Legion Go S Z1 Extreme Outperforms Steam Deck in Forza Horizon 6 Tests

The recent performance analysis of Forza Horizon 6 across various SteamOS-powered handhelds has highlighted a significant disparity in gaming capabilities, particularly between the Legion Go S with Ryzen Z1 Extreme and the Steam Deck OLED. Testing by ETA Prime revealed that the Ryzen Z1 Extreme model achieved frame rates up to 103% higher than the Steam Deck when both devices were evaluated at 720p resolution.

Performance Breakdown

Three devices were tested: the Steam Deck OLED, the Legion Go S with Ryzen Z2 Go, and the Legion Go S with Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Each device was assessed on its ability to handle demanding gaming scenarios, such as 1080p gameplay with FSR Balanced Mode. The results showed that the Z1 Extreme excels in performance metrics and graphical fidelity, although it slightly reduces battery life.

The Steam Deck OLED, while not the leader in raw performance, boasts an impressive 800p OLED display, making it a strong choice for gamers who prioritize visual quality. It maintained stable performance even at lower resolutions, appealing to casual gamers who may not require the highest frame rates.

Meanwhile, the Legion Go S with Ryzen Z2 Go provided a middle ground, balancing performance and efficiency. It displayed moderate improvements over the Steam Deck OLED, offering slightly better battery life while still delivering commendable gaming performance.

Battery Life Comparisons

Battery life was another critical factor in the analysis. The devices exhibited minimal differences in endurance, with the Legion Go S Ryzen Z2 Go leading the pack at 2 hours and 25 minutes of gameplay. The Z1 Extreme followed closely with 2 hours and 13 minutes, while the Steam Deck OLED lagged behind at 2 hours and 5 minutes. These figures underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing power and efficiency in handheld gaming.

Conclusion

Each of these handhelds presents unique features and performance capabilities tailored to different gaming preferences. The Legion Go S with Ryzen Z1 Extreme may attract hardcore gamers seeking top-tier performance, while the Steam Deck OLED remains a solid option for those who value display quality. As the handheld gaming market evolves, these insights provide valuable guidance for potential buyers navigating the trade-offs between graphical fidelity, battery life, and overall performance.