Valve Unveils SteamOS on Non-Valve Hardware

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 initial home on the Steam Deck, offering consumers a new choice in the burgeoning handheld gaming market.

The Legion Go S, launching in May 2025 for $499, boasts a 16GB RAM / 512GB storage configuration powered by the smooth, console-like experience of SteamOS. This contrasts with competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+, which utilize Windows. Valve has been actively working towards third-party SteamOS adoption for years, and the Legion Go S represents a significant milestone in that effort.

Initially leaked, the Legion Go S's SteamOS variant was officially confirmed at CES 2025. Lenovo also announced the Legion Go 2, a more powerful successor to the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S, however, offers a compelling alternative with its lighter, more compact design and the option of SteamOS.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications:

SteamOS Version:

• Operating System: Valve's SteamOS (Linux-based)
• Launch Date: May 2025
• Price: $499
• Configuration: 16GB RAM / 512GB storage

Windows Version:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• Launch Date: January 2025
• Price: $599 (16GB RAM / 1TB storage), $729 (32GB RAM / 1TB storage)

Valve assures complete feature parity between the SteamOS Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). A Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available, offering a familiar alternative. While currently exclusive to Lenovo, Valve's blog post hints at a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S may influence future SteamOS partnerships with other manufacturers.