SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve Hardware

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

Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a significant handheld gaming PC marking the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, this collaboration expands SteamOS's reach into the broader market.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. Its SteamOS version provides a smoother, console-like experience optimized for portable gaming, unlike the often less-optimized Windows experience on similar devices. This addresses a key advantage the Steam Deck has held over competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2, a more powerful successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, offers a lighter, more compact design with the option of either SteamOS or Windows 11.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

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

Windows 11 Version:

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

Valve guarantees feature parity between the Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). The Windows 11 version provides an alternative for users preferring a familiar operating system. While currently exclusive to the Legion Go S, Valve plans a public SteamOS beta for other handheld devices in the coming months. Lenovo's partnership with Valve is currently unique, but the potential for future collaborations remains open, depending on the success of the SteamOS Legion Go S.