Lenovo Legion Go S: The First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld
Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld marks a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to launch with Valve's SteamOS pre-installed. This expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, opening up the optimized Linux-based experience to a wider audience.
The Legion Go S, unveiled at CES 2025, offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. While these competitors boast impressive specs, the Legion Go S leverages SteamOS's inherent advantages – a smoother, more console-like experience specifically tailored for portable gaming. Valve has been actively pursuing this third-party expansion for some time, and the Legion Go S represents the culmination of those efforts.
Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:
Two versions of the Legion Go S will be available:
SteamOS Version:
- Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
- Launch Date: May 2025
- Price: $499 (16GB RAM / 512GB storage)
- Feature Parity: Full feature parity with Steam Deck, including software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments).
Windows 11 Version:
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Launch Date: January 2025
- Price: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage)
The $499 SteamOS model offers a compelling value proposition. Valve has confirmed that all SteamOS devices will receive identical software updates as the Steam Deck, ensuring a consistent experience. For users preferring the familiarity of Windows, the Windows 11 variant provides a more traditional PC gaming experience.
Currently, Lenovo holds exclusive rights to a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader compatibility is on the horizon. The success of the SteamOS-powered Legion Go S may influence future collaborations and potentially even a SteamOS version of the flagship Legion Go 2.
