Lenovo Legion Go S launches with SteamOS option at CES 2025

Valve is expanding the reach of its SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, marking a strategic shift toward making its operating system a viable alternative to Windows for third-party handheld gaming hardware. This move was highlighted at CES 2025 with the official unveiling of the Lenovo Legion Go S.

Unlike the original Legion Go, which featured a modular design with detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand, the Legion Go S adopts a more conventional form factor. The device centers on a large eight-inch display, with integrated controllers positioned on either side of the screen.

Hardware Configurations and Pricing

Lenovo is offering the Legion Go S in distinct tiers, allowing users to choose between two AMD chipsets:

• Ryzen Z2 Go: A new budget-oriented processor. The device will be priced at $499 with SteamOS or $599 with Windows 11. These configurations include 16GB of RAM and are expected to arrive in May 2025.
• Ryzen Z1 Extreme: A more powerful chip also utilized in the Asus ROG Ally X. This version costs $729, features 32GB of RAM, and is scheduled for a January release.

Software Flexibility

A significant differentiator for the Legion Go S is the freedom to choose the operating system. While SteamOS provides a tailored, console-like interface with optimized sleep/wake functionality, users opting for Windows 11 may find better compatibility for specific scenarios, such as accessing Xbox Game Pass or running multiplayer titles that require Windows-exclusive anti-cheat software.

Valve’s collaboration with Lenovo on this project underscores a shift in the company’s business model. Rather than strictly competing as a hardware manufacturer, Valve is prioritizing the growth of the Steam ecosystem, aiming to make its software the standard for portable gaming.

Technical Specifications

The device features an eight-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, supporting resolutions up to 1920×1200 and a 120Hz variable refresh rate. Weighing 730g (1.61 pounds), the unit includes a 55Wh battery, dual USB 4 ports, a microSD slot for expanded storage, and a small touchpad for desktop navigation.

Looking ahead, Lenovo has signaled that the Legion Go S will exist as a distinct product line alongside the original Legion Go. The company even showcased an early prototype of the Legion Go 2 during the event, confirming plans to continue iterating on both hardware formats in the future.