Valve hasn't unleashed any Black Friday deals yet, so I'm glad Lenovo's souped-up Steam Deck is under $500

Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS edition with grey and orange GamesRadar+ backdrop. — (Image credit: Future / Lenovo)

I want to see Black Friday Steam Deck deals as much as the next handheld expert, but Valve might be a little preoccupied. That's understandable given it just added the Steam Machine and a new VR headset to its hardware family, and its portable PC is already competitively priced. However, there is a Lenovo alternative out there right now that's rocking SteamOS for under $500, and it could be a nice option for anyone tempted by premium options.

The discounted handheld in question is the Lenovo Legion Go S, specifically the SteamOS edition with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. It's down to $449.99 from $649.99 at Best Buy, courtesy of an early Black Friday deal, and the offer means it's $100 less than a Steam Deck OLED and only $50 more than the LCD model.

Even as someone who still thinks the Steam Deck is the best gaming handheld for most players, that's a standout offer on the Legion Go S. Not only are the specs pretty similar to Valve's handheld within, but Lenovo's alternative is rocking a larger 8-inch display, better controls than the first Legion Go, and perks like adjustable triggers. I've got some close-ups below, but they are of the white model rather than the discounted black variant.

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Side view of Lenovo Legion Go S with close up of textured grip and back curve — (Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

I'd go as far as to say that if you've been eyeing up the ROG Xbox Ally X's cheaper white sibling, I'd seriously consider a Legion Go S instead. Technically speaking, the Windows 11 version is more comparable since it should get access to the Full Screen Experience that'll make it feel more console-like. But, both are rocking similar AMD Ryzen Z2 APUs that are in the same ballpark as the Steam Deck performance-wise, and you could always install Microsoft's operating system down the road (and not pay $899.99 for it pre-loaded, yeesh).

Reviewing the Windows 11 version proved to be tremendously difficult. It really left an impression with its excellent integrated controls (bye bye detachable TrueStrike pads), great colors via its 1200p 120Hz IPS display, and nicer feeling build quality than the original. All of that couldn't save it from its remarkably high price point and general Windows awkwardness at the time, so you could say the SteamOS edition makes up for that at its current price.

Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam Big Picture Mode on screen with pink and blue lights in backdrop. — (Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

What I will say is that the Steam Deck OLED still wins out for me thanks to its more vibrant screen tech and its overall design. If you do care about elevated colors and contrast, or you're just too used to the visuals at this point thanks to your gaming monitor, I'd maybe just wait for Valve discounts. That said, the Legion Go S is a solid alternative that takes a different spin on some features, and it's one of the only handhelds out there with a Black Friday discount.

Look, if the Asus ROG Ally and its kin actually join in the sale, you'll be the first to know. I feel like some portable politics is going on this year with Windows 11 devices, though, and it might be to help the Xbox Ally range save face.

Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS (1TB/32GB) | ~~$899.99~~ $649.99 at Best Buy
More gaming handhelds at Best Buy

Looking for more discounts? Swing by Black Friday retro deals for classic consoles. If it's screen savings you seek, Black Friday gaming monitor deals and Black Friday 120Hz 4K TV deals will see you right this year.

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Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.

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