SteamOS Archives

Winsage

June 1, 2025

I just tested the new Legion Go S — and it’s the Steam Deck killer I’ve been waiting for

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a handheld gaming device that operates on SteamOS, starting at a price of 9. It features an AMD Z2 Go chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage in the base model, while the reviewed unit has an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. The device has an 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD display, a weight of 1.63 pounds, and includes ports such as a Micro SD card slot, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. The design is ergonomic with a Nebula color scheme, and it has responsive controls. The SteamOS version outperforms the Windows 11 variant in gaming performance, achieving higher frame rates in gameplay tests.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

We installed SteamOS on our ROG Ally and Legion Go Windows handhelds and we don’t want to go back

SteamOS has been released for non-Steam Deck gaming handhelds, including the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. To install SteamOS, users need a USB-C stick and the SteamOS recovery image, which can be downloaded from Steam's website. The installation process involves creating a bootable USB drive using the Rufus utility, adjusting BIOS settings to disable Secure Boot, and following specific steps to wipe the device and install SteamOS. After installation, users can set up their Steam account and check for updates. The transition to SteamOS enhances performance and visual fidelity for these devices.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Report: Microsoft Gives Windows-Based Gaming Handhelds the Priority Over its Own Xbox Model

Microsoft has decided to prioritize enhancing Windows 11's performance for third-party gaming handhelds over its own Xbox handheld project, which may delay its launch originally planned for 2027. The company remains committed to developing its Xbox handheld in the long term but is currently focusing on optimizing Windows 11 for devices like ASUS's upcoming “Project Kennan.” This shift may be influenced by the competitive landscape, particularly the rise of Valve’s SteamOS, which offers advantages such as being free for hardware manufacturers and providing a user-friendly experience. SteamOS is currently supported on devices like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S, and Valve is working to expand its compatibility. Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of Next Generation, indicated the company's goal to create a seamless Xbox-like experience on PCs, but the competitiveness of Windows 11 against SteamOS for gaming handhelds remains uncertain.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Nvidia GeForce Now Steam Deck Review: The Best Way to Play AAA PC Games on Handheld

The Steam Deck is a popular handheld gaming device that, while affordable and visually impressive, faces limitations in running demanding games. Nvidia's GeForce Now has released a dedicated app for the Steam Deck, improving the gaming experience by allowing access to high-quality titles without the need for complex setup. The app enhances battery life, enabling four to five hours of gameplay compared to two hours with native 3D games. It supports resolutions up to 4K and 60 fps with an Ultimate subscription, although it is limited compared to the PC version. The Steam Deck can access games from various platforms, including Xbox, Epic Games Store, and GOG, with GeForce Now simplifying this process. The app requires a minimum internet speed of 45 Mbps for optimal performance and offers different subscription tiers, with the free version having session limits and resolution caps.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Can Your PC Run Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater?

Hideo Kojima's latest project, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is upcoming, while Konami will release a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, on August 28, 2025. The retail price will be .99, and it will be available on PC (via Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. A Deluxe Edition with additional content will cost .99. Minimum system requirements for PC include Windows 10 (64-bit), AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i5-8600 CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super GPU, and 100GB SSD storage. Recommended specs include Windows 11 (64-bit), AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7-8700K CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 3080 GPU, and 100GB SSD storage. The game will support DualShock and Xbox controllers, and will include Steam features like achievements and cloud support. Compatibility with Steam Deck is uncertain.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Sorry, Windows. Lenovo’s Legion Go S runs better with SteamOS

Lenovo's Legion Go S gaming handheld is the first device from the manufacturer to support both Windows and SteamOS. The SteamOS Edition has been recently released, allowing for performance comparisons with the Windows version. Both versions have identical specifications, including an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and an 8-inch 1200p display. The SteamOS version performs 5-15 percent faster in running games and has superior battery life, outperforming the Windows edition significantly in both low-power and demanding games. The base launch price of the SteamOS Edition is 9, influenced by import taxes, while the Windows version retails for 9. More powerful configurations are available for 9 and 9 for SteamOS and Windows versions, respectively, but the SteamOS variant is labeled as “Coming Soon” at Best Buy.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Is adding SteamOS enough to ‘fix’ the Legion Go S?

A leading tech company plans to expand its operations into emerging markets to enhance its global footprint and tap into a growing consumer base. Key factors driving this expansion include increased internet penetration and smartphone usage, a young tech-savvy population, and the competitive advantage of early market entry. The company will invest in local partnerships and talent development to tailor its offerings to each market. Industry analysts are optimistic about potential revenue and market share growth from this initiative.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

In an embarrassment for Microsoft, SteamOS seems to destroy Windows 11 on gaming performance and battery life, as well as usability

Early comparisons between SteamOS and Windows 11 on identical hardware show that SteamOS offers significantly better gaming performance, particularly in battery life. The Lenovo Legion Go S, when running SteamOS, provides over six hours of gameplay on 2D games like Dead Cells, while the Windows version only achieves 2.75 hours. Despite Windows 11's compatibility with various gaming platforms, it has faced criticism for performance issues and unnecessary features. Windows holds a dominant market share of about 70% in desktop operating systems, but the rise of SteamOS may challenge this position.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

A YouTuber claims that Windows was actively causing handhelds to run poorly, at least versus SteamOS

Valve has expanded support for handheld consoles, including the Lenovo Legion Go S, which now offers an option for SteamOS alongside Windows. A recent analysis by YouTuber Dave2D highlights that the SteamOS version significantly outperforms the Windows version in terms of framerate and battery life. The Windows version retails for approximately 9, while the SteamOS variant is priced at 9. In performance tests, the SteamOS version achieved 10-15 FPS higher in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, and provided over six hours of gameplay compared to the Windows version's two hours and 47 minutes. The Lenovo Legion Go S also surpasses the Steam Deck in framerate, achieving 10-15 FPS more at a 15W power draw, although the Steam Deck still has an advantage in battery life and pricing. The performance gap raises questions about Microsoft's upcoming handheld device running Windows and its ability to compete with the efficiency of SteamOS.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

PC gaming remains undefeated: Nintendo now says it has the right to brick your Switch if it thinks you’re pirating games or modifying the console

Nintendo has updated its online user agreement, allowing the company to make a console "permanently unusable" if a user violates the agreement. The revised End User License Agreement (EULA) includes extensive restrictions on actions such as publishing, modifying, or distributing Nintendo Account Services, as well as using unauthorized copies. The EULA also places responsibility on legal guardians for minors and emphasizes that users do not own their games outright but merely license them. Concerns about backward compatibility and potential service discontinuation for the upcoming Switch 2 have emerged, alongside a growing preference among gamers for more control over their gaming experiences.