SteamOS Lands 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.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. Unlike competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's optimized Linux-based system for a smoother, console-like experience. This has been a key advantage for the Steam Deck.

While initially leaked, Lenovo officially announced the Legion Go S (alongside the Legion Go 2) at CES 2025. The Go S boasts a lighter, more compact design than its predecessor while maintaining comparable power. It will be available in a single configuration: 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

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 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 operating system at a higher price point. Currently, there are no plans for a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2.

Lenovo's partnership with Valve is currently exclusive, but Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon. This opens exciting possibilities for users of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.