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

Summary

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS. This marks a significant expansion of SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck. The SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S will launch in May 2025 for $499.

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a groundbreaking handheld gaming PC, as it's the first non-Steam Deck device to feature Valve's SteamOS. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, SteamOS offers a smoother, more console-like experience compared to the Windows-based alternatives prevalent in the market. While competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ boast impressive specs, SteamOS provides a key advantage: optimized performance for a portable form factor. Valve's efforts to bring SteamOS to third-party devices have culminated in this partnership with Lenovo.

Recent leaks accurately predicted the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant, confirmed at CES 2025 alongside the Legion Go 2. The Legion Go S offers a similar power level to the original Legion Go but in a lighter, more compact design. This launch expands consumer choice within the handheld gaming PC market.

Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Gaming PC Details

SteamOS Version

• Utilizes Valve's Linux-based SteamOS.
• May 2025 launch at $499.
• Available in a single 16GB RAM / 512GB storage configuration.

Windows Version

• Runs Windows 11.
• January 2025 launch.
• Pricing: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage).

The SteamOS Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $499 (16GB RAM / 512GB storage), launches in May 2025. Valve ensures feature parity with the Steam Deck, promising identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version will also be available, launching in January 2025, with pricing starting at $599. While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS option, this could change depending on the Legion Go S's success.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive partnership with Valve for a licensed SteamOS device. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds (like the Asus ROG Ally) in the coming months expands accessibility further.