzz surrounding handheld gaming devices just got a bit louder. Rumor has it that Lenovo is set to introduce a new player in the line-up: the budget-friendly Legion Go S. Thanks to some insider scoop from WinFuture, we might be seeing the first handheld device showcasing AMD’s yet-to-be-launched Z2G APUs, expected on the scene in 2025. This device is likely to offer impressive features like a 120Hz 1080p display, 512GB SSD storage, and 16GB of RAM.

Now, let’s dive into what’s under the hood. The Ryzen Z2G, short for Z2 Go, takes its roots from AMD’s Rembrandt architecture, decked out with eight Zen 3+ CPU cores along with an integrated RDNA 2 GPU packing 12 Compute Units. Although it might not flaunt the cutting-edge features of AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 300 series or even the Phoenix series, the Z2G is designed to be more cost-effective. This means the retail price might not pinch your wallet as much. Technically speaking, it resembles AMD’s Ryzen 7 6800U, sharing its 16MB L3 cache and 4MB L2 cache. We could see a bump up in clock speeds, now at 4.7 GHz, though major performance boosts aren’t on the horizon.

Designed with practicality in mind, the Legion Go S boasts 16GB of soldered LPDDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD using the compact M.2 2242 form factor. Connectivity won’t be an issue, thanks to support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The screen technology—an 8-inch 1080p IPS panel running at a smooth 120 Hz—is noteworthy, though it doesn’t quite match the vibrant depth of an OLED display. To put it in perspective, the Steam Deck OLED kicks off at $549 with a slower processor, showcasing the trade-offs involved.

Moreover, the device comes equipped with a 55.5Wh battery, which is bigger than its predecessor, though its runtime might be curtailed by the somewhat dated architecture. However, there’s a nifty feature—the Vantage app—which lets you set a custom charging threshold. This allows you to run your device purely on AC power if you want to preserve the battery’s longevity.

On a slightly sour note, the Legion Go S comes with built-in controllers, limiting compatibility with third-party options. It’s uncertain if Hall Effect technology is employed in the joysticks and triggers, which could be a setback for those who like swapping out for custom controllers. A peek at some European retailers suggests an initial price point of $650. Without VAT, it lands around $500, just slightly under the more capable original Legion Go with its superior processor and display.

We’re looking forward to seeing the Lenovo Legion Go S make its debut next month at CES. It’s likely this event will also showcase AMD’s Z2 series of APUs along with other new launches. Keep in mind that the final retail price could shift and might be more budget-friendly when the device officially hits the market.