Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS: A True Transformation

SteamOS transforms the Lenovo Legion Go S into a significantly more efficient and user-friendly handheld gaming device.

Hardware by Katmin on Sep 01, 2025

Back in February of this year, Lenovo launched the Windows version of Legion Go S, and it was received very poorly. It was an expensive device, with mediocre battery life and performance. Compared to the competition, it just didn't hold up.

However, we knew a second version was on the way, built in direct partnership with Valve. This wasn't a community mod, but an official collaboration, making Legion Go S the first handheld to run SteamOS out of the box that wasn't made by Valve.

Lenovo, Legion Go S, SteamOS: A True Transformation, NoobFeed

The hardware remains identical to the Windows version, with the key difference being the operating system. Surprisingly, this change made a massive impact, turning the Legion Go S into a far superior device.

Performance

With identical hardware, we finally had the chance to directly compare an official Windows handheld to one running SteamOS. Performance on SteamOS was consistently better.

In many cases, games ran 5-10%, and sometimes even 15% better on SteamOS than on Windows 11. Not every title saw improvements, but most did thanks to the reduced overhead of Linux compared to Windows.

Like Steam Deck, games on Legion Go S run through Proton, a compatibility layer, and performance across Steam titles is excellent. When comparing to the Steam Deck OLED, the Legion Go can achieve better performance, but it requires more wattage. Legion Go tops out at 33-40W when plugged in, while the Steam Deck caps at 15W.

We also tested the higher-tier Legion Go with the Z1 Extreme chip. It offers slightly better performance but at a higher price. For most games, the sweet spot lies in the 15-25W range.

However, the Steam Deck's chip remains better suited for undemanding indie or 2D titles, as it runs efficiently at very low wattages, thereby extending battery life.

Power Consumption and Battery Life

Legion Go S has a 55Wh battery. On Windows, the battery life was dreadful, with fans kicking in even during idle use. With SteamOS, despite the same battery size, the runtime was noticeably better. Linux simply avoids the constant background tasks and telemetry that plague Windows.

SteamOS also brings excellent sleep and suspend functionality. This is where Valve's contribution shines. Sleep works perfectly, better than it ever did on community mods, and matches Steam Deck's reliability.

When suspended overnight, Legion Go S only drains 1-2%, and you can resume right back into a game even days later. On Windows devices, sleep has always been unreliable, often leading to battery drain or crashes.

Lenovo, Legion Go S, SteamOS: A True Transformation, NoobFeed

User Experience

SteamOS offers a smooth, intuitive, and responsive experience. There are no constant pop-ups, bloatware, or extra launchers to load. You can simply pick it up and play—even a child could manage it.

On Windows handhelds, you first boot into a desktop OS designed for a mouse, then deal with multiple launchers like Lenovo's and Steam, plus updates and driver patches.

We might be used to handling this as tech-savvy users, but for the broader gaming audience, it adds unnecessary friction.

Sales figures reflect this—SteamOS-based handhelds, like the Steam Deck, dominate despite Windows devices often having superior screens, performance, and larger batteries. Gamers want a console-like experience with minimal friction, and Windows simply doesn't deliver that.

Cost

Windows handhelds also face the added cost of a Windows license, which increases prices by around $50. SteamOS devices are inherently cheaper.

For reference, Steam Deck OLED is priced at $550, while the base Legion Go S is expected to launch at $599, slightly higher than originally planned.

Although you get better top-end performance on Legion Go, Steam Deck shines at lower wattages. That said, Legion Go's display is a major advantage.

It features a larger screen with higher resolution, faster refresh rate, and VRR support. Games look exceptionally smooth, and while it isn't OLED, the LCD panel is impressive enough that many will prefer it.

Legion Go's touchpad is smaller and less responsive than Steam Deck's, but the ergonomics are excellent. It feels comfortable in hand, and accessories like Dbrand's Kill Switch case are already available, suggesting solid support.

Lenovo, Legion Go S, SteamOS: A True Transformation, NoobFeed

Thoughts on the Future

Valve's effort to custom-tune SteamOS for third-party hardware raises questions. If Valve is open to partnerships like this, will they continue making hardware themselves? After all, hardware margins are slim, but software profits are consistent with Valve's 30% cut on game sales.

While we expect Valve to continue producing hardware, there's a possibility that they could exit the hardware space earlier than we'd like and focus purely on software.

It also raises the issue of Microsoft's absence. Handheld gaming PCs have been around for a decade, and yet Microsoft has done little to optimize Windows for them.

With SteamOS proving the transformative power of a lightweight, console-like OS, Microsoft cannot afford to ignore this space forever.

Final Thoughts

SteamOS fundamentally changes what Legion Go S is capable of. By simply replacing the Windows operating system, the same hardware becomes a far better device.

With better performance, stronger battery life, reliable suspend, and an overall smoother user experience, Legion Go S running SteamOS feels like the handheld it was always meant to be.

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