SteamOS Premieres on Non-Valve Device

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, offering consumers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, boasts a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration. Its key differentiator is the smooth, console-like experience provided by SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system optimized for portable gaming, unlike the less-optimized Windows experience found in competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. Valve assures full feature parity with the Steam Deck, ensuring consistent software updates.

For those preferring Windows, Lenovo also offers a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S. This variant launches in January 2025, priced at $599 (16GB RAM/1TB storage) and $729 (32GB RAM/1TB storage). While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS option, future availability depends on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Beyond the Legion Go S, Valve's commitment to expanding SteamOS is evident. A public beta is slated for release in the coming months, enabling users of other handheld gaming PCs, such as the Asus ROG Ally, to experience SteamOS firsthand. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld, but this could pave the way for future collaborations.