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

Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a significant handheld gaming PC marking the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, this expansion opens up SteamOS to a wider range of hardware.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. Its SteamOS version boasts a smoother, more console-like experience optimized for portability, a key advantage over the Windows-based competition like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. This release fulfills Valve's long-standing goal of bringing SteamOS to other manufacturers.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant 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, distinguishes itself with its compact design and the availability of both SteamOS and Windows 11 versions.

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 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). The Windows 11 version provides an alternative for users preferring a familiar operating system. While currently exclusive to Lenovo, Valve plans to release a public SteamOS beta for other handheld devices in the coming months. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S may influence future SteamOS collaborations with other manufacturers.