SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve Hardware

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

Lenovo has partnered with Valve to release the Legion Go S, the first third-party handheld gaming PC to ship with SteamOS. This marks a significant expansion for SteamOS, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. Its SteamOS version boasts a smoother, more console-like experience optimized for portable gaming, a key advantage over the Windows-based competition, such as the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. This optimized experience has been a significant selling point for the Steam Deck.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially unveiled at CES 2025. Lenovo also launched the Legion Go 2, a more powerful successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, offers a lighter, more compact design with comparable performance.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499
• Specifications: 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 the Steam Deck, including 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 for users. While currently exclusive to the Legion Go S, Valve plans to release a public SteamOS beta for other handheld devices in the coming months. The future of SteamOS on other Lenovo devices, like the Legion Go 2, depends on the success of the Legion Go S. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld from Valve.