Steam Deck faces a new rival — SteamOS Legion Go 2’s premium hardware should run games Valve’s gaming handheld cannot

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It’s no surprise Lenovo has a major showing at CES 2026, considering the company is launching a wide range of new products this year.

Lenovo recently announced a new version of its Legion Go handheld gaming PC, called the Legion Go 2. This new model will run on SteamOS and is expected to be released just a few months after the original Legion Go 2 (which runs Windows) becomes available in October 2025.

This update addresses a common complaint from gamers about the handheld device – it now includes Windows 11.

The original Legion Go was already very good – I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars. But SteamOS is simply better suited for handheld gaming, offering a more streamlined, console-like feel that many users prefer over Windows. Even with the recent Xbox Full Screen Experience update on the Legion Go 2, SteamOS still has the edge.

However, switching from Windows means losing access to one of the Legion Go 2’s best features. Specifically, SteamOS doesn’t work with the fingerprint reader, so you won’t be able to use biometric login on the SteamOS version.

The most premium SteamOS handheld yet, with an equally premium price

If you’re hearing this and think it’s not new, you’re right! Details about the Legion Go 2 (running SteamOS) were actually revealed last month, before the official announcement planned for CES 2026.

This announcement officially confirms the existence of the high-end SteamOS handheld, and we now know when it will be released and how much it will cost. Be warned – it’s going to be pricey! But that’s because it boasts top-of-the-line features for a handheld gaming device.

The Legion Go 2 is expected to start at a high price of $1,199, and a pricier model is also likely. While the exact number of versions available isn’t known, at least two configurations are planned to release as early as June 2026.

Buying a handheld gaming device for over $1,000 is a significant investment for most people. However, according to our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, the Legion Go 2 justifies the cost with its enhanced features and superior performance compared to other options.

Let’s take a look at those specs and features.

As a researcher, I’ve been looking at the new SteamOS device, and it’s exciting to see it will run SteamOS natively, rather than Windows. What really stands out is the processor – it’s using up to an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which delivers significantly improved CPU and graphics performance compared to the custom chip in the Steam Deck. It’s a real leap forward in processing power.

The Legion Go 2 will deliver a noticeably smoother gaming experience compared to the Steam Deck, and will be able to play some games that the Steam Deck can’t handle.

The Steam Deck also offers several features you won’t find on the competing ROG Xbox Ally X. These include precise Hall Effect joysticks, a convenient built-in kickstand, detachable controllers for flexible gameplay, an FPS mode that lets you use a controller like a mouse for improved aiming, a touchpad, and a larger, vibrant 8.8-inch OLED screen.

SteamOS enhances the Legion Go 2 experience for many users because it offers a streamlined, console-like interface, making it feel like a dedicated gaming device. Additionally, Valve’s Linux-based operating system is specifically optimized for handhelds, leading to better performance and longer battery life.

For instance, the ROG Xbox Ally X comes with Windows installed. But switching to SteamOS improves its performance, providing smoother gameplay, faster startup times, and up to 32% more frames per second – a significant boost (as noted by Tom’s Hardware). We expect the Legion Go 2 will likely see similar improvements.

Despite everything being positive, there’s one key drawback worth mentioning: SteamOS doesn’t work with the fingerprint reader built into the power button.

I’ve tried out a lot of handheld gaming devices, and I really appreciate the convenience of logging in with a fingerprint scan instead of a PIN. It’s much faster and gets me into games quicker. However, some fingerprint readers on these devices just aren’t very reliable – the one on the ASUS ROG is a prime example.

I’ve lost count of how often I’ve had to repeatedly try the fingerprint reader on my Xbox Ally X before resorting to entering my PIN. My Legion Go 2 (which runs Windows) consistently recognizes my fingerprint for login, so it’s disappointing that the same feature doesn’t work reliably on the SteamOS version of the Ally.

It’s likely someone will create a fingerprint reader solution for SteamOS, either through a modification or a custom build, if it doesn’t already exist online. While it’s not a widely requested feature, that just makes it an interesting project for Linux fans who enjoy tinkering with the system.

The Legion Go 2 stands out as the most adaptable and high-quality handheld gaming PC available from top manufacturers. It’s become even more attractive to gamers now that it supports SteamOS.

Now that the Legion Go 2 is getting SteamOS, are you more interested in this handheld gaming PC? We’d love to hear your thoughts – share them in the comments below!

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2026-01-10 20:12