Lenovo Legion Go S: First Third-Party SteamOS Handheld Announced
At CES 2025, something happened that changed handheld gaming forever.
Lenovo announced the Legion Go S with SteamOS, marking the first time Valve has licensed its gaming OS to another manufacturer. This isn’t just another handheld – it’s the beginning of a new era where SteamOS breaks free from the Steam Deck.
I’ve been following the handheld gaming space since the Steam Deck launched, and this announcement feels like the moment we’ve been waiting for.
Let’s explore what makes the Legion Go S special and why it matters for the future of portable PC gaming.
What is the Lenovo Legion Go S?
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a new handheld gaming PC that comes in two versions – one running Windows 11 and another running Valve’s SteamOS.
The SteamOS version represents a historic partnership between Lenovo and Valve. For the first time, gamers can buy a non-Valve device with the same operating system that powers the Steam Deck.
Lenovo unveiled this device at CES 2025 alongside its broader Legion gaming lineup. The announcement came with hands-on demos showing the familiar SteamOS interface running on Lenovo hardware.
⚠️ Important: The SteamOS version launches in May 2025, while the Windows version arrives in January 2025.
The device targets gamers who want Steam Deck’s software experience with potentially better hardware options. This creates a new category in the market – premium SteamOS handhelds beyond Valve’s own offerings.
What sets the Legion Go S apart is its positioning as both a competitor and complement to the Steam Deck. Lenovo brings its gaming hardware expertise while leveraging Valve’s proven software platform.
Legion Go S Specifications and Features (March 2026)
The Legion Go S packs serious hardware into its portable form factor.
At its heart sits the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, a chip specifically designed for handheld gaming. This newer processor promises better performance per watt compared to the Steam Deck’s older APU.
| Specification | Legion Go S (SteamOS) | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | AMD Custom APU |
| Display | 8″ LCD, 120Hz, VRR | 7.4″ OLED, 90Hz |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB options | 512GB/1TB options |
| Battery | 55.5Wh | 50Wh |
| Weight | 740g | 640g |
The 8-inch display stands out as larger than the Steam Deck’s screen. With 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate support, games should feel smoother during gameplay.
Hall Effect joysticks address the drift issues that plague many handhelds. These magnetic sensors don’t wear out like traditional potentiometer-based sticks, ensuring long-term reliability.
The 55.5Wh battery exceeds the Steam Deck’s capacity by 10%. Combined with the efficient Z2 Go processor, this should translate to solid gaming sessions between charges.
✅ Pro Tip: The SteamOS version includes a 512GB SSD standard, while Windows buyers can choose between 512GB and 1TB options.
Other notable features include dual USB-C ports, a microSD card slot for expansion, and RGB lighting on the joysticks. The device maintains full compatibility with Steam’s game library and controller configurations.
Why SteamOS on Legion Go S Matters?
SteamOS on third-party hardware represents a fundamental shift in the handheld gaming market.
Until now, Valve kept SteamOS exclusive to the Steam Deck. This strategy helped establish their hardware but limited consumer choice. The Legion Go S partnership changes everything.
For Valve, licensing SteamOS expands their ecosystem without manufacturing costs. More devices running SteamOS means more Steam game sales and a stronger position against Windows-based handhelds.
“This partnership validates SteamOS as a viable gaming platform beyond Valve’s own hardware.”
– Industry Analysis
Lenovo gains access to an optimized gaming OS without developing their own software. SteamOS offers better battery life and performance consistency compared to Windows on handheld devices.
The partnership also pressures other manufacturers. ASUS, MSI, and others must now consider whether to stick with Windows or explore SteamOS licensing for their handhelds.
For gamers interested in best relaxing Steam games, having more SteamOS options means better optimization and compatibility across devices.
This move validates the handheld PC gaming market as sustainable and growing. When major manufacturers invest in specialized gaming handhelds, it signals long-term commitment to the category.
Pricing and Availability in 2026
The Legion Go S offers competitive pricing that positions it strategically in the market.
The SteamOS version launches at $599 with 512GB storage. This price sits between the Steam Deck OLED 512GB at $549 and the 1TB model at $649.
Initially announced at $499 during CES, Lenovo adjusted the price to $599 for the May launch. This $100 increase reflects market positioning and potentially higher component costs.
- SteamOS Version: $599 (512GB) – Launches May 2025
- Windows Version: $729 (512GB), $829 (1TB) – Launches January 2025
- Price Difference: SteamOS version costs $130 less than Windows equivalent
The Windows version commands a premium due to licensing costs and the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. However, many users prefer SteamOS for handheld gaming due to its optimization.
Pre-orders haven’t opened yet, but Lenovo promises availability through their website and major retailers. The May launch gives them time to refine the SteamOS implementation based on early feedback.
When considering a portable gaming guide for travel, the Legion Go S price point makes it an attractive Steam Deck alternative.
Impact on the Handheld Gaming Market
The Legion Go S signals a major shift in how we think about handheld gaming PCs.
This device creates a new competitive dynamic. Steam Deck no longer stands alone in the SteamOS category, while Windows handhelds face pressure from both sides.
ASUS ROG Ally and MSI Claw users often complain about Windows overhead and poor battery optimization. The Legion Go S offers these users a familiar brand with better software optimization.
Quick Summary: The Legion Go S forces competitors to reconsider their OS strategy and could trigger a wave of SteamOS adoptions across the industry.
The $130 price difference between SteamOS and Windows versions highlights the OS tax on portable devices. This gap might push more manufacturers toward SteamOS licensing.
AMD benefits significantly from this trend. Their Ryzen Z-series processors power virtually every major handheld, establishing them as the de facto standard for portable gaming.
Traditional gaming laptops also feel the pressure as handhelds offer increasingly capable performance in more portable packages.
We’re witnessing the birth of a true handheld gaming PC ecosystem where multiple manufacturers compete on hardware while sharing optimized software platforms.
The Future of SteamOS Handhelds
The Legion Go S represents just the beginning of SteamOS expansion beyond Valve.
Expect more manufacturers to announce SteamOS devices throughout 2025 as Valve opens licensing to additional partners. This competition will drive innovation in hardware while maintaining software consistency.
The success of third-party SteamOS devices could reshape PC gaming, making it more accessible and console-like while maintaining the openness PC gamers value.