Valve's SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve System

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

Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a groundbreaking handheld gaming PC, marking the first third-party device to ship with Valve's SteamOS. This collaboration expands SteamOS beyond its original home on the Steam Deck.

The Legion Go S, priced at $499, will launch in May 2025 with a 16GB RAM / 512GB storage configuration. This SteamOS version offers a smoother, console-like experience compared to Windows-based competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, leveraging SteamOS's optimized Linux base for a superior portable gaming experience.

While a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available (launching in January 2025, starting at $599), the SteamOS variant represents a significant step forward for consumer choice in the handheld gaming market. Valve has confirmed feature parity with the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments).

The higher-end Legion Go 2, however, will not initially launch with SteamOS, leaving the door open for future possibilities depending on the success of the Legion Go S.

Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld from Valve. However, Valve's announcement of a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months suggests broader accessibility is on the horizon for owners of devices like the Asus ROG Ally. This move significantly expands the reach of SteamOS and its optimized gaming experience.