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

Lenovo Legion Go S: The First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first non-Valve device to launch with SteamOS pre-installed. This marks a significant expansion for Valve's Linux-based operating system, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck.

The Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $499, will arrive in May 2025, offering a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. This SteamOS version will feature 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

While competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ offer powerful hardware, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's optimized performance for a smoother, console-like experience often cited as a key advantage of the Steam Deck. Valve has been actively pursuing third-party SteamOS adoption for some time, and the Legion Go S represents the culmination of these efforts.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also unveiled the Legion Go 2, a higher-end successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, is offered in both SteamOS and Windows 11 versions, providing consumers with more choices. The Windows 11 version launches earlier, in January 2025, with pricing starting at $599 (16GB RAM/1TB storage) and reaching $729 (32GB RAM/1TB storage).

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499
• Specifications: 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 assures full feature parity between the Steam Deck and the Legion Go S's SteamOS version, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS handheld from Valve. However, Valve also announced a public SteamOS beta for other handheld gaming PCs in the coming months, opening up possibilities for broader adoption. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S might influence Valve's future partnerships and potentially bring SteamOS to the Legion Go 2.