Head-to-head · Best Handheld Gaming PCs

ASUS ROG Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

ASUS ROG Ally X comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Microsoft ecosystem users seeking Game Pass access — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Handheld Gaming PCs

ASUS ROG Ally X

4.3

The ASUS ROG Ally X represents an incremental but meaningful upgrade to the original handheld PC, featuring a more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor and refined ergonomics. Reviewers noted its improved button placement and slightly better battery life, though the device still falls short in battery endurance. The Xbox-branded interface streamlines access to both Xbox Game Pass and other platforms, though this may not suit users outside the Microsoft ecosystem. Tom's Hardware called it a solid iteration that improves on an already strong foundation, while Reddit users in r/SteamDeck reported mixed feelings about the Xbox UI integration.

Strengths

— Slightly more powerful than predecessor with AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor
— Refined build with comfortable hand grips and improved button layout
— Better battery life compared to original model

Watch-outs

— Battery life still insufficient for extended use
— Xbox UI may not appeal to non-Microsoft ecosystem users

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Ranked #6 in Best Handheld Gaming PCs

Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)

4.2

$730as of Jul 6

The Lenovo Legion Go S is praised as a superior Steam Deck alternative, delivering strong performance for portable AAA gaming with its AMD Z1 Extreme chipset, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. PCMag's Zackery Cuevas called it a 'better Steam Deck' that surpasses expectations, while digitalchumps reviewer Will Silberman noted its ability to run demanding titles like The Last of Us Part II smoothly. However, reviewers criticized the loud fan noise and the limitation that prevents background game updates during sleep mode. This handheld is ideal for gamers seeking SteamOS compatibility and high performance, but may not suit users prioritizing quiet operation or battery efficiency.

Strengths

— Runs graphically intensive games smoothly with consistent framerates
— Features an 8in WUXGA LCD touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate and VRR
— Powered by AMD Z1 Extreme chipset with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for high performance

Watch-outs

— Fan runs loudly even during light usage
— Game installation and updates cannot be done while device is in sleep mode

$730 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASUS ROG Ally X

The ASUS ROG Ally X stands out with its Xbox-branded UI and Game Pass integration, which differentiates it from competitors like the Valve Steam Deck OLED that focuses on SteamOS. However, while it offers slightly better battery life than its predecessor, it still falls short compared to the MSI Claw 8's 80WHr capacity and lacks the raw performance of the Lenovo Legion Go S with its Z1 Extreme chipset.

Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)

The Lenovo Legion Go S outperforms the Steam Deck OLED and Valve Steam Deck OLED in terms of hardware specs, featuring a Z1 Extreme chipset and 32GB RAM, making it superior for graphically intensive games. Unlike the ASUS ROG Ally X, it avoids the Xbox UI but suffers from loud fan noise and lacks the OLED screen quality of the Valve model.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASUS ROG Ally X	Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS)
Processor	AMD Ryzen Z2 A	AMD Z1 Extreme
Display	7 inch, 1920 x 1080 px	8in WUXGA (1900 x 1200)
Memory	16 GB LPDDR5-6400	32GB
Storage	512 GB NVMe PCIe gen 4	1TB M.2 SSD
Graphics	12 RDNA 3 CUs, up to 2.7 GHz	AMD Ryzen Z2 Go
Refresh Rate	120Hz	120Hz
Battery	40 Wh	~55.5Wh

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