Lenovo's Legion Go S: The First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld
Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a groundbreaking handheld gaming PC that marks 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 provides a smoother, more console-like experience optimized for portable gaming, unlike the often less-optimized Windows experience on competing devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. This optimized experience has always been a key advantage of 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 announced both the Legion Go 2 and the Legion Go S. While the Legion Go 2 is a direct successor to the original Legion Go, the Legion Go S boasts a lighter, more compact design with comparable power.
Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:
SteamOS Version:
- Operating System: Valve's Linux-based SteamOS
- Launch Date: May 2025
- Price: $499
- Configuration: 16GB RAM / 512GB storage
Windows Version:
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Launch Date: January 2025
- Price: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage)
The SteamOS version will offer full feature parity with the Steam Deck, receiving identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version will also be available, offering a more familiar operating system but at a higher price point. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks SteamOS support, this could change depending on the Legion Go S's success.
Lenovo's partnership with Valve is currently unique, making them the sole manufacturer of a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader adoption is on the horizon. This opens exciting possibilities for owners of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.
