SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve System

Lenovo's Legion Go S: The First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld

Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a groundbreaking handheld gaming PC marking the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond its original home on the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new choice in the burgeoning handheld gaming market.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, boasts a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration. This SteamOS version provides a streamlined, console-like experience, leveraging the operating system's optimization for portable devices, unlike Windows-based competitors. This contrasts sharply with rivals such as the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2, a higher-end model without current plans for a SteamOS version. The Legion Go S offers a lighter, more compact design compared to its predecessor while maintaining comparable performance.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499 (16GB RAM / 512GB storage)

Windows Version:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• Launch Date: January 2025
• Price: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage)

Valve assures full feature parity between the Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available, offering a more familiar operating system at a higher price point.

Lenovo's partnership with Valve is currently exclusive, but Valve's blog post indicates a public SteamOS beta for other handheld devices will be released in the coming months, opening up the experience to a wider range of users. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S might influence future SteamOS collaborations with other manufacturers.