- SteamOS boosts the performance of the Lenovo Legion Go S, achieving significant improvements in FPS and battery life compared to Windows 11.
- Tests on games like Returnal and Doom: The Dark Ages show clear advantages for SteamOS on demanding configurations.
- Valve continues to update SteamOS to improve compatibility and stability on consoles like the Legion Go S.
- Microsoft is preparing optimized versions of Windows to compete, but for now SteamOS dominates in efficiency and pure performance in portable gaming.
In recent times, the The fight to become the best PC-type portable console has begun, and at the center of this confrontation we find the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS as a great protagonistUntil recently, Windows 11 was the most common option for devices of this style, but the emergence of Valve's operating system, optimized for gaming, has changed the situation and has opened up new possibilities for users seeking performance and flexibility in the portable game.
Steam OS, developed from Linux and adapted by Valve for its Steam Deck, has proven to be capable of get more out of the hardware compared to Windows 11, all with a more polished experience for gamers. Now that the system can be installed (or purchased pre-installed) on the Lenovo Legion Go S, we've been able to truly test whether the theory holds true outside of Valve's ecosystem. The results leave no doubt.
Head-to-head comparison: SteamOS vs. Windows 11 on the Legion Go S
One of the main reasons to choose SteamOS in the Legion Go S is the pure gaming performance. Tests carried out with titles such as Returnal, Cyberpunk 2077 or Doom: The Dark Ages have put on the table strong differences. For example, with return executed at 1920×1200 and high quality, SteamOS reaches 33 FPS, compared to 18 FPS on Windows 11 with Lenovo drivers, and 24 FPS if ASUS drivers are used.. This represents a increase of more than 80% compared to the standard Windows configuration.
In other demanding scenarios, the advantage also leans toward SteamOS, albeit with less pronounced differences. Cyberpunk 2077 runs slightly better on Valve's platform, while in Borderlands 3 the results are practically equal. At lower resolutions and low graphics settings, such as 1280x800 in "low" mode, the trend persists: SteamOS has the advantage in most cases, especially in games that are very demanding on the CPU or GPU.
The secret of this superiority lies in the fact that SteamOS is designed to focus all hardware resources on the game, eliminating background tasks and other unnecessary processes present in Windows. This optimization results in a smoother execution and a battery that, according to various analyses, can last even twice as long in less demanding titles compared to Microsoft's operating system.
Continuous improvements and user experience in SteamOS
No less important is Valve's effort to improve SteamOS for third-party devices, such as the Legion Go S. The latest updates have added new sections to the library to easily display compatible games, improving usability for those who want to quickly know which titles they can enjoy without problems. Additionally, bugs with the installation of some applications have been resolved and graphical glitches have been fixed in recent games such as Spider-Man Remastered or The Last of Us: Part II.
These improvements aim to make SteamOS the de facto standard on handheld consoles, especially if Microsoft maintains its strategy with full versions of Windows. However, the development of "light" versions of Windows 11 for laptops, with lower resource consumption and better promised performance, although It remains to be seen whether it will be able to match the efficiency offered by Valve's system in the portable gaming environment..
Freedom of choice: which system to install on the Legion Go S
One of the most valued features of the Lenovo Legion Go S It allows you to select from the factory between Windows 11 and SteamOS, or even switch operating systems in minutes. This flexibility allows you to take advantage of the full Windows library or opt for the optimization and additional autonomy offered by SteamOS.
In terms of hardware, the Legion Go S remains one of the most interesting options on the market, with 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen, AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, up to 16GB RAM, and lightning-fast SSD storage. All in a sleek design light and ergonomic, with Hall effect sticks and triggers for greater precision, good autonomy and modern connectivity with WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and latest-generation USB-C ports.
Choosing to install SteamOS not only improves performance in many games, but also offers an interface designed for remote control, frequent updates and an active community that provides feedback and constant improvements.
Some games with strict anti-cheat systems, such as Valorant or League of Legends, may not be compatible with SteamOS, so the decision will also depend on the type of titles each user wants to play on their handheld console.
With manufacturers and developers optimizing software and hardware, the Legion Go S is positioned as one of the most versatile portable consolesThe ability to switch between Windows 11 and SteamOS allows you to adapt the machine to different needs, whether you're playing AAA titles or maximizing battery life during extended sessions away from the power outlet.
The arrival of SteamOS as a real and competitive alternative The Lenovo Legion Go S has been a significant step forward for those seeking the best in portable gaming. So far, tests confirm that Valve's system is more efficient and makes better use of the hardware in most cases, although the competition is still strong: Microsoft and other players are working on improving their specific solutions for this segment. Until then, users can enjoy the best portable gaming experience by choosing the operating system that best suits their preferences and needs.
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