Lenovo's Legion Go S: First Third-Party Handheld with SteamOS
Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld marks a significant milestone: it's the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS. This Linux-based operating system, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, offers a smoother, more console-like experience than Windows on comparable handhelds.
The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, will feature 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Valve assures full feature parity with the Steam Deck, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version will also be available in January 2025, priced at $599 (16GB RAM/1TB storage) and $729 (32GB RAM/1TB storage).
While the Legion Go S's SteamOS version offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, Lenovo's flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks SteamOS support. However, this could change depending on the Legion Go S's market reception.
Valve's expansion beyond the Steam Deck isn't limited to Lenovo. A public SteamOS beta for other handheld devices is expected in the coming months, opening up the OS to a wider range of users. Currently, Lenovo holds the unique position of being Valve's sole licensed SteamOS partner.
