SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve System

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 collaboration expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new option in the competitive handheld gaming market.

The Lenovo Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, will feature Valve's Linux-based SteamOS, providing a smooth, console-like experience optimized for portable gaming, unlike the Windows-based alternatives. This contrasts with competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows.

Initially leaked, and then confirmed at CES 2025, the Legion Go S is one of two new Legion Go models. The Legion Go 2 is positioned as a successor to the original Legion Go, while the Legion Go S prioritizes a lighter, more compact design with comparable performance. The SteamOS version will offer a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration.

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 guarantees 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 operating system at a higher price point. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks SteamOS support, this could change based on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS handheld from Valve. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader availability is on the horizon for users of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.