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 original home on the Steam Deck.
The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. Unlike competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's optimized Linux-based system for a smoother, more console-like experience. This has been a key advantage for the Steam Deck, and now extends to a wider audience.
Initially rumored, the Legion Go S's SteamOS version was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2, a more powerful successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, offers a lighter, more compact design with the option of either SteamOS or Windows 11.
Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:
SteamOS Version:
- Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
- Launch Date: May 2025
- Price: $499
- Configuration: 16GB RAM / 512GB storage
Windows 11 Version:
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Launch Date: January 2025
- Price: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage)
Valve has confirmed feature parity between the Steam Deck and the Legion Go S's SteamOS version, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). The Windows version provides an option for users preferring a familiar operating system. While the Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS variant, future availability depends on the Legion Go S's market success.
Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive partnership with Valve for a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months opens the door for broader compatibility, potentially including devices like the Asus ROG Ally.
