SteamOS Arrives on Non-Valve Hardware, Expanding Reach

Lenovo's Legion Go S: First Third-Party Handheld with SteamOS

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld marks a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to ship with SteamOS. This Linux-based operating system, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, offers a smoother, more console-like experience than Windows on comparable handheld PCs.

The Legion Go S, announced at CES 2025, will launch in two versions:

Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Edition

• OS: Valve's SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499 (16GB RAM / 512GB storage)
• Full feature parity with Steam Deck, including software updates.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Windows 11 Edition

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

While the Steam Deck faces competition from devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, SteamOS provides a key advantage – a streamlined, portable experience. Valve's commitment to third-party SteamOS support is evident with this partnership. Although the flagship Legion Go 2 won't initially offer SteamOS, future availability depends on the Legion Go S's success.

Beyond Lenovo, Valve plans a public SteamOS beta for other handheld PCs in the coming months, expanding access beyond the Steam Deck and the Legion Go S. For now, Lenovo holds the distinction of being the first official partner in this expansion of SteamOS to the broader handheld gaming market.