A new leak suggests Lenovo may debut a SteamOS-powered Legion Go 2 at CES 2026, ditching Windows 11 while keeping the same high-end hardware. If true, it could mean better performance, fewer headaches, and a cheaper price for handheld PC gamers.
Outside of the operating system, nothing else is expected to change. The device would still feature the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 32GB of RAM, and either 1TB or 2TB of storage. So why make the switch?
Anyone following the handheld PC gaming space knows the answer. Windows has long been a frustration point on handheld devices. Even Asus and Xbox acknowledged this with the ROG Xbox Ally, where Windows 11’s Full Screen Experience is already being sidelined in favor of SteamOS or Linux-based alternatives like Bazzite.
Lenovo making this move makes sense. Offering a SteamOS option makes the Legion Go 2 more appealing to players who do not want to wrestle with Windows or go through the hassle of replacing the OS themselves. It also helps that Lenovo’s Legion Go S, essentially its Steam Deck-style handheld with better ergonomics and a larger screen, has been shipping with SteamOS since May 2025 and appears to be selling better as a result.
Personally, I am all for this. I replaced Windows 11 with Bazzite on my Legion Go 2 (that I wouldn’t have purchased if not for it being a heavily discounted open-box sale) and have not looked back. I personally feel that the LGO 2 is one of the better handheld PC gaming devices on the market with it decent battery life, detachable controllers, and massive screen, even if it is a tad on the heavy side.
That said, official SteamOS support would be even better, with faster updates and full compatibility out of the box. If Lenovo does ship this version with SteamOS, it could also come in cheaper since buyers would no longer be paying for a Windows license, which usually adds around $100. A cheaper variant would definitely help the device sell better than it is now.
Finally, it could be that Lenovo has been planning this for quite some time. While I only got hold of my Legion Go 2 a month ago, it was an ordeal trying to get one. Only Best Buy appears to be selling the device, as the Lenovo online store doesn’t even mention it, but oddly the original Legion Go is still available, is the Legion Go S.
For now, all eyes are on CES 2026 to see if this leak turns into reality.
