Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Arrives on a Third-Party Handheld
Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first non-Steam Deck device to launch with Valve's SteamOS pre-installed. This marks a significant expansion for SteamOS, which has previously been exclusive to Valve's own hardware.
The Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $499, will debut in May 2025, offering a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration. This SteamOS version provides a smoother, more console-like experience compared to Windows-based handhelds, addressing the limitations of Windows on portable devices. Valve has been actively working towards this third-party expansion for several years.
Initially rumored, the Legion Go S's SteamOS version was officially unveiled at CES 2025 alongside the Legion Go 2. While the Legion Go 2 is the direct successor to the original Legion Go, the Legion Go S boasts a more compact and lightweight design with comparable power.
Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:
SteamOS Version:
- Operating System: Valve's SteamOS (Linux-based)
- Launch Date: May 2025
- Price: $499
- Specifications: 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)
Valve has confirmed full feature parity between the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version will also be available, offering a more familiar operating system at a higher price point ($599-$729). Currently, there are no plans for a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2, though this may change based on consumer demand for the Legion Go S.
Lenovo's partnership with Valve is currently unique, making them the sole manufacturer of a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader availability is on the horizon for devices like the Asus ROG Ally.
