SteamOS vs Windows 11 on Lenovo Legion Go S: The Future of Handheld Gaming

When Lenovo introduced the Legion Go S to the market, it stirred excitement not just for its ambitious hardware but, more importantly, for its software choices. As the first mainstream third-party handheld to ship officially with SteamOS, the Legion Go S immediately entered a fierce debate: can Linux-based SteamOS genuinely outclass Microsoft’s Windows 11—long championed as the go-to gaming OS—on the same hardware? Early hands-on benchmarks and in-depth reviews suggest the answer is an emphatic yes, with SteamOS emerging as both a performance and efficiency champion. But what does this mean for the broader landscape of portable PC gaming, device pricing, and the evolving role of operating systems in a world that increasingly expects desktop-class gaming in the palm of your hand?

SteamOS vs Windows 11: Real-World Benchmarks on Legion Go S​

Recent independent testing, including high-profile YouTubers like Dave2D as reported by Windfuture.de, highlights the head-to-head comparisons gamers care about most: framerates, battery life, thermals, and user experience. Lenovo’s Legion Go S, a powerful yet compact portable gaming PC, acts as the perfect testbed by offering identical hardware for both operating systems.

Frame Rate and Responsiveness​

Tests put SteamOS in a commanding lead almost across the board. In the notoriously demanding Cyberpunk 2077, SteamOS managed to achieve nearly 60 frames per second—an almost console-like experience. The Windows 11 version, however, struggled to maintain 46 FPS under identical conditions. More moderately demanding titles, such as Doom Eternal and The Witcher 3, saw frame rates increase by as much as 12–13% when running on SteamOS.
What accounts for this difference? SteamOS utilizes the Linux kernel, offering direct access to certain hardware features and running fewer background processes compared to Windows. More crucially, it leverages AMD’s open-source Vulkan graphics drivers, which routinely outperform their Windows counterparts in raw efficiency and reduced overhead. For games optimized for Vulkan or already supported on Linux via Proton, the result is smoother gameplay with fewer frame dips and a more consistent experience.

Battery Life and System Efficiency​

Perhaps even more dramatic than the raw performance uplift is SteamOS’s impact on battery life. Lightweight indie games like Dead Cells illustrate SteamOS’s efficiency leap: users have reported more than doubling of battery life, with play sessions stretching beyond six hours—remarkable for a handheld PC with console-level ambitions. Even power-hungry titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 fare better, earning an extra 23 minutes of gameplay compared to Windows 11 on the same hardware.
The improved battery life can be attributed to how SteamOS manages background processes, system resource prioritization, and hardware states. Windows 11, engineered as a desktop-first OS, has hundreds of services running in the background and expects to be plugged into wall power. SteamOS, purpose-built for handhelds, knows when to throttle unnecessary tasks and optimize clock speeds for sustained performance rather than short-term peak power.

Thermal Management and Noise​

Alongside performance and efficiency, noise and thermal management are pressing concerns for handhelds. Reviewers have noted that Legion Go S consistently runs quieter with SteamOS, as the fans need to spin less aggressively. The thermal envelope is better managed, with less aggressive power spikes, which in turn contribute to the increased battery life.
On Windows 11, however, the device is often forced to operate fans at higher speeds to keep temperatures in check, especially during extended gaming sessions or while managing background Windows tasks. This results not only in a noisier gaming experience but also in a less comfortable handheld overall—hot spots on the chassis can become noticeable.

How SteamOS Delivers Better Performance​

The secret sauce behind SteamOS’s dominance lies in three core areas:

• Streamlined Architecture: Linux-based operating systems like SteamOS have fundamentally less bloat than Windows. Fewer processes are running, and system resources go primarily toward game execution.
• Superior Driver Support (for AMD on Linux): AMD’s open-source Vulkan drivers, largely maintained by the broader Linux gaming community, have matured rapidly and now surpass—or at least match—Windows drivers in many gaming scenarios. This is particularly evident in tested titles with solid Vulkan support.
• Purpose-Built for Gaming Handhelds: SteamOS was built from the ground up to serve hand-held gaming devices (originally Valve’s Steam Deck), optimizing everything from suspend/resume cycles to controller input layers and overlay usability.

Windows 11: Still a Jack-of-All-Trades, But at a Cost​

This isn’t to say Windows 11 is without merit. Its greatest strength lies in its universality: an unmatched software ecosystem, compatibility with virtually all PC games, and endless flexibility for productivity, creation, and multitasking.
But this flexibility comes with a burden on portable hardware:

• Resource Overhead: Windows 11 is constantly running myriad services—Bluetooth, printer services, indexing for search, background updates, and more. This overhead sucks battery and eats CPU cycles.
• Less Efficient Standby/Sleep: Handhelds running Windows 11 often struggle with reliable standby, waking unexpectedly or draining batteries faster than expected—a problem that has dogged many Windows-based handhelds for years.
• Licensing Costs: Unlike SteamOS, which is freely licensed, Windows 11 incurs per-device costs that add to the retail price. As manufacturers look to cut costs for competitive pricing, this could become a deciding factor.

Implications for Gamers and Manufacturers​

Cost to Consumers​

A not-so-obvious consequence of SteamOS’s growing popularity is its effect on price. SteamOS is free—meaning OEMs like Lenovo can pass savings directly to the consumer or invest those dollars into better hardware, improved thermals, or longer battery life. Windows, on the other hand, still comes with licensing fees (often $50–$100 per device), which can either drive up retail pricing or cut into already thin profit margins.
If adoption continues, consumers will likely be able to buy even more affordable gaming handhelds—as long as the titles they want to play work well on SteamOS.

Potential for a Linux Gaming Surge​

Valve’s investments in Proton, a compatibility layer that allows many Windows games to run seamlessly on Linux, have reached a tipping point. The majority of leading PC game releases are now Proton-compatible, with day-one support becoming more common. This carries significant ramifications for developers and publishers, who increasingly need to guarantee high-quality Linux (SteamOS) support right out of the gate.
As SteamOS moves beyond Valve’s own devices to third-party hardware like Lenovo’s Legion Go S, developers may face more pressure to test, optimize, and officially support the platform—a scenario that would have been unthinkable in the Windows-dominated world of just a few years ago.

Handheld PC as a Distinct Category​

With Legion Go S and Valve’s ongoing Steam Deck innovations, handheld Windows PCs and Linux gaming handhelds appear poised to become a full-fledged product category for enthusiasts and mainstream gamers alike. For years, Windows was the only realistic option for a handheld that played the full library of PC games. That’s now changed.
Consumers are already seeing a split in the ecosystem: those who value battery life, efficiency, and price may gravitate toward SteamOS, while those with niche software needs or rare titles not yet stable on Proton may choose to stick with Windows.

Risks and Limitations of SteamOS​

Despite the clearly documented strengths of SteamOS, buyers should beware of several potential pitfalls and ongoing risks.

Game Compatibility​

While Proton has closed the gap significantly, especially for new or popular titles, not every game will simply “just work” out of the box. Games with intrusive DRM, proprietary launchers (especially from non-Steam platforms), or aggressive anti-cheat measures may not be compatible. Even in best-case scenarios, emerging bugs can still make occasional appearances following SteamOS or Proton updates.
Savvy users should consult the Steam Deck compatibility list or ProtonDB before purchase, particularly if they have must-play legacy or multiplayer titles. That said, most of the headlining AAA games from recent years are now well-supported, and support continues to grow.

Ecosystem Fragmentation​

One of Windows’s enduring strengths is its predictability and support ecosystem. Linux distributions, even SteamOS, are prone to rapid change; update cycles can sometimes lead to instability or introduce regressions. While Valve’s stewardship of SteamOS has improved stability dramatically, new users should remain aware that not all hardware or software will always work as expected.

Limited Non-Gaming Utility​

SteamOS, at its core, is designed to be a gaming-first system. While it does support some basic web browsing or productivity, users looking to dual-purpose their device for content creation, advanced emulation, or power-user workflows will likely hit limitations faster than on Windows. The lack of seamless support for many Windows-exclusive applications is something buyers should keep in mind.

Third-Party Software and Peripherals​

Windows’s dominance means virtually every productivity peripheral, application, and controller supports it out of the box. SteamOS has made major progress here, but niche peripherals or proprietary technologies may not yet have full driver or software support. This is less of an issue for major controllers, Bluetooth devices, and storage, but things like certain VR headsets or obscure hardware may pose hurdles.

The Windows Perspective: Not Down and Out​

It would be premature to write off Windows 11 on portable gaming devices. Microsoft has signaled a willingness to learn from SteamOS’s success: recent updates focus more on gaming modes, streamlining background tasks, and improving the Windows gaming experience on battery-powered and ARM-based PCs. Partnerships with handheld manufacturers could pave the way for Windows Lite-style modes or further UI adaptations.
Windows’s overwhelming game compatibility remains an asset—meaning that for some players, the shortfall in battery life and efficiency may be outweighed by software flexibility and universal support.
Additionally, advances in hardware—more efficient chipsets, better thermal solutions, and bigger batteries—may gradually close the gap on areas where SteamOS shines today.

The Future: A Two-OS Handheld Gaming World?​

If current trends hold, gamers will soon enjoy a robust choice between SteamOS-focused handhelds and their Windows-based counterparts. For the moment, SteamOS’s uncanny efficiency, superior framerates, and tangible day-to-day advantages put it well ahead for the Legion Go S and similar hardware. Windows 11, though resource-hungry, hangs on through its incredible compatibility and familiar desktop environment.
The industry’s next steps will likely depend on:

• How quickly developers and publishers continue to embrace Linux and Proton
• Whether Microsoft can optimize Windows further for compact, gaming-focused hardware
• Consumer appetite for price, efficiency, and ease-of-use versus raw compatibility

Conclusion: Who Should Choose What?​

For most users seeking a handheld gaming PC in 2025, SteamOS delivers a superior out-of-the-box experience on devices like Lenovo’s Legion Go S. Tested benchmarks confirm higher frame rates and far longer battery life, while the system runs quieter and cooler than its Windows-based competition. With no need for a costly OS license, these benefits come at a reduced price.
However, a minority of power users or those with very specific gaming or software requirements may still find Windows 11 indispensable. Compatibility, familiarity, and the flexibility of the Windows ecosystem retain significant appeal—but for many, these will be outweighed by real-world usability and performance.
As more major manufacturers explore SteamOS on their devices, and as Proton’s compatibility keeps pace with the growing PC games library, the balance of power is shifting. Windows’s dominance may no longer remain unchallenged, and for the first time in decades, PC gaming laptops and desktops may not be the only place for the “full” PC gaming experience. The handheld revolution is here, and SteamOS is currently leading the charge.

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Source: Windows Report SteamOS on Lenovo Legion Go S beats Windows 11 in gaming performance