SteamOS Now Launched on Non-Valve System

Summary

• Lenovo has announced that its upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will ship with Valve's SteamOS operating system.
• This marks the first time SteamOS, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, will be available on a third-party device.
• The SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S is set to launch in May 2025, priced at $499.

The Lenovo Legion Go S marks a significant milestone as the first third-party handheld gaming PC to feature Valve's SteamOS operating system. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, SteamOS is now expanding to other manufacturers, starting with Lenovo. This move is poised to enhance the handheld gaming experience, offering a more streamlined and console-like interface compared to the Windows-based systems of competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Valve has been developing SteamOS for broader adoption on third-party devices for several years, and the Lenovo Legion Go S represents the culmination of those efforts. Recent leaks were confirmed at CES 2025, where Lenovo unveiled two new Legion Go models: the Legion Go 2, a direct successor to the original, and the more compact Legion Go S. The latter introduces the option of SteamOS, providing gamers with greater choice in the handheld gaming market.

Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld Gaming PC Details

SteamOS Version

• Powered by Valve's Linux-based SteamOS operating system
• Scheduled for release in May 2025 at a price of $499
• Available in a single configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage

Windows Version

• Equipped with Windows 11
• Set to launch in January 2025
• Offered in two configurations: $599 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, and $729 for 32GB RAM and 1TB storage

The SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S will hit the market in May 2025, priced at $499, and will feature 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Valve has assured that the SteamOS on the Legion Go S will receive the same software updates as the Steam Deck, ensuring feature parity across devices. For those who prefer Windows, Lenovo will also offer a version of the Legion Go S with Windows 11, launching earlier in January 2025, with prices starting at $599 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, and $729 for 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. While the Legion Go 2 will not initially feature SteamOS, Lenovo might reconsider based on the demand for the SteamOS variant of the Legion Go S.

Currently, Lenovo is the sole manufacturer partnering with Valve for a SteamOS-licensed device. However, Valve has announced a public beta of SteamOS for other handheld gaming systems in the coming months, broadening the potential user base for this operating system.