Lenovo’s decision to ship the Legion Go S with SteamOS has done more than change an operating system — it remade the handheld into a lean, game-first machine that convinced at least one reviewer they no longer miss their Windows PC for portable play. The swap from a full Windows 11 environment to Valve’s lightweight, controller-centric SteamOS streamlines the interface, reduces background overhead, and, in real-world use, noticeably improves responsiveness and battery consistency — turning the Legion Go S from “fine” into a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck and other handheld PCs. (tomshardware.com)
SteamOS was originally Valve’s exclusive specialization for the Steam Deck: a Linux-based, gaming-first operating system that boots straight into a console-style Steam interface and uses Proton to run a huge swath of Windows-native titles. In early 2025 Valve opened the door to third-party hardware, permitting partners to either preload SteamOS or license it for their own handhelds — a move that allowed Lenovo to ship the Legion Go S in a SteamOS flavor and reposition the product as a purpose-built gaming handheld rather than a pocket-sized Windows PC. This strategic shift is central to what makes the SteamOS Legion Go S noteworthy. (theverge.com)
Lenovo’s SteamOS Legion Go S keeps the same compact chassis and many hardware fundamentals as its Windows sibling, but the software change alters the user experience in practical ways: fewer menus, faster boot times, direct access to Steam Big Picture mode, and on-device performance profiles tailored per title. Collectively these changes make the Go S feel less like a portable PC you have to manage and more like a handheld you can just play on.
That said, some published claims (circulated by early reviews and aggregations) asserting precise figures like “up to 75% more performance” should be treated cautiously; numbers vary dramatically by title, settings, and which APU is installed, and no single figure universally applies. Where consensus exists is this: SteamOS typically produces noticeably better runtime efficiency on these handheld APUs, translating to smoother gameplay and improved battery economy in many scenarios. Flagged claim: the large percentage improvements are not universal and should be validated against per-title benchmarks before being taken at face value.
Thermals and acoustics remain trade-offs: under sustained heavy loads fans ramp up and the device becomes audible, and thermal throttling will reduce sustained fps in prolonged sessions. SteamOS’s reduced overhead helps keep fans quieter and can slightly extend sustained performance windows compared to Windows, but it doesn’t eliminate the core physics — more power → more heat → more fan. Plan for shorter unplugged sessions on AAA titles and bring a charger or power bank for travel. (gdgtme.com, pcworld.com)
For buyers uncertain about compatibility, the safe approach is to:
This also places pressure on Microsoft and Windows-based handheld efforts: the market now rewards not just raw horsepower but how effectively that horsepower is exposed to the user in handheld contexts. Expect further innovation in both software overlays on Windows and optimized Linux tooling as the market bifurcates into “PC-first” and “console-like” handhelds.
The Legion Go S (SteamOS) is now a top contender for anyone who values a crisp, responsive handheld experience with modern ergonomics and a large, high-refresh screen. Buyers should verify their must-play titles for compatibility and set realistic expectations about battery life on heavy titles. If those conditions fit your playstyle, the SteamOS Legion Go S may well be the handheld that finally lets you leave your PC at home without feeling you’ve left any fun behind. (tomshardware.com, theverge.com)
Source: ZDNET I swapped my PC for Lenovo's SteamOS handheld - and don't miss Windows at all
Background
SteamOS was originally Valve’s exclusive specialization for the Steam Deck: a Linux-based, gaming-first operating system that boots straight into a console-style Steam interface and uses Proton to run a huge swath of Windows-native titles. In early 2025 Valve opened the door to third-party hardware, permitting partners to either preload SteamOS or license it for their own handhelds — a move that allowed Lenovo to ship the Legion Go S in a SteamOS flavor and reposition the product as a purpose-built gaming handheld rather than a pocket-sized Windows PC. This strategic shift is central to what makes the SteamOS Legion Go S noteworthy. (theverge.com)Lenovo’s SteamOS Legion Go S keeps the same compact chassis and many hardware fundamentals as its Windows sibling, but the software change alters the user experience in practical ways: fewer menus, faster boot times, direct access to Steam Big Picture mode, and on-device performance profiles tailored per title. Collectively these changes make the Go S feel less like a portable PC you have to manage and more like a handheld you can just play on.
Design and ergonomics
A familiar shape, tightened for portability
The Legion Go S preserves the design language Lenovo first introduced with the Legion handheld line: sculpted grips, balanced control layout, and textured side grips to reduce slip during intense sessions. It’s slimmer and lighter than earlier 8.8-inch flagships while still providing room for programmable paddles and tactile triggers. The SteamOS model is offered in a darker finish (Nebula purple in many of the hands-on notes), which visually separates it from the white Windows variant without changing the fundamental feel.- Weight: roughly 1.6 pounds, a little heavier than the Steam Deck OLED but still within comfortable handheld margins. (tomshardware.com)
- Dimensions: compact enough to be comfortably gripped for hour-plus play sessions; trigger travel and paddle placement are tuned for ergonomics rather than headline specs.
Controls and inputs: hall-effect sticks and pragmatic choices
The Go S uses hall-effect analog sticks to mitigate long-term drift, a key longevity advantage for any daily-use handheld. Lenovo’s toggle to adjust rear trigger travel is a welcome practical touch that improves control in different genres, from shooters to driving sims. What’s less impactful in the SteamOS build is the small right-side touchpad: useful for mapping in-game shortcuts or a crude aiming assist, but too small to replace larger trackpads or a mouse experience. Many reviewers found it more of an occasional tool than a core input method.Display: 8-inch 120 Hz vs OLED trade-offs
Lenovo opted for an 8-inch 1920×1200 IPS/LCD panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate on the Legion Go S. That decision favors frame-rate responsiveness and smooth UI/gameplay animations over the deeper contrast and color saturation of OLED panels. In practice, the extra refresh headroom makes fast-paced titles feel snappier on handhelds where low-latency inputs matter; however, OLED’s punchier colors and true blacks remain superior for media and visually rich single-player games. (tomshardware.com, tomsguide.com)- Brightness and visibility: the LCD generally hits higher sustained nit levels than some OLED implementations, improving outdoors readability.
- Color and contrast: OLED still wins for vibrancy and deep blacks (a reason some buyers prefer the Steam Deck OLED despite its lower max refresh rate). (theverge.com, tomshardware.com)
Performance: real-world constraints and advantages
Hardware foundation
The SteamOS Legion Go S models most commonly ship with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU paired with either 16 GB or 32 GB of RAM depending on configuration and OS, plus an integrated Radeon GPU tuned for handheld thermals. The device uses a 55.5 Wh battery and includes dual USB-C 4.0 ports and expandable storage via M.2/microSD on many SKUs. These platform choices place the Go S firmly in the mid/high-tier handheld category: powerful enough for many modern titles, but constrained by heat and battery in prolonged AAA workloads. (tomshardware.com, sportskeeda.com)Why SteamOS feels faster on the Go S
A lean OS matters on handheld hardware. SteamOS reduces background processes, telemetry, and desktop-oriented services that consume CPU and GPU cycles on Windows. Multiple reviewers and benchmarks report that a SteamOS configuration often yields higher sustained fps and quieter thermal profiles on identical hardware compared with a Windows 11 build. The practical takeaway: on constrained handheld thermals, software overhead is an efficiency tax — and SteamOS lowers that tax. (tomshardware.com)That said, some published claims (circulated by early reviews and aggregations) asserting precise figures like “up to 75% more performance” should be treated cautiously; numbers vary dramatically by title, settings, and which APU is installed, and no single figure universally applies. Where consensus exists is this: SteamOS typically produces noticeably better runtime efficiency on these handheld APUs, translating to smoother gameplay and improved battery economy in many scenarios. Flagged claim: the large percentage improvements are not universal and should be validated against per-title benchmarks before being taken at face value.
Real-world examples
- Lightweight and stylized titles such as Hades II, Stardew-like indies, and many 2D/action games run exceptionally well at 120 Hz on the Go S, delivering the “console-like” smoothness SteamOS aims to offer.
- Heavy AAA open-world titles (e.g., recent big-budget releases) will run only with conservative settings if you aim for higher framerates; expect fuzzy shadows, reduced draw distances, and more aggressive TDP limits to maintain playability. Thermals and battery life are the limiting factors. (tomshardware.com, pcworld.com)
Battery life and thermals
Battery life on any modern handheld is use-case dependent. The Legion Go S uses a 55.5 Wh cell, and real-world gaming endurance ranges from roughly an hour for demanding AAA scenes up to two-plus hours for lighter indie or well-optimized titles when running in performance-balanced profiles. Synthetic, non-gaming benchmarks will show far higher numbers (these tests simulate low-load playback), but they’re not representative of on-the-go gaming expectations. (tomshardware.com, pcworld.com)Thermals and acoustics remain trade-offs: under sustained heavy loads fans ramp up and the device becomes audible, and thermal throttling will reduce sustained fps in prolonged sessions. SteamOS’s reduced overhead helps keep fans quieter and can slightly extend sustained performance windows compared to Windows, but it doesn’t eliminate the core physics — more power → more heat → more fan. Plan for shorter unplugged sessions on AAA titles and bring a charger or power bank for travel. (gdgtme.com, pcworld.com)
SteamOS vs Windows: the practical differences
SteamOS advantages
- Streamlined, controller-first UI: boots to Steam Big Picture-style interface; menus and settings designed around a gamepad and touchscreen.
- Lower system overhead: freeing CPU/GPU cycles for games and improving thermal and battery efficiency in many scenarios. (tomshardware.com)
- Proton compatibility layer: enables thousands of Windows titles to run on Linux with minimal setup; the library experience is more unified and console-like. (theverge.com)
- Per-title performance profiles: Steam allows curated or automatic profiles that set power limits and framerate caps on a per-game basis, which lowers the barrier to tuning a handheld for the right balance of visuals and runtime.
Windows advantages
- Universal application compatibility: full access to non-Steam launchers, Windows-native utilities, and productivity apps; if you want a handheld that doubles as a mini-PC for work, Windows remains unmatched.
- Native support for certain titles and anti-cheat systems: although Proton has come a long way, some multiplayer titles and anti-cheat solutions still require extra configuration to run reliably on Linux.
- Larger trackpads and broader peripheral support in PC mode: if mouse-like controls and desktop workflows matter, Windows is the better choice.
Comparison: Legion Go S (SteamOS) vs Steam Deck OLED
Choosing between Valve’s Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo’s SteamOS Legion Go S depends on priorities: display fidelity and ecosystem integration versus refresh-rate and raw responsiveness.- Steam Deck OLED: 7.4-inch OLED, up to 90 Hz refresh, lighter weight (~1.4 lb), and excellent color/contrast for single-player visuals; direct Valve support and a mature SteamOS implementation. (theverge.com)
- Legion Go S (SteamOS): 8-inch 120 Hz LCD, better for high-refresh competitive feel, slightly heavier (~1.6 lb), and additional RAM/storage configurations on some SKUs. The Go S emphasizes smoother motion and responsiveness, while the Deck prioritizes color and contrast. (tomshardware.com, tomsguide.com)
Software compatibility and the Proton caveat
Proton has matured impressively and runs many Windows-native games smoothly on SteamOS, but a handful of titles — especially those with complex anti-cheat mechanisms or DRM — may need extra configuration or may not run at all. For players who rely on certain multiplayer experiences or tools that demand a native Windows environment, SteamOS could present friction. In practice this matters to a minority of titles, but it’s a high-impact minority: if a game you play frequently won’t function under Proton, the handheld loses a lot of its appeal. (theverge.com)For buyers uncertain about compatibility, the safe approach is to:
- Check ProtonDB and official Steam compatibility ratings for your most-played games.
- Test any required anti-cheat or multiplayer titles on a known working SteamOS environment (or stick with Windows on the same hardware).
- Accept that occasional troubleshooting or fallbacks (e.g., remote-play from a desktop) may be required.
Price and value proposition
Street prices for the Legion Go S have varied by configuration and retailer. Retail promotions (for example during seasonal or clearance events) have pushed some SteamOS units down to roughly $600 in limited runs, while MSRP listings for certain configurations ran higher in early reviews. MSRP and sale pricing will continue to fluctuate as inventory settles and as Lenovo positions the Go S against Valve and other rivals. If you see a SteamOS Legion Go S near or below $600, it represents a strong value for a purpose-built handheld with a 120 Hz screen and good ergonomics.Strengths, risks, and practical buying guidance
Strengths
- Purpose-built software: SteamOS’s lean, controller-centric interface dramatically improves handheld ergonomics and performance for gaming-first users.
- Great controls and durable inputs: hall-effect sticks and configurable triggers are longevity-forward choices.
- 120 Hz display: smoother motion and responsive feel in fast-paced titles, which can be a real competitive advantage on the go. (tomshardware.com)
- Choice across ecosystems: Lenovo’s dual-OS strategy lets buyers choose the experience that matches their priorities.
Risks and caveats
- Battery and thermals: expect short sessions on AAA titles; plan for chargers and realistic playtime expectations. (pcworld.com, gdgtme.com)
- Software compatibility edge cases: a handful of multiplayer/anti-cheat-heavy titles still present challenges under Proton; verify your must-play library first. (theverge.com)
- Touchpad and productivity limitations: small touchpads and the SteamOS environment reduce the device’s usefulness as a desktop or browsing machine; users seeking a true Windows-on-the-go experience should opt for the Windows model.
- Claims variability: broad percentage claims about performance improvements under SteamOS are sometimes overstated; individual game benchmarks are the reliable way to judge whether the difference matters to you.
Buying guidance (quick checklist)
- Confirm the price and configuration: RAM and SSD size materially affect value.
- Check compatibility for your most-played games (ProtonDB/Steam compatibility tool).
- Decide whether you need Windows-level flexibility or prefer a streamlined gaming device.
- Consider accessories — a quality carrying case, a USB-C PD power bank, and headphones dramatically improve portability.
What Lenovo’s SteamOS push means for the handheld market
Lenovo shipping an official SteamOS handheld signals a meaningful industry shift: Valve is no longer protecting SteamOS as a Deck-only novelty. By partnering with OEMs, Valve broadens the SteamOS ecosystem and accelerates the platform’s maturity and software support. For consumers, that competition produces better hardware choices and clearer product differentiation: hardware makers can optimize for either Windows versatility or a console-like SteamOS simplicity. For developers, broader SteamOS adoption increases the incentive to test and certify titles on Linux, which over time reduces friction for cross-platform releases. (theverge.com)This also places pressure on Microsoft and Windows-based handheld efforts: the market now rewards not just raw horsepower but how effectively that horsepower is exposed to the user in handheld contexts. Expect further innovation in both software overlays on Windows and optimized Linux tooling as the market bifurcates into “PC-first” and “console-like” handhelds.
Conclusion
The SteamOS Legion Go S is not merely a spec change on Lenovo’s lineup; it’s an experiential pivot. For players who primarily want to play their Steam library on the go without fiddling with desktop menus, the SteamOS build is a serious upgrade: smoother navigation, per-game performance profiles, and measurable efficiency gains translate into a handheld that feels faster and more purpose-built. That does not make Windows obsolete — not by a long shot — but it does make the argument that, for portable gaming, a streamlined OS designed around controls and performance is often the smarter choice.The Legion Go S (SteamOS) is now a top contender for anyone who values a crisp, responsive handheld experience with modern ergonomics and a large, high-refresh screen. Buyers should verify their must-play titles for compatibility and set realistic expectations about battery life on heavy titles. If those conditions fit your playstyle, the SteamOS Legion Go S may well be the handheld that finally lets you leave your PC at home without feeling you’ve left any fun behind. (tomshardware.com, theverge.com)
Source: ZDNET I swapped my PC for Lenovo's SteamOS handheld - and don't miss Windows at all