Lenovo has unveiled its latest innovation in the gaming world with the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S, set to be the first third-party handheld gaming PC to feature Valve's SteamOS operating system. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, SteamOS is now expanding its reach to devices from other manufacturers, starting with the Lenovo Legion Go S. This move signifies a significant shift in the handheld gaming market, offering gamers a new choice in operating systems.
The Steam Deck, despite facing competition from newer, more powerful devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, has maintained a competitive edge thanks to its Linux-based SteamOS. This operating system provides a smoother, more console-like user experience compared to the Windows-based systems of other gaming handhelds, which are less optimized for portable use. Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to third-party devices have finally come to fruition with the Lenovo Legion Go S.
Recent leaks about the Lenovo Legion Go S shipping with SteamOS were confirmed at CES 2025, where Lenovo introduced two new Legion Go models: the Legion Go 2 and the Legion Go S. The Legion Go 2 is designed as a direct successor to the original Lenovo Legion Go, while the Legion Go S offers similar performance in a lighter and more compact design. The introduction of the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S marks a pivotal moment, expanding consumer options in the handheld gaming PC market.
Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Gaming PC Details
SteamOS Version
- Operates on Valve's Linux-based SteamOS
- Launching in May 2025 at a price of $499
- Available in a single configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
Windows Version
- Equipped with Windows 11
- Launching 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 is set to launch in May 2025, priced at $499, and will feature 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Valve has assured that the SteamOS on the Lenovo Legion Go S will offer full feature parity with the Steam Deck, including the same software updates, with only hardware-specific adjustments. For those who prefer the familiarity of Windows, a Windows-powered version of the Legion Go S will be available starting in January 2025, with options ranging from $599 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage to $729 for 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. While the Legion Go 2 is not currently planned to ship with SteamOS, this could change based on the demand for the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S.
Currently, Lenovo stands alone as Valve's partner 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 potential reach of the operating system.
