SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve Device

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 origins on the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new choice in the handheld gaming market.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, boasts a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration and leverages the smooth, console-like experience of SteamOS, a significant advantage over Windows-based competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. Unlike these Windows-powered alternatives, SteamOS's Linux base provides optimized performance for a portable form factor.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2, a more powerful successor to the original Legion Go. However, only the Legion Go S will initially offer the SteamOS option. A Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available in January 2025, priced at $599 (16GB RAM/1TB storage) and $729 (32GB RAM/1TB storage).

Valve has ensured feature parity between the Steam Deck and the Legion Go S, guaranteeing identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). This commitment to consistent updates underscores Valve's dedication to the SteamOS ecosystem. While currently exclusive to Lenovo, Valve plans to release a public SteamOS beta for other handheld devices in the coming months, opening the door for broader compatibility. The success of the SteamOS-powered Legion Go S could influence future collaborations and potentially lead to SteamOS availability on the Legion Go 2.