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The 2024 ASUS ROG Ally X is the stronger choice for gaming performance and battery life in Tom’s Guide’s comparison with a Windows Lenovo Legion Go S using the Ryzen Z2 Go. The Go S counters with a larger display, useful control features, and a SteamOS option on select configurations. Those findings apply to the tested models—not every Legion Go S: Lenovo sells different processor and operating-system versions, so check the exact SKU before comparing.
Which models are being compared?
Tom’s Guide compared a Windows Legion Go S with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD against the 2024 ROG Ally X with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 24GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD. Lenovo also offers Legion Go S configurations with different processors and operating systems. The benchmark results below do not establish how a Go S with a different processor performs.
ASUS identifies the 2024 Ally X as a Windows 11 device. Lenovo’s Legion Go S Gen 1 product family page includes Windows 11 and SteamOS configurations. Verify the operating system and processor on the specific listing; the interface and compatibility experience depend on the SKU.
Specs at a glance
| Specification | Lenovo Legion Go S (Tom’s Guide test unit) | ASUS ROG Ally X (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Memory and storage | 32GB RAM; 1TB SSD | 24GB RAM; 1TB SSD |
| Display | 8-inch, 1920 × 1200, 16:10 LCD, 120Hz | 7-inch, 1920 × 1080, 16:9 LCD, 120Hz |
| Battery capacity | 55.5Wh on Lenovo’s cited SteamOS configuration | 80Wh, according to ASUS |
| Operating system | Windows 11 or SteamOS, depending on configuration | Windows 11 |
Specifications are from Tom’s Guide’s comparison and the manufacturers’ product information: Tom’s Guide, Lenovo, and ASUS. The battery-capacity figure for the Go S is specifically for the cited SteamOS configuration, not every version.
#1 Best Overall
- ALL GAMES, ALL PLACES, ALL YOURS – Get ready to game on the 8" 120Hz Lenovo PureSight display and launch any title using Legion Space. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor and AMD Radeon graphics deliver incredible gaming performance.
- SEE EVERY DETAIL – Make every scene pop with 500 nits of stunning brightness and 100% sRGB color accuracy. And with 10-point touch support, your interactions are as precise as your aim.
- PLAY YOUR WAY – Play hundreds of high-quality PC games with your complimentary 3 months of PC Game Pass and EA Play. With new games added all the time, there’s always something new to play.
- POWER-UP AND GO – When it comes to gaming on the go, battery life is everything. The Lenovo Legion Go S is built with a robust 55.5Whr battery that delivers the long-lasting power you need for extended play sessions.
- TAKE FULL CONTROL – Get ready to dominate with the ergonomic Legion TrueStrike Controllers, designed for all-day comfort and precision. With their anti-slip texture, you’ll stay in control during even the most intense battles.
How do they compare in games?
In Tom’s Guide’s 720p built-in benchmarks, the Ally X led in two of the three listed games. The Go S narrowly led in Assassin’s Creed Mirage; results varied by title.
| Game (720p) | Legion Go S, Ryzen Z2 Go | ROG Ally X, Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 32 fps | 31 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 5 fps | 9 fps |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 23 fps | 26 fps |
Tom’s Guide also reported Doom Eternal running at roughly 45–50 fps on the Ally X at 720p and medium settings, compared with 40–45 fps on the Go S at 720p and low settings. Because the Go S used lower settings for that comparison, those figures are not a like-for-like settings test. All these results describe the reviewed units and test conditions; they are not guarantees for other games or Legion Go S configurations.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL PROCESSOR: Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, delivering smooth and responsive gaming performance on the go.
- STUNNING DISPLAY: Features an 8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid, tear-free visuals during fast-paced gameplay.
- SEAMLESS OS EXPERIENCE: Runs on SteamOS, giving you direct access to your Steam library and a console-like handheld gaming experience.
- AMPLE MEMORY & STORAGE: Comes equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for fast load times and plenty of space for your game library.
- PORTABLE GAMING POWERHOUSE: Compact handheld design lets you enjoy full PC gaming titles anywhere, combining power and portability in one device.
For a buyer choosing between these specific Windows models, the Z1 Extreme Ally X is the more reliable pick if gaming performance is the priority. The comparison does not show how a Legion Go S with a different processor, such as another available configuration, stacks up against it.
Which screen is better?
The Go S gives you a larger, higher-resolution display: 8 inches at 1920 × 1200 in a 16:10 format, versus the Ally X’s 7-inch 1920 × 1080 16:9 screen. Both are 120Hz LCDs, not OLED panels. The Go S’s extra screen area can make games and menus feel less cramped, while the Ally X’s smaller panel may suit someone who prefers a more compact display.
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- MAX POWER, YOUR RULES – Play your way with the Lenovo Legion Go 2. Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor, a vibrant 8.8" 144Hz Lenovo PureSight OLED gaming display, and a massive 74Whr battery, it’s built to push further, game longer, and stay unplugged.
- MAX COOLING, MANUAL CONTROL – The Legion Coldfront thermal system is built to handle serious heat. Increased radiators and fan blade’s surface area improves the airflow without increasing the noise. Upgraded dual heat pipes distribute heat more efficiently to keep your rig powerful and precise.
- UNLOCK MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY – Experience total freedom with the Legion Truestrike controllers. In FPS mode, the right controller can be detached, docked and operated as a mouse, giving you the edge in every firefight.
- SPEED + IMMERSION – The OLED gaming panel combines blazing speed and visual depth in a single, immersive experience. Game without compromise aided by the ultra-fast response rates, perfect blacks, and vivid color.
- BUILT TO OUTLAST – The Legion Go 2 packs 74Whr of serious staying power. That means longer sessions, higher settings, and fewer compromises, whether you're gaming at full performance or tweaking settings on the go.
In Tom’s Guide’s measurements, the Ally X was brighter at 523 nits versus 455 nits for the Go S. The Go S measured 119.7% sRGB coverage, 84.8% DCI-P3 coverage, and 0.24 Delta-E; the Ally X measured 112.7% sRGB, 79.8% DCI-P3, and 0.36 Delta-E. These are that publication’s lab results: they favor the Ally X for brightness and the Go S for the reported color coverage and accuracy.
How long does the battery last?
Tom’s Guide measured 3 hours 4 minutes for the Ally X and 1 hour 42 minutes for its tested Go S during continuous Wi-Fi web surfing with each display set to 150 nits. This was a web-browsing battery test, not a gaming-runtime test; game power use varies with title, settings, and device configuration.
The capacities also differ: ASUS lists an 80Wh battery for the Ally X, while Lenovo lists 55.5Wh for its cited SteamOS Go S configuration. Capacity alone does not determine how long a handheld lasts in a particular game or workload.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about controls, comfort, and portability?
Windows Central reports that the Go S has Hall Effect sticks, a small touchpad, and adjustable trigger switches. Its rounded grips and shape were described positively for comfort, but hand fit is personal. ASUS describes the Ally X as redesigned for ergonomics and lists dual USB Type-C ports. The control layout and feel are worth weighing alongside raw performance, especially if you expect to use the handheld for long sessions.
Best Value
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Lenovo Pure Sight Gaming Display】Feel every pulse of the game with the native landscape 8" Lenovo PureSight display, offering a larger, ultra-vibrant screen. The buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and VRR keep you in perfect sync with the action. Immerse yourself with vivid colors, sharp details, and precise touch control—your world, your game, your rules.
- 【AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor with integrated RDNA graphics】 Experience incredible portable performance that lets you take your gaming adventures anywhere. Powered by the cutting-edge ‘Zen 3’ architecture, the legion go s boasts 4 high-performance CPU cores and 8 threads, delivering ultra-responsive gaming that keeps you ahead of the competition. Elevate your gaming experience to new heights with unmatched speed and efficiency!
- 【Play Your Way With Legion Space】Customize your game with Legion Space. Need more battery in the heat of battle? Adjust power modes on the fly. Want sharper visuals for that boss fight? Boost your resolution mid-game. Fine-tune your joystick sensitivity and create custom profiles for your favorite games —all while jumping between Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and more with one click.
- 【Take Full Control】Dominate with the ergonomic Legion TrueStrike Controllers— the perfect combo of style and function with the iconic Legion design. Switch effortlessly between a short and long trigger press using the adjustable trigger switch for different scenario play. Experience ultra-smooth control with hall effect RGB joysticks, and unleash combos with the large Pivot D-Pad so you're equipped for every game.
Tom’s Guide lists the reviewed Ally X at 1.49 lb and the tested Go S at 1.63 lb. Those are the figures for the specific units in its comparison. Windows Central’s separate comparison with the original ROG Ally gives weights for the Go S and that original model—not the Ally X—so those numbers should not be substituted here.
Quick Recap
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the 2024 ROG Ally X if the cited comparison’s stronger overall gaming results and longer Wi-Fi web-browsing runtime matter most, and you prefer its 7-inch display.
- Choose a Legion Go S if you want a larger 8-inch screen, prefer its reported stick and touchpad features, or specifically want a SteamOS configuration.
- Check the exact Legion Go S SKU before applying the tested Z2 Go results: processor and operating system vary across configurations.
- Compare current local listings before deciding which is better value. Tom’s Guide listed $729 for its 32GB/1TB Z2 Go Windows Go S and $799 for the Ally X in its article, but those are article-time prices, not verified current offers.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
