SteamOS Debuts on New Non-Valve System

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 ship with SteamOS. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new choice in handheld PC gaming.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, will feature Valve's optimized Linux-based SteamOS. This contrasts with competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows. SteamOS provides a smoother, more console-like experience, a key advantage highlighted by the Steam Deck's success. Valve has been working towards this third-party expansion for some time, and the Legion Go S represents the culmination of those efforts.

Initially leaked and later confirmed at CES 2025, the Legion Go S is offered alongside the Legion Go 2. While the Go 2 is a direct successor to the original Legion Go, the Go S prioritizes a lighter, more compact design while maintaining comparable performance. The SteamOS version will be available in a single configuration: 16GB RAM/512GB storage.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499
• Storage/RAM: 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 at a higher price point ($599-$729). Currently, there are no plans for a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2, though this could change depending on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Lenovo's partnership with Valve is currently exclusive, but Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon. This opens exciting possibilities for owners of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.