SteamOS Is Officially Launching on a System That\'s Not By Valve

Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Arrives on a Third-Party 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 expansion of SteamOS to third-party hardware follows years of development by Valve.

The Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $499, launches in May 2025 with a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration. This SteamOS version offers a smoother, console-like experience compared to Windows-based competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, leveraging SteamOS's Linux foundation for optimized portable performance.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially unveiled at CES 2025 alongside the Legion Go 2. While the Legion Go 2 is a direct successor to the original Legion Go, the Legion Go S provides a more compact and lightweight alternative. The availability of a SteamOS option significantly broadens consumer choice in the handheld gaming market.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's Linux-based SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499
• Configuration: 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 feature parity between the SteamOS Legion Go S 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, offering a more familiar operating system at a higher price point. Currently, Lenovo holds exclusivity in the licensed SteamOS device market, although Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon. Future SteamOS availability for the Legion Go 2 will depend on the success of the Legion Go S.