Lenovo's Legion Go S: The First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld
Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a groundbreaking handheld gaming PC, marking the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, this collaboration expands SteamOS's reach significantly.
The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. Unlike competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's optimized Linux-based system for a smoother, more console-like experience. This has long been a key advantage of the Steam Deck.
Initially rumored, the Legion Go S's SteamOS version was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also introduced the Legion Go 2, a higher-end model, but only the Legion Go S will initially be available with SteamOS. The Legion Go S boasts a lighter, more compact design than its predecessor while maintaining comparable performance. The SteamOS version comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of 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 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 Steam Deck and the Legion Go S, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available, offering a more familiar operating system at a higher price point. While currently exclusive to Lenovo, Valve plans to release a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S may influence future SteamOS partnerships for Lenovo and other manufacturers.
