SteamOS Debuts Beyond Valve Hardware

Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Arrives on a Third-Party Handheld

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first non-Steam Deck device to launch with Valve's SteamOS pre-installed. This marks a significant expansion for SteamOS, which has previously been exclusive to Valve's own Steam Deck.

The $499 Lenovo Legion Go S (16GB RAM/512GB storage) will debut in May 2025, offering a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. The choice of SteamOS provides a smoother, more console-like experience compared to Windows on a portable device, addressing common performance issues associated with Windows on handheld form factors. This has been a key advantage for the Steam Deck, even amidst competition from powerful rivals like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to third-party devices have been ongoing for several years, culminating in this partnership with Lenovo. Rumors of a SteamOS version of the Legion Go S circulated prior to its official announcement at CES 2025, where Lenovo also unveiled the Legion Go 2. While the Legion Go 2 will utilize Windows, the Legion Go S 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 (16GB RAM / 512GB storage)
• Feature Parity: Full feature parity with Steam Deck, including software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments).

Windows 11 Version:

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

Lenovo currently holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS handheld from Valve. However, Valve's announcement at CES 2025 also included news of a public SteamOS beta for other handheld gaming PCs in the coming months, opening the door for broader compatibility. The success of the SteamOS-powered Legion Go S could influence future decisions regarding SteamOS availability on other devices, including a potential future SteamOS version of the Legion Go 2.