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

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 ship with SteamOS. This expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, a move Valve has been pursuing for some time.

The Lenovo Legion Go S, powered by SteamOS, will launch in May 2025 at $499. This price point offers a compelling alternative to competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. While these rivals utilize Windows, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's optimized Linux-based system for a smoother, more console-like experience—a key advantage the Steam Deck has always held.

The Legion Go S's SteamOS version was confirmed at CES 2025, validating earlier leaks. Lenovo also unveiled the Legion Go 2, a successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, distinguishes itself with its lighter, more compact design and the SteamOS option, broadening consumer choice.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications

SteamOS Edition:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS (Linux-based)
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499 (16GB RAM / 512GB storage)

Windows Edition:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• Launch Date: January 2025
• Price: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage)

The $499 SteamOS version boasts full feature parity with the Steam Deck, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). For those preferring Windows, a Windows 11 variant will be available earlier. Currently, there are no plans for a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2, though this could change depending on Legion Go S demand.

Lenovo is currently the sole manufacturer with a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds (coming in the next few months) suggests broader availability is on the horizon for users of devices such as the Asus ROG Ally.