SteamOS Is Officially Launching on a System That\'s Not By Valve

Lenovo has recently unveiled its upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld, which will be the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS operating system. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, SteamOS is now expanding to other manufacturers, starting with the Lenovo Legion Go S. This new handheld will be available for $499 and is set to launch in May 2025.

The Steam Deck has long been distinguished by its Linux-based SteamOS, which provides a smoother, more console-like experience compared to the Windows-based systems used by competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. Valve's efforts to extend SteamOS to third-party devices have finally come to fruition with the Lenovo Legion Go S. Recent leaks were confirmed at CES 2025, where Lenovo introduced two new Legion Go models: the Legion Go 2 and the Legion Go S. While the Legion Go 2 is a direct successor to the original Legion Go, the Legion Go S offers similar performance in a lighter, more compact design and introduces a SteamOS version, enhancing consumer choice in the handheld gaming PC market.

Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Gaming PC Details

SteamOS Version

• Operates on Valve's Linux-based SteamOS
• Launching in May 2025 for $499
• Available in a 16GB RAM / 512GB storage configuration

Windows Version

• Operates on Windows 11
• Launching in January 2025
• Priced at $599 for 16GB RAM / 1TB storage and $729 for 32GB RAM / 1TB storage

The SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S will be priced at $499 and will feature 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage. Valve has assured that the SteamOS on the Legion Go S will have full feature parity with the Steam Deck, including identical software updates, except for hardware-specific adjustments. For those who prefer Windows, Lenovo will also offer a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S, launching in January 2025. This version will start at $599 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, with a higher-end model at $729 featuring 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. While the Legion Go 2 will not initially ship with SteamOS, Lenovo may reconsider based on the demand for the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S.

Currently, Lenovo is the sole manufacturer partnering with Valve for a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve has announced that a public beta of SteamOS will soon be available for other gaming handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally, broadening the reach of this operating system in the gaming community.