SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve Hardware

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

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld marks a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to launch with Valve's SteamOS pre-installed. This expansion of SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck represents a considerable step for Valve, who have been working towards this for some time.

The SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $499, will debut in May 2025. This contrasts with the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S, launching in January 2025 at a higher price point ($599-$729 depending on RAM and storage).

SteamOS's advantage lies in its optimized, console-like experience on portable hardware, unlike Windows 11 which isn't inherently designed for handheld devices. This smooth performance has been a key differentiator for the Steam Deck, even amidst competition from powerful rivals like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Lenovo's announcement at CES 2025 confirmed earlier leaks. The Legion Go S, a more compact and lightweight version of the original Legion Go, will be offered in two variants: one running SteamOS and the other running Windows 11. The higher-spec Legion Go 2, however, will not initially include a SteamOS option.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's Linux-based SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499 (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 assures full feature parity between the Steam Deck and the Legion Go S's SteamOS version, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S could influence future SteamOS availability on other devices. Moreover, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months opens the door for broader compatibility. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld from Valve.