Windows may rule the desktop roost, but it simply can’t compete with the console-like experience SteamOS offers on handhelds, try as it might. Critics frequently cite Microsoft’s operating system as a point of criticism among the likes of Legion Go and ROG Ally, myself included, making Valve’s solution seem all the better. It appears that manufacturers are listening, with Lenovo seemingly keen to emulate the Steam Deck’s success by switching sides on at least one of its upcoming Legion handhelds.
Recently, X user evleaks shared renders of an unannounced Legion handheld, which appears to be a black version of the white Legion Go S leaked earlier this year. The device appears to be a significant departure from Legion Go, on account of its lack of detachable controllers and what looks to be a smaller touchpad. However, the most exciting difference is undoubtedly the presence of a Steam logo next to its topmost left button.
There’s no sign of Legion Go’s ‘Legion Space’ app icon, suggesting that this button’s function will mirror that of the ‘Steam’ button on Steam Deck. Of course, this could only be the case if the device were to use SteamOS, a prospect which Valve seems keen capitalise on and support.
What cements the idea that this Legion handheld will rock SteamOS instead of Windows, though, is Lenovo’s communication surrounding its CES 2025 plans. In an email sent by the brand to The Verge, it confirms that “special guests Valve” will be in attendance. More specifically, Valve SteamOS and Steam Deck co-designer Pierre-Loup Griffais. We’ll learn more before or come January 7, 2025.
I’m intrigued to see how SteamOS will perform and differ on other devices. While it’s possible to install similar versions of Linux on existing handhelds through Bazzite, this will be one of the first instances of the operating system receiving an official release outside of Valve’s ecosystem. Here’s hoping a downloadable version I can pop on my desktop isn’t far behind.
Should Lenovo and Valve stick the landing, this could be a game-changing moment for handhelds. While I doubt it’s the only device that we’ll see pop up at CES 2025 with SteamOS, it for now remains the most high-profile example. However, this is by no means the end for Windows in this space and I expect we’ll see plenty more models emerge in the coming year using Microsoft’s operating system.
Club386 will be at CES 2025, so be sure to stay tuned for any announcements from Lenovo and other heavy-hitters including Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. In the meantime, give the site a follow on Google News to make sure you don’t miss any of our daily news coverage, as well as reviews and other thoughts on all things tech.
