Summary
- Lenovo recently announced that its upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS operating system.
- Valve has been working to expand SteamOS to third-party devices, and the Lenovo Legion Go S marks the first implementation of this strategy.
- The SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S is set to launch in May 2025 at a price of $499.
The Lenovo Legion Go S has been unveiled as the first third-party handheld gaming PC to feature Valve's SteamOS operating system. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, SteamOS is now making its way to devices from other manufacturers, starting with the Lenovo Legion Go S.
Despite fierce competition from newer, more powerful gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, the Steam Deck has stood out thanks to its Linux-based SteamOS. This operating system offers a smoother, console-like user experience compared to the Windows-based systems of other gaming handhelds. Valve's efforts to extend SteamOS to third-party devices have finally come to fruition with the Lenovo Legion Go S.
Announced at CES 2025, Lenovo introduced two new Legion Go models: the Legion Go 2 and the Legion Go S. While the Legion Go 2 is a direct successor to the original Legion Go, the Legion Go S offers similar performance in a lighter, more compact design. The Legion Go S stands out by offering consumers a choice between two operating systems: SteamOS and Windows.
Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Gaming PC Details
SteamOS Version
- Powered by Valve's Linux-based SteamOS operating system
- Scheduled for release in May 2025 at a price of $499
- Available in a single configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
Windows Version
- Runs on Windows 11
- Set to launch in January 2025
- Priced at $599 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, and $729 for 32GB RAM and 1TB storage
The SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S will be available for $499, featuring 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and is slated for release in May 2025. Valve has assured that the SteamOS on the Legion Go S will have full feature parity with the Steam Deck, with the same software updates, except for hardware-specific adjustments. For those who prefer Windows, Lenovo will also offer a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S, launching in January 2025. This version will start at $599 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, with a higher-end model at $729 for 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. While the Legion Go 2 will not initially ship with SteamOS, Lenovo may reconsider based on the demand for the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S.
Currently, Lenovo is the only manufacturer partnering with Valve for a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve has announced that a public beta of SteamOS will soon be available for other gaming handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally, broadening the reach of this operating system.
