The handheld gaming PC market continues to grow at a rapid pace, with Lenovo’s latest announcement signaling a significant expansion for Valve’s SteamOS.
Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S, a device that will run on SteamOS, the same operating system powering the Steam Deck. This marks the beginning of SteamOS making its way to third-party gaming devices.
Lenovo’s Gaming Device Lineup: Legion Go 2 and Legion Go S
Lenovo is entering the competitive space of portable gaming PCs with two distinct offerings:
Legion Go 2 (Prototype)
The Legion Go 2 is Lenovo’s second-generation prototype of a portable gaming PC. Some of its standout features include:
- Detachable Controllers for enhanced versatility.
- 8.8-inch OLED Display with vibrant visuals.
- Processor options: AMD Ryzen Z2 or Z2 Extreme.
- Expandable configurations with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB SSD storage.
While this device has impressive specs, it’s still in development, with no confirmed release date or pricing yet.
Lenovo Legion Go S
The Legion Go S offers a simpler, more streamlined design compared to its predecessor. This device stands out for several reasons:
- Non-Detachable Controllers integrated into the body.
- 8-inch Touchscreen in a 16:10 format with a resolution of 1920×1200.
- Powered by either the Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme processors.
- Expandable up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage.
The Legion Go S weighs 730 grams, slightly heavier than the Steam Deck, and features a battery that lasts up to 2.5 hours during demanding gameplay. It will launch this month with Windows 11 at a price of $729.
SteamOS: Making Its Way to Legion Go S in May
The most exciting development is the introduction of a SteamOS version of the Legion Go S, slated for release in May 2025. This version will be more affordable, starting at just $499, and will feature:
- 16GB of RAM.
- 512GB of SSD storage.
- Official support from Valve, making it the first third-party portable device to run SteamOS natively.
Valve has also confirmed that SteamOS will soon be available for public download, allowing users to install it on compatible devices. However, the focus remains on optimizing the OS for portable gaming PCs and controller-based experiences, leaving a potential desktop version as a question for the future.
SteamOS: The Road Ahead
With SteamOS expanding beyond the Steam Deck, Valve is solidifying its presence in the handheld gaming market. The introduction of an affordable, third-party device like the Legion Go S lowers the barrier for gamers interested in portable PCs, offering a compelling alternative to higher-priced options.
While SteamOS’s desktop ambitions remain unclear, its growth within the handheld segment signals Valve’s commitment to innovation in gaming hardware. As the market becomes more competitive, devices like the Legion Go S will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of portable gaming.
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