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 marks a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to ship with SteamOS. This represents a major expansion for Valve's Linux-based operating system, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck.

The Lenovo Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds. While competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ boast impressive specs, the SteamOS experience provides a smoother, more console-like interface optimized for portable gaming. This has always been a key advantage of the Steam Deck.

Rumors of a SteamOS version of the Legion Go S circulated before its official unveiling at CES 2025. Lenovo showcased two new Legion Go models: the Legion Go 2 (a successor to the original) and the Legion Go S (a lighter, more compact version). The latter's SteamOS variant expands consumer choice in the handheld gaming market.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's 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 $499 SteamOS Legion Go S boasts full SteamOS feature parity with the Steam Deck, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). For users preferring Windows, a Windows 11 version will be available earlier, in January 2025. Currently, there are no plans for a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2, though this could change depending on the Legion Go S's success.

Lenovo's partnership with Valve is currently unique. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader accessibility is on the horizon for owners of devices like the Asus ROG Ally.