Lenovo Legion Go 2 will rely on SteamOS as a native system

The battle to dominate the segment of the portable consoles for playing PC titles Lenovo has made a new move to boost sales. Following the launch of the first Legion Go and the Legion Go S variant, The company is now preparing a second generation of its most ambitious deviceand everything points to that It will arrive with SteamOS as the main protagonist..

According to information reported by specialized media, Lenovo is finalizing a Legion Go 2 with SteamOS natively installeddesigned to get the most out of the hardware without the limitations that many users have criticized in Windows 11 when used in portable format. The goal is to bring the experience closer to that of a consolebut maintaining the power of a pocket PC.

Legion Go 2: same machine, different operating system

The most striking thing about this new Lenovo proposal is that the Legion Go 2 with SteamOS doesn't cut specifications Regarding the Windows version, there are no "Lite" editions or silent cutbacks: it would be the same device at the hardware level, but with a different operating system focused on gaming.

According to the leaked data, the console would retain the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processora chip designed specifically for high-performance gaming laptops. Alongside this SoC, Lenovo would offer configurations of up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory at 8000 MHz, in addition to PCIe M.2 2242 SSD units of up to 2 TB capacity, so there would be no changes compared to the Windows 11 model.

The screen would also continue to be one of the main selling points: a panel 8,8-inch PureSight OLED with WUXGA resolution (1920 × 1200) and 16:10 format, capable of working at a 144Hz refresh rate and a brightness up to 500 nitsFor a portable device, these specifications place the Legion Go 2 at the top of the market, competing directly with benchmarks like the Steam Deck or the ASUS ROG Ally.

As for the design, the console would continue to focus on the detachable TrueStrike controllers, redesigned in this second generation to be more ergonomic and versatile, while maintaining compatibility with the first modelThis makes it easier to switch from the original Legion Go for those already familiar with its control system.

High-end hardware designed to last

The technical specifications of the Legion Go Gen 2 with SteamOS reflect a clear commitment to offering a long-life portable equipmentBeyond the processor and memory, Lenovo integrates a 74 Wh battery, a high figure for a device of this size, with the aim of supporting prolonged gaming sessions even with demanding titles.

The charging is done by means of a 65W adapter via USB-CThis allows the battery to recover relatively quickly. The device It features two USB Type-C ports. (compatible with USB 4.0, DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0) on the top, plus a 3,5mm combo audio jackThis makes it easy to connect accessories, external monitors, or docks to use it as a mini desktop PC.

In the lower area, the console incorporates a microSD card reader with support for up to 2 TBThis is interesting for expanding storage without having to replace the internal SSD. In terms of wireless connectivity, the Legion Go 2 would include Wi-Fi 6E (2×2 AX) and Bluetooth 5.3, covering the usual needs for cloud gaming, fast downloads and connection of controllers, headphones or external keyboards.

The set is presented in a finish called Eclipse Black and maintains considerable dimensions, typical of a device with large screen and detachable controllers: approximately 295,6 × 136,7 × 42,25 mm with attached controllers, and a approximate weight of 920 grams For consoles and controllers, figures similar to those of the first Legion Go.

SteamOS enters the scene: a strategic shift against Windows 11

The big new feature in this Legion Go 2 is the focus on SteamOS as preinstalled operating systemUntil now, Lenovo had experimented with this software on the Legion Go S, a more modest variant focused on offering alternatives to typical Windows solutions. However, many gamers lamented that SteamOS integration was limited to that lower-end model.

With the arrival of the new generation, everything indicates that the company wants to offer the same hardware power in both the Windows version and the SteamOS versionAccording to information provided by Windows Latest, the processor, memory, storage, and screen configurations will be identical, so The only real difference will be in the operating system and the user experience. use.

The move fits with the current market context. Microsoft is working on initiatives such as the Xbox Full Screen ExperienceDesigned to make Windows 11 more user-friendly on mobile devices, SteamOS still faces criticism regarding its interface, resource consumption, and sleep/resume management. In this context, SteamOS presents itself as... an alternative closer to the operation of a traditional console.

Advantages of SteamOS on a portable device

SteamOS is designed as a operating system specifically designed for gamingWith an interface designed from the ground up for controller use, eliminating the need for a mouse or keyboard. In practice, this means that when you turn on the Legion Go 2 with SteamOS, you're taken directly to a full-screen gaming environment, without having to navigate through traditional desktops or small icons.

One of SteamOS's strengths is the management of the suspension and resumptionThe system allows you to pause a game. put the device to sleep and return to the same point almost instantlyThis feature, which remains less reliable in the laptop segment on Windows, is especially useful for those who play games on the go, while traveling, or during leisure time at home.

Furthermore, SteamOS has been designed as a platform plug-and-play focused on Steam libraryThe entire catalog available in the user's account appears unified, with synchronized cloud saves, integrated notifications, and features like Steam Chat or video capture without relying on additional background programs. In this way The need to manage external launchers is reduced., third-party services or overlays that may reduce performance.

For manufacturers, another relevant aspect is the SteamOS has a lower licensing cost compared to Windows.which, depending on Lenovo's approach, could translate into slightly more adjusted prices or a larger margin to invest in componentsIn any case, until the company releases official figures, the potential impact on the retail price will remain unknown.

Criticisms of Windows 11 in the first Legion Go

The first generation of Legion Go was released as portable console with Windows 11And while the hardware received considerable praise, the operating system experience was more controversial. Many users agreed that Windows isn't designed by default for small touchscreens with controllers, resulting in less comfortable navigation and some issues when switching between desktop and game modes.

The Legion Go Gen 2 with Windows 11, released later, addressed many of the hardware issues: improvements were made to the battery, processor power, and screen, and the TrueStrike controllers were redesigned for greater comfort. However, the a feeling that the operating system wasn't quite adapting to the portable format It continued to be a recurring theme in the community.

In this context, the decision to offer a variant with SteamOS on the same high-end hardware is interpreted as an attempt to separate the technical potential of the team from the limitations of the softwareThe idea is that the player can choose between the flexibility and compatibility of Windows or the more direct and optimized experience offered by SteamOS.

A launch marked by CES 2026

Leaks suggest that Lenovo will take advantage of CES 2026, the big technology event in Las Vegasto officially unveil this version of the Legion Go Gen 2 with SteamOS. The device had already been previously shown as prototype with Windows at CES 2025But it would be in this new edition that we would see the full commitment to Valve's system.

In Europe and Spain, interest in this type of portable console has been growing thanks to proposals such as Steam Deck, ROG Ally or Legion Go itselfIf the company maintains its usual roadmap, it is expected that, after the international announcement at CES, the device will eventually reach the European market in the relatively near future, although specific availability dates and reservations have not yet been detailed.

Regarding the priceThere are still no official figures for the SteamOS variant. The Windows 11 version of Legion Go Gen 2 is estimated to cost around... $1.049 on the international marketTherefore, it wouldn't be surprising if the SteamOS model were priced similarly or slightly lower. We'll have to wait for the presentation to see how Lenovo adjusts the cost based on licensing and sales strategy in each region.

Impact on the PC handheld console ecosystem

The arrival of a Legion Go 2 with SteamOS and more powerful hardware The Steam Deck presents an interesting scenario for the future of portable PC gaming. Lenovo would position itself as one of the first major manufacturers, together with Valve, in adopting the Steam system natively on a high-end consoleThis could encourage other players in the sector to follow a similar path.

For Valve, the move means seeing how its operating system It expands beyond its own hardwareFor Microsoft, however, it's a sign that part of the industry isn't willing to wait indefinitely for Windows 11 to fully adapt to the portable format. If the SteamOS experience on the Legion Go 2 proves convincing, it could reinforce the perception that lightweight, gamepad-centric systems are a better fit for these types of devices.

Also the players come out ahead in terms of diversity of optionsThose who prioritize broad compatibility with desktop programs, other game launchers, or hybrid use as a mini PC will still have the Windows option. Those who prefer to focus almost exclusively on gaming will have a a more direct interface and fewer layersYou can choose the SteamOS variant without sacrificing cutting-edge hardware.

The upcoming Legion Go 2 with SteamOS aims to be a portable console that combines desktop power in a compact format with an operating system tailored to gaming from the very beginning. It remains to be seen how its European release date, final price, and software polish will be finalized, but Lenovo's move strengthens competition in an increasingly active market and offers users a A clear alternative to move away from Windows 11 in the field of portable gaming without sacrificing performance.