After learning last year that the Steam Deck will no longer be the only handheld with SteamOS, Lenovo introduced two versions of their next-gen handheld devices: one based on Windows 11 and the other on SteamOS. These were announced at CES 2025 earlier this month. This makes the Lenovo Legion Go S the first non-Valve device to feature SteamOS. However, unlike the SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S, the Windows version is already in the hands of gamers and is being used in a way you wouldn’t expect.

Since the SteamOS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S won’t be released until May, one gamer couldn’t wait and found a workaround for an “early access” SteamOS experience. Reddit user Stefan_Laabs took matters into his own hands, purchasing the Windows version of the Legion Go S and installing Bazzite – an alternative to SteamOS. The goal was to replicate the SteamOS experience on the Lenovo Legion Go S, giving a preview of what’s to come when the official SteamOS version of the handheld device is released.

A perfect alternative to SteamOS

What makes Bazzite a game changer for those wanting to move away from Windows on their handheld is its impressive similarity to the SteamOS experience. While Bazzite isn't an exact clone of SteamOS, its functionality mirrors Valve's OS closely. Bazzite features SteamOS' KDE themes, matching desktop wallpapers, icons, and a taskbar. If you didn't know better, you'd think you were running the real SteamOS.

Another strength of Bazzite is its easy compatibility. The fact that it's ready for use on a handheld device that was only just released speaks volumes about the OS's versatility. There are other alternatives such as SteamFork – which has been demonstrated to run well on the ASUS ROG Ally. The developer of SteamFork suggests that it “should also be working” on the Legion Go S.

SteamOS is what many gamers want in handhelds

SteamOS is regarded as one of the best operating systems for handheld devices. Some people on Windows-based handhelds are seeking a more streamlined, bloat-free OS designed specifically for gaming – SteamOS. Valve is making sure to give gamers what they want, with the goal of not only making SteamOS available on third-party handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go S but also eventually bringing it to desktop platforms. It isn’t without its downsides though – the biggest of which being poor support on

While we've heard rumors of SteamOS expanding to devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, it'll take time for it to become the go-to gaming operating system across all platforms. Until then, for those eager to turn their Lenovo Legion Go S Windows version into a SteamOS-powered device, alternatives like Bazzite provide a fantastic option.

About the Author

Hassam Nasir

Hassam boasts over seven years of professional experience as a dedicated PC hardware reviewer and writer.