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 launch with SteamOS pre-installed. This expansion of SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck represents a key step in Valve's strategy to broaden the reach of its Linux-based operating system.
The Legion Go S, priced at $499, will debut in May 2025 with a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration. This offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. While these competitors boast impressive specs, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's inherent advantages: a smoother, more console-like experience optimized for portable gaming, unlike the often less-than-ideal Windows experience on handheld devices. Valve has been actively working towards third-party SteamOS adoption for some time, and the Legion Go S is the culmination of that effort.
Initially rumored, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially unveiled at CES 2025 alongside the Legion Go 2. While the Go 2 is positioned as the true successor to the original Legion Go, the Go S provides a lighter, more compact alternative with comparable performance. The availability of a SteamOS option significantly enhances consumer choice within the handheld PC market.
Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:
SteamOS Version:
- Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
- Launch Date: May 2025
- Price: $499 (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 has confirmed full feature parity between the SteamOS versions on the Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). For users preferring Windows, a Windows 11 version will be available starting in January 2025. Although currently exclusive to Lenovo, Valve’s announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S could influence future partnerships and potentially lead to SteamOS availability on the Legion Go 2. For now, Lenovo holds the distinction of being the first official third-party SteamOS partner.
