SteamOS Is Officially Launching on a System That\'s Not By Valve

Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Arrives on a Third-Party Handheld

Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go S gaming handheld will be the first non-Steam Deck device to launch with Valve's SteamOS pre-installed, marking a significant expansion for the Linux-based operating system. This exciting development opens up the smooth, console-like SteamOS experience to a wider audience.

Priced at $499, the SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S boasts 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and will launch in May 2025. This contrasts with the Windows 11 version, available in January 2025, offering configurations of 16GB/1TB ($599) and 32GB/1TB ($729). While the Legion Go 2, Lenovo's flagship handheld, won't initially ship with SteamOS, the success of the Go S could change that.

The move to offer SteamOS on third-party hardware is a strategic one for Valve. While competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI+ offer powerful hardware, SteamOS provides a distinct advantage: a significantly optimized user experience compared to Windows on a handheld device.

Valve confirmed full feature parity between the SteamOS versions on the Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, ensuring identical software updates (excluding hardware-specific adjustments). Furthermore, Valve announced a public SteamOS beta in the coming months, allowing owners of other handheld gaming PCs to experience the system firsthand. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a SteamOS-powered handheld, but this could change as Valve expands its partnerships.