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 will be the first non-Steam Deck device to launch with Valve's SteamOS pre-installed. This marks a significant expansion for SteamOS, previously 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. While competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ boast impressive specs, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's optimized Linux-based experience for a smoother, more console-like feel. This has been a key advantage for the Steam Deck, and now extends to a wider audience.

Rumors of a SteamOS-powered Legion Go variant proved accurate at CES 2025. Lenovo unveiled two new Legion Go models: the Legion Go 2 (a direct successor) and the Legion Go S (a more compact, lighter version of the original). The Legion Go S's SteamOS version represents a major step towards greater consumer choice in the portable PC gaming market.

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 Version:

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

Valve guarantees full feature parity between the Legion Go S's SteamOS 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, priced higher and launching earlier. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks SteamOS support, this could change depending on the Legion Go S's success.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS handheld from Valve. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds (coming in the next few months) suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon. This opens the door for owners of devices like the Asus ROG Ally to experience SteamOS.