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SteamOS is slowly becoming an alternative to Windows for handheld gaming devices. after starting it Steam deck with its own operating system, SteamOS, Valve is now partnering with third-party manufacturers so that they can release gaming hardware with SteamOS support.
Tuesday, Lenovo opened Legion Go S at CES 2025. Unlike its predecessor 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. Gone are the detachable controllers and the stand on the back of the device.
But the most interesting part of the device is that it comes in many configurations. Customers will be able to decide between two AMD chipsets: newly announced budget processor Ryzen Z2 Go and Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which Lenovo already uses for Legion Go. It also uses the Asus Z1 Extreme ROG Ally X.
Similarly, customers will decide whether they want to buy the Legion Go S with SteamOS or Windows 11 pre-installed. Although SteamOS is a better experience for a gaming handheld with a better interface, a better box. experience and better sleep/wake support, some customers may prefer Windows if they download games via Xbox Game Pass or if their favorite multiplayer game only relies on Windows anti-cheat software.
The Z2 Go version will sell for $599 with Windows 11 or $499 with SteamOS, while the Z1 Extreme version will cost $729. Lenovo will launch the Z1 Extreme version in January, and the Z2 Go configurations in May 2025. The entry-level device will come with 16GB of RAM, while the $729 device will come with 32GB of RAM.
As for the specifications, the 8-inch display has a 16:10 aspect ratio and supports resolutions up to 1920 × 1200 with a variable refresh rate of 120 Hz. The Legion Go S comes with a 55Wh battery, two USB 4 ports and a microSD slot. The device weighs 730g (1.61lbs) and comes with a rather small touchpad for navigating the desktop interface.
Lenovo plans to update the original Legion Go as well, and even was demonstrated An early prototype of Legion Go 2 at CES 2025. The idea is that Legion Go S and Legion Go will be two separate products and will be updated from time to time.
While you might think of the Legion Go S as a Steam Deck competitor, keep in mind that Valve has partnered with Lenovo to tweak SteamOS for the new machine. Valve offers a discount on every Steam purchase, and the company believes that growing the Steam ecosystem is more important than becoming the next big console maker.
