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 exclusive Steam Deck origins.
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 always been a key advantage for the Steam Deck.
Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to other manufacturers have culminated in this partnership. Rumors of a SteamOS variant of the Legion Go S were confirmed at CES 2025, alongside the announcement of the Legion Go 2. While the Legion Go 2 remains a Windows-only device for now, the Legion Go S offers a lighter, more compact design with the SteamOS option.
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 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 Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). The Windows version provides an option for users preferring a familiar operating system. Future SteamOS availability on other handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally, is also anticipated through a public beta release in the coming months. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld from Valve. However, the success of the SteamOS Legion Go S could influence future collaborations.
