SteamOS Debuts on Non-Valve Platform

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 exclusivity to the Steam Deck.

The Legion Go S, priced at $499, will launch in May 2025, boasting 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 foundation for portable gaming. Valve has been actively pursuing this third-party expansion for years, and the Legion Go S represents a significant milestone.

Lenovo also announced a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S, launching earlier in January 2025. This version offers configurations of 16GB RAM/1TB storage ($599) and 32GB RAM/1TB storage ($729). While the flagship Legion Go 2 currently lacks a SteamOS variant, future plans may depend on the Legion Go S's market reception.

Valve confirmed full feature parity for SteamOS on the Legion Go S, ensuring identical software updates to the Steam Deck, excluding hardware-specific adjustments. This move signifies a broader commitment to SteamOS adoption. Furthermore, Valve announced a public SteamOS beta for other handhelds in the coming months, opening the platform to a wider range of devices. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive partnership for a licensed SteamOS handheld.