Lenovo is rumored to be preparing a SteamOS-powered handheld gaming PC, as evidenced by leaked images of the unannounced Lenovo Legion Go S. The images, shared by Evan Blass, reveal a compact gaming device with a Steam button, hinting at a potential partnership between Lenovo and Valve.

The leaked images show two variants of the Lenovo Legion Go S: a black model with a Steam button and a white model without. This disparity suggests that Lenovo may be planning to release both Windows- and SteamOS-powered versions of the handheld gaming PC. This move would mark a significant shift for Lenovo, as PC makers have traditionally opted for Windows-based handhelds.

The news comes on the heels of Valve's recent update to its branding guidelines, which now include "Powered by SteamOS" hardware. This development indicates that Valve is working with more third-party manufacturers to certify devices with SteamOS, beyond its existing partnership with Asus.

The timing of this leak is noteworthy, with CES 2025 just around the corner. It's possible that Lenovo will officially announce its SteamOS handheld gaming PC at the upcoming event, which could signal a significant expansion of SteamOS-powered devices.

Valve has attempted to push SteamOS-powered devices in the past, most notably with its Steam Machines initiative at CES 2013. However, the effort ultimately failed to gain traction due to a lack of developer support and game porting to Linux. This time around, the presence of Proton, a software compatibility layer used in the Steam Deck, may prove to be a game-changer. Proton has already demonstrated its ability to run many Windows games on Linux, potentially paving the way for a more successful SteamOS-powered device ecosystem.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the potential for SteamOS to become a major player in the handheld gaming PC market is significant. With Lenovo's rumored entry into the space, we may be witnessing the beginning of a new era in portable gaming.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements from CES 2025, as the landscape of handheld gaming PCs continues to shift.