SteamOS is slowly becoming an alternative to Windows for handheld gaming devices. After launching the Steam Deck with SteamOS, its own operating system, Valve is now partnering with third-party manufacturers so that they can release gaming handhelds with SteamOS support.
On Tuesday, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S at CES 2025. Unlike its predecessor, the Legion Go, this gaming handheld has a more traditional form-factor with a large, 8-inch display surrounded by controllers on each side of the screen. The detachable controllers and the kickstand at the back of the device are gone.
But the most interesting part of the device is that it comes in multiple configurations. Customers will be able to decide between two AMD chipsets: the newly announced budget processor Ryzen Z2 Go, and the Ryzen Z1 Extreme that Lenovo is already using for the Legion Go. Asus is also using the Z1 Extreme for the ROG Ally X.
Similarly, customers will get to decide whether they want to buy the Legion Go S with SteamOS pre-installed or Windows 11. While SteamOS is a much better experience for a gaming handheld with a better interface, a better out-of-the-box experience, and better support for sleep/wake, some customers might prefer Windows if they download games through Xbox Game Pass or if their favorite multiplayer game relies on Windows-only anti-cheat software.
The Z2 Go version will be available for $599 with Windows 11, or $499 with SteamOS, while the Z1 Extreme variant will cost $729. Lenovo is releasing the Z1 Extreme version in January, while the Z2 Go configurations will be available in May 2025. The entry-level device will come with 16GB of RAM, while the $729 one features 32GB of RAM.
When it comes to specifications, the 8-inch display has a 16:10 aspect ratio and supports resolutions of up to 1920×1200 with a 120Hz variable refresh rate. The Legion Go S comes with a 55Wh battery, two USB 4 ports and a microSD slot. The device weighs 730g (1.61 pounds) and comes with an extremely tiny touchpad to navigate the desktop interface.
Lenovo also plans to update the original Legion Go, and it even showcased an early prototype of the Legion Go 2 at CES 2025. The idea is that the Legion Go S and the Legion Go will be two separate products that will be updated every now and then.
While you could consider the Legion Go S as a Steam Deck competitor, remember that Valve has collaborated with Lenovo to tweak SteamOS for the new machine. Valve takes a cut on every Steam purchase, and the company seems to think that it’s more important to grow the Steam ecosystem than become the next big console maker.
