Lenovo's Legion Go S: The First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld

Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a gaming handheld marking a significant milestone: it's the first non-Valve device to ship with SteamOS. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, offering a compelling alternative to Windows-based handhelds.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, will feature a 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration. This SteamOS version promises a smooth, console-like experience optimized for portable gaming, unlike the often less-optimized Windows experience found on competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+. Valve assures full feature parity with the Steam Deck, including identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments).

For those preferring Windows, Lenovo will also release a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S in January 2025. This version offers two configurations: 16GB RAM/1TB storage ($599) and 32GB RAM/1TB storage ($729). While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS option, future availability depends on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Beyond the Legion Go S, Valve's commitment to broader SteamOS adoption is evident. A public beta for other handhelds is anticipated in the coming months, opening SteamOS to a wider range of devices. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld, but this partnership could pave the way for more in the future.