SteamOS Expands Beyond Steam Deck: A New Era for Handheld Gaming

Valve’s SteamOS has been a game-changer for portable PC gaming, powering the wildly successful Steam Deck with its Linux-based, gamer-centric design. But the operating system’s story is about to get much bigger. With the upcoming launch of the Lenovo Legion Go S—the first non-Steam Deck handheld to officially run SteamOS—Valve is poised to expand its influence across the handheld gaming market. A new SteamOS compatibility rating system, announced just ahead of the Legion Go S’s May 26, 2025, release, signals that SteamOS is ready to take on new hardware and challenge the dominance of Windows in the handheld space. Here’s why this moment feels like a tipping point and what it means for gamers and the industry.

SteamOS Goes Universal: The Compatibility Rating System

Valve recently unveiled a SteamOS Compatibility system, an extension of the Steam Deck Verified program, designed to certify games for devices running SteamOS that aren’t Steam Decks. This system introduces two straightforward ratings: “SteamOS Compatible” and “SteamOS Unsupported.” Unlike the Deck Verified program, which factors in performance and control inputs, the new system focuses on whether a game boots and runs on SteamOS, either natively or through the Proton compatibility layer, without middleware issues. Over 18,000 games are already marked as SteamOS Compatible, giving users confidence that their Steam libraries will work on new devices like the Legion Go S.

This move is a clear signal that Valve is preparing SteamOS for broader adoption. The compatibility ratings will appear on Steam store pages and in users’ libraries when accessed from non-Steam Deck SteamOS devices, ensuring a seamless experience. By leveraging existing Deck Verified testing, Valve has made it easy for developers to support this new ecosystem without additional effort. This simplicity could encourage more manufacturers to adopt SteamOS, knowing that a vast library of compatible games is already in place.

SteamOS Compatibility System Overview

Purpose

• Certifies games for non-Steam Deck devices running SteamOS, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S.
• Ensures users know which games will run on their SteamOS-powered hardware.

Ratings

• SteamOS Compatible: Game boots and runs on SteamOS, either natively or via Proton, with no middleware issues.
• SteamOS Unsupported: Game fails to run due to compatibility issues, e.g., unsupported anti-cheat systems or middleware.

Key Details

• Over 18,000 games rated as SteamOS Compatible at launch.
• Ratings derived from existing Steam Deck Verified testing, requiring no extra developer work.
• Visible on Steam store pages and libraries when accessed from non-Steam Deck SteamOS devices.
• Focuses on functionality, not performance or input optimization.

Impact

• Simplifies game compatibility for new SteamOS devices.
• Encourages manufacturers to adopt SteamOS by ensuring a robust game library.

The Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS’s First Big Test

The Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $499 for the SteamOS model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, is the first third-party handheld to ship with Valve’s operating system. Set to launch on May 26, 2025, it boasts an 8-inch 120Hz OLED display, an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, and storage options up to 1TB. Unlike its Windows-based Windows-based counterparts, the Legion Go S’s SteamOS version offers a cost advantage—Valve’s Linux-based OS eliminates the need for Windows licensing fees, allowing Lenovo to offer competitive pricing compared to rivals like the Asus ROG Ally ($599) or the original Legion Go ($799).

Valve has worked closely with Lenovo to ensure the Legion Go S runs the same SteamOS image as the Steam Deck, complete with identical software updates and precached shaders for smooth performance. This collaboration underscores Valve’s commitment to delivering a consistent, polished experience across devices, which could set a high standard for future SteamOS handhelds.

Why SteamOS Is Ready to Take Off

Several factors suggest SteamOS is on the cusp of widespread adoption:

1. Proven Success with Steam Deck: The Steam Deck has outsold competitors like the Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw, proving that SteamOS’s streamlined, console-like interface resonates with gamers. Its ability to run a vast array of Steam games via Proton has made Linux gaming more accessible than ever.
2. Cost Efficiency: By avoiding Windows licensing fees, manufacturers can offer SteamOS devices at lower prices, as seen with the Legion Go S. This could pressure competitors to either adopt SteamOS or cut prices, benefiting consumers.
3. Open Ecosystem: Valve’s open-source approach allows anyone to install SteamOS on compatible hardware, and a public beta for third-party devices is expected before the Legion Go S launch. This flexibility contrasts with Windows’s closed ecosystem, appealing to tinkerers and manufacturers alike.
4. Expanding Hardware Support: Valve is actively improving SteamOS compatibility for non-Steam Deck handhelds, with patch notes already mentioning support for devices like the Asus ROG Ally X. While Intel and Nvidia driver compatibility remains a challenge, AMD-based systems (like the Legion Go S) are well-supported, and Valve’s ongoing development suggests broader compatibility in the future.
5. Industry Momentum: Posts on X reflect excitement for SteamOS’s expansion, with users noting that the Legion Go S offers “the same experience as a Steam Deck but now in other hardware.” Valve’s partnerships, starting with Lenovo, hint at more SteamOS devices to come, potentially including desktops or even a revived Steam Machine.

What This Means for Gamers and the Industry

For gamers, SteamOS’s expansion promises more choices and better value. Devices like the Legion Go S combine high-end hardware with an OS optimized for gaming, potentially offering a smoother experience than Windows-based handhelds bogged down by bloatware like Armory Crate or Legion Space. The compatibility ratings ensure transparency, so you’ll know exactly which games will run before you buy.

For the industry, SteamOS’s rise challenges Microsoft’s dominance in PC gaming. Windows handhelds, while versatile, often suffer from clunky interfaces and higher costs. If more manufacturers follow Lenovo’s lead, SteamOS could become the de facto standard for handhelds, forcing Microsoft to streamline Windows or risk losing market share. Some speculate that a large SteamOS install base might even encourage developers to create native Linux versions of games, further reducing reliance on Windows.

However, challenges remain. SteamOS’s compatibility ratings don’t account for performance, so a “Compatible” game might still run poorly on certain hardware. Additionally, games with restrictive anti-cheat systems, like Apex Legends, may remain Unsupported due to Linux limitations. Valve will need to address these issues to maintain momentum.

Looking Ahead: The Legion Go S and Beyond

As the Legion Go S launch approaches, all eyes are on how it performs. If it delivers the same seamless experience as the Steam Deck—paired with its superior OLED display and competitive price—it could steal market share from Windows handhelds and solidify SteamOS’s reputation. Valve’s hints at “more devices in the future” suggest this is just the beginning. Whether it’s new handhelds, desktops, or even a Steam Machine revival, SteamOS is positioning itself as a serious contender.

The handheld gaming market is heating up, and SteamOS is fanning the flames. For gamers, that means more options, lower prices, and a future where Linux gaming isn’t just a niche—it’s the mainstream.