Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Arrives on a Third-Party 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 represents a major expansion for Valve's Linux-based operating system, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck.
The Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $499, launches in May 2025. This SteamOS version boasts 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The move expands consumer options in the handheld gaming PC market, offering a compelling alternative to Windows-based devices.
While competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ offer powerful hardware, the Steam Deck, and now the Legion Go S, leverage SteamOS's smoother, console-like experience, a key advantage over the less-optimized Windows experience on portable devices. Valve has been working towards third-party SteamOS support for years, and the Legion Go S is the culmination of that effort.
Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S alongside the Legion Go 2 at CES 2025. While the Go 2 is a direct successor to the original Legion Go, the Go S provides comparable performance in a more compact design. The availability of a SteamOS option further enhances its appeal.
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, providing options for users preferring a familiar OS. Currently, there are no plans for a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2, though this could change based on Legion Go S demand.
Lenovo is currently the sole manufacturer partnering with Valve for officially licensed SteamOS devices. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon for devices like the Asus ROG Ally.
