In this technical comparison between the Lenovo Legion Go S and the Retroid Pocket 5, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of WUXGA (1920 x 1200) for the Legion Go S versus 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) for the Pocket 5.
Choosing between these two Portable Gaming Devices models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $499 USD (SteamOS/Z2 Go model) to $729 USD (Windows/Z1E model) and $199 - $219 USD.
| Specifications |
Lenovo Legion Go S |
Retroid Pocket 5 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | January 2025 | September 2024 |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (Zen 3+, 4-Core / 8-Thread) or AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
| GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics (12-Core RDNA 2 for Z2 Go) | Adreno 650 (587 MHz) |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB LPDDR5X (up to 7500MHz on Z1E models; 6400MHz on Z2 Go) | 8GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB NVMe SSD (M.2 2242 PCIe Gen 4) | 128GB UFS 3.1 |
| Expandable Storage | MicroSD Card Reader (supports up to 2TB) | MicroSD/TF card slot |
| OS / Platform | Windows 11 Home or SteamOS (Specific SKU) | Android 13 (Dual boot support for Linux-based OS like Rocknix/Batocera) |
| Game Store / Ecosystem | Legion Space (Aggregator), Xbox Game Pass | Google Play Store, Retroid Launcher |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 8-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Resolution | WUXGA (1920 x 1200) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Max FPS | - | 60 FPS |
| Panel type | IPS-Level (500 nits, 100% sRGB) | AMOLED (approx. 500 nits brightness, 401 PPI) |
| Touch support | Yes (10-point multi-touch) | Yes (multi-touch) |
| Adaptive Sync / VRR | Yes (48-120Hz Variable Refresh Rate) | - |
| Audio | ||
| Speaker format | 2x 2W Front-firing Stereo Speakers | Dual front-facing stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes (Combo jack) | Yes |
| Mic | Dual-array Near-field Microphones | Integrated microphone |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | 2x USB4 Type-C (40Gbps, Power Delivery 3.0) | USB Type-C (Data, Charging, and OTG support) |
| Display Output | Supported via USB4 (DisplayPort 1.4) | 1080p60 via USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E (2x2 AX) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.3 | 5.1 |
| Ethernet | Via optional USB-C Dock | - |
| Controls / Inputs | ||
| Built-in Controls | Non-detachable Unibody Controllers; Hall Effect Joysticks with RGB rings. | 3D Hall-effect analog sticks (clickable L3/R3), Analog L2/R2 triggers, D-pad, ABXY buttons |
| Controller Features | Adjustable Trigger Switches (Short/Long throw), Pivot D-Pad, 2x Programmable Back Buttons (Y1/Y2), HD Haptics, 6-Axis Gyro. | Customizable RGB lighting on sticks, Integrated vibration motor, Six-axis Gyroscope |
| External Controller Support | - | Supported via Bluetooth or USB-C |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward Compatibility | - | Emulates systems including PS2, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, PSP, and Dreamcast |
| Accessory Compatibility | - | Compatible with official Retroid Dock and third-party USB-C hubs |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 299 x 127.55 x 22.6 mm | 199.2 x 78.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Weight | ~730 g to 740 g (Approx. 1.63 lbs) | 280g |
| Color options | Glacier White, Nebula Nocturne (Dark Purple/Black) | Black, White, GC (Purple), 16-Bit (Gray) |
| Materials | - | Textured ABS plastic frame with an all-glass front panel |
| Cooling | Coldfront Thermal System (Single Fan, adjusted for slim chassis) | Active cooling (Internal fan + heatsink) |
| Battery & Power | ||
| Battery Capacity | 55.5 Whr (3-Cell) | 5000 mAh |
| Battery Life | Approx. 1.5–2 hours (Gaming); up to 8+ hours (Video playback) | Approx. 4–6 hours (varies by system emulation load) |
| Charging | 65W USB-C Rapid Charge Pro | 27W Fast Charging |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Handheld Console, 65W Power Adapter, Quick Start Guide. | Retroid Pocket 5 Console, USB Type-C charging cable, User manual |
| Price | $499 USD (SteamOS/Z2 Go model) to $729 USD (Windows/Z1E model) | $199 - $219 USD |
| Full Details | Legion Go S - Full Specifications | Pocket 5 - Full Specifications |