Lenovo has recently announced that its upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS operating system. This marks a significant expansion for SteamOS, which was previously exclusive to Valve's own Steam Deck. The move comes after years of Valve's efforts to broaden the reach of SteamOS to other manufacturers, and the Lenovo Legion Go S is set to lead the charge.
In the competitive landscape of handheld gaming PCs, the Steam Deck has stood out not only for its hardware but also for its unique software. While devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ leverage Windows, which can be less than ideal for handheld use, the Steam Deck benefits from the streamlined, console-like experience provided by SteamOS. This Linux-based operating system has been a key differentiator for the Steam Deck, and now, with the Lenovo Legion Go S, it's set to enhance the gaming experience for a broader audience.
At CES 2025, Lenovo unveiled two new models: the Legion Go 2 and the Legion Go S. The Legion Go S, designed to be lighter and more compact than its predecessor, will offer consumers a choice between two operating systems. The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S, launching in May 2025, will be priced at $499 and come equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. On the other hand, the Windows 11 version, available from January 2025, will start at $599 for the same RAM but with 1TB of storage, with a higher-end model at $729 featuring 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
Valve has ensured that the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S will enjoy full feature parity with the Steam Deck, including identical software updates, except for hardware-specific adjustments. This commitment to consistency across devices is promising for gamers looking for a seamless experience. Meanwhile, Lenovo's flagship Legion Go 2 will initially stick to Windows, though the company has hinted at potential future support for SteamOS if there's significant demand for the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S.
Currently, Lenovo is the only manufacturer collaborating with Valve to produce a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve is not stopping there. In a recent blog post, Valve announced that a public beta of SteamOS will soon be available for users of other handheld gaming devices, such as the Asus ROG Ally. This move suggests a broader future for SteamOS in the handheld gaming market.
The introduction of the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is a pivotal moment for handheld gaming, offering gamers more choice and potentially reshaping the market dynamics. With its May 2025 launch on the horizon, anticipation is building for what could be a new era in portable gaming.
