SteamOS: A Promising Contender for Handheld Gaming
Valve’s SteamOS is gradually emerging as a robust alternative to Windows in the realm of handheld gaming devices. It all began with the launch of the Steam Deck, powered by SteamOS, and now Valve is extending its reach by teaming up with third-party manufacturers to bring more gaming handhelds with SteamOS support. This expansion took a significant leap forward when Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S at CES 2025.
Unlike its predecessor, the Legion Go, the Legion Go S adopts a more conventional design featuring an impressive 8-inch display flanked by controllers on either side. Gone are the detachable controllers and kickstand from its previous iteration. The noteworthy aspect of this device lies in its customizable configurations, offering users a choice between two AMD chipsets: the newly introduced budget-friendly Ryzen Z2 Go and the powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which Lenovo has already employed in the Legion Go and ASUS in their ROG Ally X.
“The decision to offer both SteamOS and Windows 11 as operating system options on the Legion Go S underscores Lenovo’s commitment to catering to diverse gaming preferences.”
{Expert Opinion}
SteamOS brings a superior gaming experience to handheld devices, boasting an intuitive interface, seamless out-of-the-box experience, and excellent sleep/wake support. However, some gamers might lean towards Windows due to preferences like Xbox Game Pass or specific multiplayer games that require Windows-exclusive anti-cheat software.
- The Ryzen Z2 Go version starts at $599 with Windows 11 or $499 with SteamOS.
- The Ryzen Z1 Extreme variant is priced at $729 and comes with 32GB of RAM.
- The entry-level model offers 16GB of RAM.
- The 8-inch screen features a 16:10 aspect ratio, supports up to 1920×1200 resolution, and has a 120Hz variable refresh rate.
- Equipped with a 55Wh battery, two USB 4 ports, and a microSD slot.
- The device weighs 730g (1.61 pounds) and includes a small touchpad for desktop navigation.
Lenovo plans to release the Z1 Extreme version in January, while the Z2 Go configurations will be available in May 2025. Moreover, there’s exciting news about updates for the original Legion Go and even an early prototype for the Legion Go 2 showcased at CES 2025. Lenovo envisions these devices as distinct products with periodic updates.
While it might be tempting to see the Legion Go S as a competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck, it’s important to note that Valve has collaborated closely with Lenovo to refine SteamOS for this new device. Valve’s focus appears to be on expanding the Steam ecosystem rather than positioning itself as the next major console manufacturer. By taking a cut from every Steam purchase, Valve ensures its continued investment in growing this exciting gaming landscape.
