SteamOS Now Available on Non-Valve Hardware

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

Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a significant handheld gaming PC marking the first third-party device to launch with Valve's SteamOS. Previously exclusive to the Steam Deck, this collaboration expands SteamOS's reach to a wider market.

The Legion Go S, priced at $499, will debut in May 2025, featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. 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 performance for portable devices.

While a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will also be available (January 2025 launch, starting at $599), the SteamOS variant represents a key strategic move by Valve, who have been working towards third-party SteamOS integration for several years. The Legion Go S's SteamOS version will receive the same software updates as the Steam Deck, ensuring feature parity.

Lenovo's announcement at CES 2025 confirmed earlier leaks. The Legion Go S, alongside the more powerful Legion Go 2 (currently without SteamOS plans), offers consumers a choice in handheld gaming PCs. The success of the SteamOS Legion Go S could influence future SteamOS adoption on other Lenovo devices or even other manufacturers' products.

Beyond the Legion Go S, Valve's commitment to broader SteamOS accessibility is evident. A public beta of SteamOS for other handheld devices is slated for release in the coming months, opening up the operating system to a larger community of gamers. Currently, Lenovo holds the exclusive license for a commercially available SteamOS handheld.