If you are a fan of gaming, you have probably noticed that handheld gaming devices are making a big comeback in the last few years. Devices like the Valve Steam Deck have changed how people think about gaming on the move. Now, a leaked image of Lenovo’s upcoming Legion Go 2 gaming handheld has made everyone excited, because it points to something new – the device could soon offer SteamOS as an option alongside Windows 11.
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What is the Lenovo Legion Go 2?
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is a portable gaming PC, which means it combines the best features of laptops and handheld consoles. You get the power of a regular computer squeezed into a device that you can easily take along with you. Lenovo is a trusted brand for laptops and gaming PCs, so every new product in their Legion series creates a buzz.
This new device is set to be officially showcased at IFA 2025 in Berlin, one of the world’s biggest technology fairs. Leaks ahead of the reveal show some very interesting details, especially about its operating system.
What’s the story behind these leaks?
Popular tech tipster Evan Blass, who often releases accurate photos of upcoming gadgets, posted images that show the Lenovo Legion Go 2 running Valve’s SteamOS. Although Lenovo has not confirmed this detail yet, experts believe these images are genuine.
What makes this interesting is that, until now, Windows 11 has been the standard operating system for handheld gaming PCs except for Valve’s own Steam Deck. Having SteamOS as an official option would offer more choice for gamers, and could change the landscape for other brands too.
Why does the operating system matter?
Anyone who has played games on a Windows handheld knows there are both advantages and frustrations. Windows gives you access to a massive library of games, and you can run almost anything that works on your regular laptop. But, Windows 11 was not designed with small screens and touchscreen controls in mind. Sometimes, finding the right settings or launching games quickly becomes a headache. Updates can be slow, and the system can use up resources needed for games.
SteamOS is a different story. Developed by Valve, it is a Linux-based system made especially for gaming. It offers a clean, console-like interface that makes it faster and simpler to start your games. This system is more lightweight, which means more power is left for the actual games instead of background Windows tasks. On devices like the Steam Deck, SteamOS has already made gaming on the go much easier and smoother, especially for people who just want to switch on and play.
How does this affect competition?
If Lenovo releases the Legion Go 2 with SteamOS, it breaks the hold Windows 11 has had over third-party gaming handhelds. It sets a new benchmark and gives other companies like Asus or MSI a reason to try Linux-based systems too. Some rivals, for example, the new ROG Xbox Ally X, are exploring fresh approaches with dedicated gaming-friendly layers over Windows. But these efforts still strongly rely on Windows underneath.
Valve’s direct involvement with Lenovo also makes this tie-up special. Until now, only Valve’s own hardware offered official SteamOS support. Lenovo becoming the first top laptop brand to team up with Valve could encourage other mainstream PC makers to follow, leading to more choices and better prices for everyone.
How is the competition responding?
Microsoft and Asus are not staying quiet. The new ROG Xbox Ally X handheld will soon get a ‘full-screen experience’ for Windows 11. This means Microsoft is making its Xbox app on Windows much more like a real game console interface. It aims to make launching games and using the device friendlier for the handheld format. This update is expected for other Windows handhelds soon, and it looks like companies know they must make the experience smoother as SteamOS gains popularity.
