Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS and Windows benchmarks show limitations of a rumored new Xbox handheld

The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is ready to ship from retailers. However, Valve has already made its operating system available to install on non-Steam Deck handhelds. Dave2D just ran benchmarks comparing the Legion Go S running both Windows and SteamOS. The results show why some gamers wish a new Xbox handheld game console would abandon Microsoft's software.

It's not surprising that the Legion Go S would benefit from a more efficient operating system. Still, Dave2D emphasized how much of a stark difference SteamOS makes. Frame rates were noticeably improved in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, and The Witcher 3. Battery life was dramatically superior to that of the Lenovo handheld using Windows. In some cases, the new Legion Go S lasted more than twice as long as its Windows counterpart before needing recharging.

Rumors are that Microsoft is collaborating with Asus for a Windows-based Xbox handheld. Project Kennan may feature a customized UI that streamlines navigation. Nevertheless, it would face the same limitations as the Legion Go S with Windows. Even removing bloatware likely wouldn't achieve the same advantages experienced with SteamOS.

With the two Legion Go S handheld game consoles running the same hardware, contrasts in usability were also obvious. Dave2D noted how reliable the SteamOS variant is in properly waking up or staying in sleep mode. The Windows model is also $729.99 without discounts compared to the $599.99 SteamOS alternative. Even though the more expensive option has double the memory, the Windows license adds to the cost of handhelds.

A recent job listing hinted that Microsoft may use an Arm-based processor on future Xbox consoles. Windows Central's Jez Corden dismissed the idea, but the chip would allow for more efficient performance. For now, it seems the company is more likely to use AMD Ryzen processors. On the other hand, there are rumblings about a lower-power alternative. 

It's doubtful Microsoft would ever embrace SteamOS, but many gamers wish it would develop more mobile-friendly software.