New Legion Go S Test Reveals Slower Ryzen Z2 Go Graphics Performance

Forbes - Jan 22nd, 2025

The Lenovo Legion Go S, a new handheld gaming device featuring the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, is experiencing a staggered release. While US customers will have to wait until February 14, 2025, for its release, some UK customers have already received their pre-orders, despite retailers listing a January 22, 2025, shipping date. A YouTube channel, Mash IT, has provided an early unboxing video, showcasing the device's performance through a 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. The graphics performance of the Legion Go S is reportedly 16% lower than its predecessor, the Legion Go, and 9% slower than the ROG Ally X, both of which feature the more powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.

These early performance results add to the intrigue surrounding the Legion Go S, as the device attempts to carve out a space in the competitive handheld gaming market. While the initial graphics performance may not surpass its competitors, the device's overall appeal will depend on additional factors such as battery life and real-world gaming tests, which are still pending. The mixed release timeline and performance benchmarks highlight the challenges and anticipation surrounding new gaming devices, and potential buyers are advised to wait for more comprehensive reviews in the coming months.

Lenovo Legion Go S Amd Ryzen Z2 Go Mash It 3 D Mark Time Spy Handheld Gaming Performance Benchmark

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and clear overview of the Lenovo Legion Go S, focusing on its release dates and performance metrics. It effectively communicates technical details to a tech-savvy audience, though it relies heavily on a single source for performance data, which may affect its accuracy and credibility. The story lacks balance, as it does not include perspectives from a range of stakeholders, such as Lenovo or other tech experts. While the article is relevant to those interested in gaming technology, its engagement and impact are limited by the absence of broader industry insights and potential biases. Overall, the article serves its purpose but could benefit from more comprehensive sourcing and a wider range of viewpoints to enhance its reliability and depth.

Accuracy

The story presents factual claims about the release date and performance of the Lenovo Legion Go S, but some details require verification. The release date discrepancy between the US and UK is a key point, with Best Buy listing February 14, 2025, while UK customers have already received their devices. This suggests a need for further confirmation from Lenovo or retailers. The performance comparison using 3DMark Time Spy scores is specific and credible, as it provides numerical data, yet it relies on a single source, Mash IT, which might not represent broader testing results. Overall, the story is mostly accurate but contains elements that need further substantiation.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the Legion Go S's performance metrics and comparisons with other devices like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck. While it discusses both positive and negative aspects of the Legion Go S, such as its graphics performance and processor limitations, it lacks perspectives from other stakeholders, such as Lenovo, retailers, or additional tech reviewers. This narrow focus could lead to a skewed perception of the product's overall value and market position.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with straightforward language and a logical structure. It effectively communicates the main points about the Legion Go S's release and performance. However, the inclusion of unrelated security alerts and Gmail upgrade notices disrupts the flow and could confuse readers about the article's focus. Overall, the clarity is high, but could be improved by maintaining a consistent topic.

Source quality

The primary source for performance data is the Mash IT YouTube channel, which may not meet the rigorous standards of established tech review sites. While Mash IT provides valuable insights, reliance on a single, potentially non-expert source raises questions about the reliability of the data. The article does not cite Lenovo or other authoritative sources for confirmation of release dates or additional performance metrics, which would enhance credibility.

Transparency

The article provides some transparency by detailing the benchmarking process and results. However, it lacks transparency regarding the broader context of the data, such as whether other reviewers have corroborated the findings or if there are potential conflicts of interest with Mash IT. Additionally, the absence of commentary from Lenovo or other manufacturers leaves readers without a full understanding of the competitive landscape.