The gaming industry in 2025 is buzzing with innovation, and three products have caught the attention of enthusiasts: the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (both desktop and laptop variants), the rumored Xbox Handheld, and the Lenovo Legion Go S. This detailed review dives into their features, performance, design, and value, offering insights for gamers and tech enthusiasts looking to invest in cutting-edge gaming hardware as of April 26, 2025.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: Desktop and Laptop Variants
Overview
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, part of the Blackwell architecture lineup, represents Nvidia’s top-tier offering in the RTX 50-series, launched in early 2025. It’s available in both desktop and laptop variants, catering to gamers and creators who demand uncompromised performance. The desktop version is a powerhouse for 4K gaming, while the laptop variant brings high-end gaming to portable devices like the Razer Blade 16 and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i.
Specifications
- Desktop RTX 5090: Features a massive 24GB of GDDR7 VRAM, dual 16-pin power connectors (as seen in the GALAX HOF OC LAB “XOC Edition”), and a quad-slot cooler design in Lenovo’s Legion 9000K prebuilt PCs. Priced around €2899 ($3100) for B-stock units, with premium configurations reaching $5820 (41,999 RMB) in China.
- Laptop RTX 5090: Also equipped with 24GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a 175W power limit (150W TGP + 25W Dynamic Boost), and new features like DLSS 4 with a transformer model for enhanced upscaling. Found in laptops like the Razer Blade 16 (starting at $3999) and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (starting at $2399 for base configs).
Performance
The RTX 5090 delivers exceptional performance, but the improvements over the previous RTX 4090 vary between desktop and laptop versions.
- Desktop Performance: In synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark, the RTX 5090 shows a 10-15% improvement over the RTX 4090, particularly in ray-tracing-heavy tests like Port Royal. However, its real-world gaming performance at 4K, while impressive (e.g., 147 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS 4 on ultra settings), doesn’t justify the steep price for many. The diminishing returns on “fun per dollar” are evident, with some users noting that an RTX 4070 can deliver a comparable experience in less demanding titles for a fraction of the cost.
- Laptop Performance: The mobile RTX 5090, tested in the Razer Blade 16, achieves 100-125 fps in modern titles at 4K with DLSS 4 enabled. Compared to the RTX 4090 laptop GPU, the performance gain is modest—around 10% in benchmarks like 3DMark Steel Nomad. However, efficiency is a standout feature. The Razer Blade 16 can game unplugged for over two hours, a significant improvement over the RTX 4090’s 41-minute battery life in similar conditions. Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) in DLSS 4 allows for higher frame rates (up to three additional frames per rendered frame), enabling smoother gameplay even on lower settings, which is a boon for slim laptops with constrained cooling.
Design and Features
- Desktop: Lenovo’s Legion RTX 5090D, used in the Legion 9000K PC, sports a quad-slot cooler with three fans and a minimalistic CNC-cut shroud, complemented by an RGB strip. It’s a beast in size and weight, designed for prebuilt systems rather than DIY builds.
- Laptop: The laptop variant prioritizes efficiency. Features like voltage-optimized GDDR7 memory, low-latency sleep, and accelerated frequency switching make it ideal for thin-and-light designs. The Razer Blade 16, for instance, is slimmer than its predecessor, yet maintains high performance with a 160W power envelope (135W TGP + 25W Dynamic Boost).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched 4K gaming performance with DLSS 4.
- Improved efficiency in the laptop variant, enabling longer battery life.
- Ray tracing and neural rendering advancements enhance visual fidelity.
Cons:
- Desktop pricing is exorbitant, with scalping pushing prices to $4500 on secondary markets.
- Modest performance gains over the RTX 4090 don’t always justify the cost.
- Desktop version is unavailable for DIY builds, limiting accessibility.
Value and Verdict
The RTX 5090 is a technological marvel, but its value proposition is questionable. For desktop users, the $1999 MSRP (often inflated to $4500) makes it a luxury reserved for enthusiasts with deep pockets. The laptop version, while expensive at $3999 in the Razer Blade 16, offers better value due to its efficiency and portability, making it a top choice for mobile gamers who need desktop-class performance on the go. However, for most gamers, an RTX 5070 or even a 40-series card provides a better balance of cost and performance.
Xbox Handheld: What We Know So Far
Overview
As of April 26, 2025, the Xbox Handheld remains a rumored device, with no official release from Microsoft. However, industry buzz suggests Microsoft is working on a portable gaming device to compete with the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Lenovo Legion Go S. Rumors point to a potential ability to run PlayStation exclusives, which could make it a game-changer in the handheld market.
Speculated Features
- Hardware: Likely to feature an AMD APU, possibly a custom Zen 4-based chip with integrated RDNA graphics, similar to those in the Lenovo Legion Go S (AMD Z2 Go). Expected to have 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
- Design: Anticipated to follow a unibody design like the Steam Deck, with a 7-8 inch display, possibly OLED, and ergonomic grips. Microsoft might include Xbox Elite Controller features like adjustable triggers.
- Software: Expected to run a modified version of Windows 11 optimized for handhelds, with deep integration of the Xbox app and Game Pass. However, Microsoft’s slow progress in optimizing Windows for handhelds (as seen with the Lenovo Legion Go S) raises concerns.
- Unique Selling Point: Rumors suggest the Xbox Handheld could run PlayStation exclusives, potentially through emulation or a licensing deal, which would set it apart from competitors.
Potential Performance
Based on the performance of similar devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S, the Xbox Handheld might deliver 60-80 fps in modern titles at 1080p on medium settings. Game Pass integration would allow access to a vast library of games, but Microsoft’s track record with Windows on handhelds suggests potential software hiccups—games like Forza Horizon 5 and Madden 25 have struggled on Windows-based handhelds due to optimization issues.
Design and Features (Speculative)
The Xbox Handheld is expected to prioritize comfort and familiarity, with a design inspired by Xbox controllers. Adjustable triggers and a high-refresh-rate display (possibly 120Hz) could enhance the gaming experience. However, Microsoft’s lack of a handheld-optimized OS might hinder usability compared to SteamOS-based devices.
Pros and Cons (Speculative)
Pros:
- Potential to run PlayStation exclusives, broadening its game library.
- Deep Game Pass integration for instant access to hundreds of titles.
- Likely ergonomic design with Xbox controller familiarity.
Cons:
- Windows 11 optimization issues could lead to poor performance in some games.
- Unclear release timeline makes it a risky wait for consumers.
- Microsoft’s slow response to the handheld market may result in a late, uncompetitive launch.
Value and Verdict
The Xbox Handheld has the potential to disrupt the market, especially if it can indeed run PlayStation exclusives. However, Microsoft’s failure to address Windows’ shortcomings for handhelds, as evidenced by existing devices, casts doubt on its readiness. Gamers might be better off with a Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go S until Microsoft delivers a concrete product with a proven OS solution.
Lenovo Legion Go S: A Compact Handheld Contender
Overview
Launched in early 2025, the Lenovo Legion Go S is a follow-up to the original Legion Go, aiming to compete with the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. It’s a Windows 11-based handheld with a version powered by SteamOS slated for later in 2025. Priced at $729 for the 32GB model, it targets gamers seeking a portable PC gaming experience.
Specifications
- APU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (Zen 3+ architecture) with Radeon 600M-series iGPU.
- Memory and Storage: 32GB LPDDR5-6400 RAM, 1TB SSD.
- Display: 8-inch IPS, 1920×1200 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness.
- Battery: 55.5Wh, offering variable battery life based on settings.
- Weight: 1.61 lbs, slightly heavier than the Asus ROG Ally X (1.49 lbs).
Performance
The Legion Go S delivers decent performance for a handheld, but its older Zen 3+ architecture struggles against newer competitors. In testing, it achieves 40-60 fps in titles like Horizon Forbidden West at 1080p on low settings. Indie games like Cuphead run smoothly, but AAA titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Madden 25 suffer from stuttering and low frame rates on Windows 11, highlighting Microsoft’s optimization issues. Adjusting BIOS settings (e.g., increasing VRAM allocation) can improve performance, but it requires technical know-how.
Design and Features
The Legion Go S adopts a unibody design, abandoning the detachable controllers of its predecessor for a more ergonomic form factor. Its 8-inch display is one of the best in its class, with vibrant colors and a high refresh rate, though it falls short of the Steam Deck OLED’s contrast. The device features adjustable triggers with two settings (full travel and hair-trigger), a mini trackpad for Windows navigation, and front-firing speakers that deliver stellar audio quality. The D-pad and triggers are highly praised for their tactile feedback, making it a joy to use for extended sessions.
Software Experience
Running Windows 11, the Legion Go S struggles with the same issues as other Windows handhelds: small UI text, inconsistent game compatibility, and a trial-and-error process for Game Pass titles. Lenovo’s Legion Space software offers a hub for game management and controller customization, but it’s not as seamless as SteamOS. The upcoming SteamOS version (priced at $499) might address these issues, making it a more compelling option.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ergonomic design with excellent controls and a gorgeous display.
- Adjustable triggers and high-quality speakers enhance the experience.
- Mini trackpad aids Windows navigation.
Cons:
- Windows 11 hampers performance and usability for many games.
- Older hardware struggles against newer handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
- Priced too high at $729 compared to competitors with better performance.
Value and Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a beautifully designed handheld with a premium feel, but its performance and software experience hold it back. At $729, it’s overpriced for what it offers, especially when the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally X deliver better performance for similar or lower prices. The upcoming SteamOS version might be worth waiting for, as it could resolve many of the Windows-related issues and offer better value at $499.
Comparative Analysis
- Performance: The RTX 5090 (laptop) far outstrips both the Xbox Handheld (speculative) and Legion Go S, delivering desktop-class 4K gaming. The Legion Go S struggles with AAA titles, while the Xbox Handheld’s performance remains uncertain but likely comparable to the Legion Go S.
- Portability: The Legion Go S and Xbox Handheld are designed for on-the-go gaming, weighing around 1.5-1.6 lbs. The RTX 5090 laptop variant, while portable in devices like the Razer Blade 16, is heavier and less convenient for casual travel.
- Price-to-Value: The RTX 5090 laptop offers the best performance but at a premium ($3999+). The Legion Go S is overpriced at $729, and the Xbox Handheld’s value depends on its final price and features, which remain speculative.
- Software: The RTX 5090 benefits from Nvidia’s polished drivers and DLSS 4, while the Legion Go S and Xbox Handheld suffer from Windows 11’s poor handheld optimization. The Legion Go S’s SteamOS version could level the playing field.
Final Thoughts
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is a top-tier choice for gamers who need the best performance, particularly in its laptop form, where efficiency improvements make it a viable desktop replacement. However, its high cost makes it a niche product. The Lenovo Legion Go S is a well-designed handheld let down by Windows 11 and outdated hardware, making it hard to recommend at its current price—though the SteamOS version might be worth watching. The Xbox Handheld, while promising, remains a rumor, and Microsoft’s track record suggests it may struggle to compete without significant software improvements. For now, gamers seeking a handheld might be better served by the Steam Deck OLED, while those needing raw power should consider the RTX 5090 laptop variant if budget allows.
