Lenovo Legion Go S: The First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld
Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld marks a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to ship with SteamOS. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new choice in handheld PC gaming.
The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, boasts a 16GB RAM / 512GB storage configuration and utilizes Valve's smooth, console-like Linux-based SteamOS. This contrasts with competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which rely on Windows, often resulting in a less optimized portable experience. Valve's commitment to consistent software updates, mirroring those for the Steam Deck (excluding hardware-specific adjustments), further enhances its appeal.
Lenovo also unveiled a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S, launching earlier in January 2025. This variant offers greater storage options: 16GB RAM / 1TB storage for $599, and 32GB RAM / 1TB storage for $729. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS version, future availability depends on the Legion Go S's market reception.
Beyond the Legion Go S, Valve's commitment to broader SteamOS adoption is clear. A public beta is planned for other handhelds in the coming months, opening up the optimized SteamOS experience to a wider range of devices. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a Valve-approved SteamOS handheld, but this could change as Valve expands its partnerships.
