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. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, this collaboration expands SteamOS's reach significantly.
The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. Its SteamOS version boasts a smoother, more console-like experience optimized for portability, a key advantage over the Windows-based competition, such as the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. This optimized experience has been a significant selling point for the Steam Deck.
Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to other manufacturers have culminated in this partnership. Rumors of a SteamOS-powered Legion Go variant proved accurate at CES 2025, where Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2. While the Go 2 will run Windows, the Go S 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 (Linux-based)
- 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 Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). The Windows version provides an alternative for users preferring a familiar operating system. While currently exclusive to Lenovo, Valve plans a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S may influence future SteamOS collaborations with other manufacturers.
