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. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond its original home on the Steam Deck.

The SteamOS-powered Legion Go S offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. While competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ boast impressive specs, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's optimized Linux-based system for a smoother, console-like experience. This has been a key advantage for the Steam Deck, and now extends to other manufacturers.

Initially rumored, the Legion Go S's SteamOS version was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2, a more powerful successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, provides a lighter, more compact option with the choice 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 guarantees full feature parity for SteamOS on the Legion Go S, ensuring identical software updates to the Steam Deck, excluding hardware-specific adjustments. The Windows 11 version caters to users preferring a familiar operating system. While the Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS option, future availability depends on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader accessibility for users of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.