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

Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Arrives on a Third-Party Handheld

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first non-Valve device to launch with SteamOS pre-installed, marking a significant expansion for Valve's Linux-based operating system. This marks a key moment for the handheld gaming PC market.

Initially exclusive to the Steam Deck, SteamOS offers a smoother, more console-like experience compared to the Windows-based alternatives prevalent in competing handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. This advantage stems from SteamOS's optimized performance on a portable platform. Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to third-party devices have culminated in this partnership with Lenovo.

Rumors of a SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S variant proved accurate at CES 2025. Lenovo unveiled two new Legion Go models: the Legion Go 2 (a successor to the original Legion Go) and the Legion Go S, a lighter, more compact version with comparable power. The availability of a SteamOS version of the Legion Go S broadens consumer options within the handheld gaming market.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's Linux-based SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499 (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 edition of the Lenovo Legion Go S will offer full feature parity with the Steam Deck, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version will also be available, providing a familiar alternative. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks SteamOS support, future plans may depend on the success of the Legion Go S SteamOS version.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a Valve-approved SteamOS device. However, Valve announced a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months, expanding access beyond the Lenovo Legion Go S.