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

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 significant move 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, promising a smoother, more console-like experience. This has always been a key advantage of the Steam Deck.

Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to other manufacturers have culminated in this partnership. Initially rumored, the announcement at CES 2025 confirmed the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant alongside a Windows 11 version. The Legion Go S offers a lighter, more compact design compared to its predecessor, the Legion Go, while maintaining comparable power.

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 assures full feature parity between the SteamOS Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). The Windows version caters to users preferring a familiar operating system. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS option, future availability depends on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Currently, Lenovo holds exclusive rights to a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader accessibility for users of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.