New System Unveils Official Launch of SteamOS

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

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld marks a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to ship with SteamOS. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new choice in handheld PC gaming.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, will feature Valve's Linux-based SteamOS, providing a smooth, console-like experience optimized for portable gaming, unlike the Windows-based alternatives. This contrasts sharply with competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows, a less optimized OS for handhelds. Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to third-party hardware have culminated in this release.

Initially rumored, the Legion Go S's SteamOS version was officially unveiled at CES 2025. Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2, a more powerful successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, offers a compelling alternative—similar power in a lighter, more compact design. The availability of a SteamOS version significantly broadens consumer options.

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 Version:

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

The $499 SteamOS edition 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, providing a familiar alternative at a higher price point. Currently, there are no plans for a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2, though this could change based on the Legion Go S's reception.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds (coming in the next few months) suggests broader adoption is on the horizon.