Lenovo Legion Go S: Unleashing SteamOS on New Gaming Frontiers!

SteamOS is gradually emerging as an alternative to Windows for portable gaming devices. Following the release of the Steam Deck with its proprietary operating system, Valve is now collaborating with third-party vendors to enable them to introduce gaming handhelds that support SteamOS.

On Tuesday, Lenovo revealed the Legion Go S during CES 2025. In contrast to its earlier version, the Legion Go, this gaming handheld features a more conventional format, boasting a sizeable 8-inch display flanked by controllers on either side of the screen. The detachable controllers and the rear kickstand have been omitted.

However, the most captivating aspect of the device is that it is available in various configurations. Customers can choose between two AMD chipsets: the newly introduced budget processor Ryzen Z2 Go and the Ryzen Z1 Extreme that Lenovo is already utilizing for the Legion Go. Asus is also employing the Z1 Extreme for the ROG Ally X.

In a similar vein, customers will select whether they prefer to purchase the Legion Go S with SteamOS already installed or with Windows 11. Although SteamOS provides a superior experience for a gaming handheld with a more user-friendly interface, enhanced out-of-the-box functionality, and improved sleep/wake support, some users might opt for Windows if they intend to download games through Xbox Game Pass or if their preferred multiplayer title depends on Windows-exclusive anti-cheat systems.

The Z2 Go variant will retail for $599 with Windows 11, or $499 with SteamOS, whereas the Z1 Extreme model will be priced at $729. Lenovo plans to launch the Z1 Extreme variant in January, while the Z2 Go configurations will be made available in May 2025. The entry-level device will feature 16GB of RAM, while the $729 model boasts 32GB of RAM.

Regarding specifications, the 8-inch display boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio and supports resolutions up to 1920×1200 with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The Legion Go S is equipped with a 55Wh battery, two USB 4 ports, and a microSD slot. Weighing 730g (1.61 pounds), the device includes a considerably small touchpad to navigate the desktop interface.

Lenovo also intends to enhance the original Legion Go, and it even demonstrated an early version of the Legion Go 2 during CES 2025. The concept is that the Legion Go S and the Legion Go will function as two distinct products that will receive updates periodically.

While one might regard the Legion Go S as a rival to the Steam Deck, it is vital to note that Valve has partnered with Lenovo to adapt SteamOS for the new device. Valve benefits from every Steam transaction, and the company appears to prioritize expanding the Steam ecosystem over becoming the next significant console manufacturer.