Introducing SteamOS Launch: Beyond Valve's Ecosystem

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

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld marks a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to ship with SteamOS. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new choice in handheld PC gaming.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, will feature Valve's Linux-based SteamOS, providing a smooth, console-like experience optimized for portability, unlike Windows-based competitors. This addresses a key advantage the Steam Deck held over rivals like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Revealed at CES 2025 alongside the higher-spec Legion Go 2, the Legion Go S boasts a lighter, more compact design while maintaining comparable power to the original Legion Go. However, the availability of a SteamOS version significantly broadens the appeal.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499
• Configuration: 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 has confirmed full feature parity between the Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available, offering a more familiar OS for those who prefer it. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS option, future plans may change depending on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld. But Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon, opening up exciting possibilities for owners of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.