Legion Go S Drops to $529, Switch 2 Price Hike Looms
August 28 might be the day handheld gaming got its best deal lineup of the year.
The Legion Go S just dropped to $529.99 — a new Windows handheld that outperforms the Steam Deck in many games, according to IGN’s review — and the Switch 2 is exactly one week away from a permanent $50 price hike. But not every discount in today’s list is a win; some come with caveats that handheld owners need to know before clicking buy.
Legion Go S at $529: The Best Windows Handheld Deal Yet?
At $529.99, the Legion Go S (Z2 Go, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage) is a brand-new Windows handheld undercutting the Steam Deck OLED’s $549 price tag. IGN’s review found it matches the original Legion Go and beats the Deck in many titles, thanks to the 8-inch 1200p 120Hz panel that’s sharper than the Deck’s 7.4-inch OLED. But the operating system is the catch. Windows gives you access to Game Pass and every PC storefront, but it also means fiddling with TDP, dealing with driver updates, and accepting sleep mode that isn’t as seamless as SteamOS. For $529, this is the best value we’ve seen in the Windows handheld space since the ROG Ally launch. Find the Legion Go S on Amazon to compare prices, but this Woot deal is the one to beat.
Switch 2’s $50 Hike Makes the Refurb Deal a Tempting Gamble
The Switch 2 was already a strong handheld, and it’s about to get $50 more expensive. The September 1 price increase means the $449.99 new unit at Amazon is the last chance to grab one at the current price. If you’re willing to gamble on refurbished, Woot’s Grade A model at $399.99 is a $100 saving over the upcoming MSRP — but refurbished stock is limited and graded units can have ‘minimal cosmetic damage.’ For most buyers, the new $449 option is the safer bet. The Switch 2 is the ultimate hybrid for portable play, and with the price hike, the value proposition shifts. If you’ve been hesitating, this week’s deals are the final window. After Tuesday, you’ll pay $499 everywhere.
PS Portal at $145: A Bargain, but Only for PS5 Owners
The PlayStation Portal at $144.99 is the classic ‘it depends’ deal. This is not a standalone handheld — it’s a remote play accessory that requires either a PS5 for Remote Play or a PS Plus Premium subscription for cloud streaming. If you already own a PS5 and have solid Wi-Fi, $145 is a fantastic price for a 1080p LCD screen with DualSense features built in. It turns your console into a portable machine, but only within your network’s reach. If you don’t own a PS5, skip it entirely — without the console, it’s a paperweight. Also, note that the device received a price increase earlier this year, so this ‘Used-Very Good’ deal is notably below the new $249.99 MSRP. For the right player, it’s a steal; for everyone else, it’s a trap.