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 will be the first non-Valve device to launch with SteamOS pre-installed. This marks a significant expansion for Valve's Linux-based operating system, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck.

The Legion Go S, priced at $499, will debut in May 2025 with a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration. This offers a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, leveraging SteamOS's optimized performance for a smoother, console-like experience on portable hardware. Valve has been actively working towards third-party SteamOS adoption for some time, and the Legion Go S represents the culmination of those efforts.

Revealed at CES 2025 alongside the more powerful Legion Go 2, the Legion Go S boasts a lighter, more compact design while maintaining comparable performance to its predecessor. The availability of a SteamOS version broadens consumer choice within the handheld gaming PC market.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499
• Configuration: 16GB RAM / 512GB storage

Windows 11 Version:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• Launch Date: January 2025
• Price: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage)

Valve assures full feature parity between the SteamOS Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, guaranteeing identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available, providing a familiar alternative. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks SteamOS support, this may change depending on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS handheld from Valve. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader accessibility for users of devices like the Asus ROG Ally in the near future.