Lenovo Legion Go 2 Windows 11 vs SteamOS: Which operating system is better for this handheld gaming PC?

The Legion Go 2 launched in October 2025 as a Windows 11 PC gaming handheld. A few months later, at CES 2026, Lenovo revealed it was launching an official SteamOS version of the Legion Go 2, like the Steam Deck, only with more premium features and internals.

RELATED: Legion Go 2 (Windows) review | Steam Deck review

For those of you unsure of which of the operating systems to choose from when buying Legion Go 2, I've spent some time comparing these two devices and explaining their differences. Let's dive in and discuss how they compare.

TL:DR: Look for the TL;DR sections to get the highlights for each category.

Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Specs

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Pricing

As of right now, we know that the Windows version of the Legion Go 2 has a lower $1,049.99 starting price compared to the SteamOS version's $1,199.99 starting MSRP.

Outside of their operating systems, these handhelds are largely the same, with the same layouts, buttons, processor options, displays, and ports.

It's honestly a bit surprising that the SteamOS version costs more, given that the Windows version of the Legion Go S has a higher price than the SteamOS version.

TL;DR: PRICE WINNER: Surprisingly, the Windows version of the Legion Go 2 has a lower starting price than the SteamOS version.

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Performance

Despite the Windows and SteamOS versions of the Legion Go 2 having the same Ryzen Z2 Series handheld processors and capacity options when it comes to memory and storage, it's likely that the SteamOS versions will run more efficiently.

RELATED: All AMD handheld chips and how they compare

This is due to the fact that SteamOS is far more optimized for handhelds than Microsoft's operating system. Where Windows 11 is bogged down by bloat and extra background processes, SteamOS is more focused, allowing it to take up less power.

As an example, previous benchmarks showed that the rival Xbox Ally X offered better performance running SteamOS than it did running the Windows 11 it ships with. As such, it stands to reason the Legion Go 2 will also perform better with SteamOS.

TL;DR: PERFORMANCE WINNER: I'll have to run tests to know for sure, but it's very likely that the SteamOS version of the Legion Go 2 will offer better performance.

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Display

Both the SteamOS and Windows versions of the Legion Go 2 feature an 8.8-inch OLED touchscreen that tops at a crisp 1920x1200 resolution, a high 144Hz refresh rate, and offers VRR (variable refresh rate) support.

Altogether, they offer a fantastic color range and contrast with detailed visuals and smooth motion clarity.

As I noted in my Legion Go 2 (Windows) review, this is the best handheld display to date.

TL;DR: DISPLAY WINNER: It's a tie. Both the Windows and SteamOS versions have the same OLED display.

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Controls and ports

There is no difference in the general layout between the SteamOS and Windows versions of the Legion Go 2. However, the SteamOS version does show the same game icons for the buttons that the Steam Deck uses.

Both handhelds have offset Hall Effect joysticks that won't develop stick drift, detachable controllers, and a touchpad under the right joystick. They both also have a right controller that has an FPS Mode, allowing the controller to act somewhat like a mouse when dragged around a surface.

I've personally used the FPS Mode for better control in certain games as well as to navigate my cursor around Windows 11 menus, programs, and Google Chrome. I'm guessing FPS Mode will work well in certain games on the SteamOS handheld and in the Desktop Mode. However, I'm not sure how well it will work in SteamOS's handheld mode. I'll be sure to check that out when I review the Legion Go 2 (SteamOS).

On top of the Legion Go 2 is an RGB circle, in the shape of the Legion logo, and at its center is a fingerprint reader that works very well on the Windows handheld. The thing is, this fingerprint reader is also located on the SteamOS version, but it cannot be used since SteamOS doesn't natively support this biometric login technology.

What about ports?

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Port-wise, both Legion Go 2 versions offer an audio jack, a microSD card reader that supports up to 2TB, and two USB4 Type-C ports.

Thanks to DisplayPort support, both handhelds can be connected to a docking station and displayed on a TV or monitor. You'll just need to make sure you get a 65W docking station or higher in order for it to be compatible.

TL;DR: CONTROLS & PORTS WINNER: While the buttons, joysticks, and ports are the same between these devices, it's possible that FPS mode is limited on SteamOS and that the fingerprint reader is only supported on the Windows version, which makes Windows the winner here.

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Software and games

As the names imply, the biggest difference between the Legion Go 2 versions is that one runs the Linux-based SteamOS while the other runs Windows 11.

Out of the box, SteamOS's handheld mode is intended to only access your Steam library of games, but as I explained in my Decky Loader guide, this plug-in makes it easier to access other game services like Battle.net, Epic Games, and more.

Meanwhile, the Windows version is far less optimized for handhelds; it literally operates like a Windows laptop or desktop, which has two main problems: First, many people find the Windows interface to be too convoluted for handhelds compared to the SteamOS interface's console-like simplicity. Second, Windows has far more bloat, with unnecessary programs (for handhelds) and extra processes running in the background. This bloat can slow the handheld down and make it work less efficiently, so it's good to uninstall unneeded programs.

These are some of the reasons why Windows handheld owners have opted to switch to SteamOS or the console-like experience of Bazzite.

Of course, the Xbox Ally X's Xbox Full Screen Experience (Xbox FSE) recently rolled out onto Legion Go 2 (Windows). This mode transforms Windows into more of a console-like interface using the Xbox App; it's an experience that's more akin to the feel of SteamOS, and it also reduces background programs to help Windows handhelds run more smoothly. Xbox FSE isn't quite where I want it to be yet, but Microsoft does have plans to improve it in 2026, so Xbox FSE could get even better this year.

It's also easier to update the SteamOS version and its software by going between your game library and the SteamOS system settings. Meanwhile, you'll need to move between Windows settings, your game services, specific games, AMD Software, and Lenovo Space to keep your Windows handheld and its games up to date.

However, there is a lot of good that comes with Windows as well. You can easily access a web browser, other gaming services, and download programs right out of the box if you know how to use Windows.

Then there's the game compatibility issue.

It's worth noting that the vast majority of PC games are specifically designed for Windows. SteamOS gets around this by using Proton, a compatibility layer, to make Windows games run on Linux. While Proton continues to get better every year, some games still aren't compatible with Proton and thus don't run well or don't run at all on SteamOS handhelds unless you do a lot of tweaking. Even then, there isn't always a guarantee that games will work on SteamOS.

As an example, many competitive multiplayer games require the use of an anti-cheat system to play, but most anti-cheat kernel-level drivers, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's RICOCHET, aren't supported on SteamOS. People have found workarounds, but it's possible a game's anti-cheat could incorrectly flag these fixes and ban your account. This being the case, it's typically safer to play anti-cheat games on Windows devices.

In case you didn't know, you can connect a mouse and keyboard to both the SteamOS and Windows versions and then use them like a typical Linux or Windows computer. I've specifically used my Legion Go 2 to access various non-gaming programs, type up articles for work, and browse the internet using my Artciety Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard with a built-in touchpad ($34.99 at Amazon).

You'll really need to consider what games you intend to play on the Legion Go 2 and then determine whether SteamOS or Windows will do a better job of allowing you to play those titles.

TL;DR: SOFTWARE & GAMES WINNER: We've got a few tradeoffs here. SteamOS is better optimized for handhelds than Windows, and it offers a better console-like interface. However, certain games and most anti-cheat systems do not run well on SteamOS; more games are compatible with Windows.

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Battery life

Both the Windows and SteamOS versions of the Legion Go 2 offer a 74Wh battery. That said, the SteamOS version likely lasts longer on one charge since its operating system is more efficient, is better optimized for handhelds, and has less bloat (like we previously discussed).

I won't know what Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) battery life is like until I do my own battery testing. That said, my previous Legion Go 2 (Windows) battery tests showed that it tends to run for 1.5 to slightly more than five hours, depending on settings.

Now, the SteamOS version has those same power-hungry Z2 processors, so it likely only runs a bit longer than the Windows version.

I'll update this section as soon as I can run a Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) through battery testing.

TL;DR: BATTERY LIFE WINNER: I won't know for sure until I can do testing, but it's likely that the SteamOS version lasts longer.

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Grip ergonomics and comfort

The same ergonomic design and shape are at play with both the SteamOS and Windows Legion Go 2.

They are 11.64 inches long, 5.38 inches tall, and 1.66 inches thick, making them some of the largest handhelds on the market. Unsurprisingly, they're also some of the heaviest, ranging between 2.03 and 2.2 pounds depending on configurations.

But your hands and wrists shouldn't cry out just yet. Remember, the detachable controllers are only 0.46 pounds, so you can put the controller in tabletop mode if you tend to experience wrist fatigue.

TL;DR: COMFORT WINNER: We have a tie. Both versions are the same when it comes to ergonomics, dimensions, and weight.

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Comparison chart

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Legion Go 2: SteamOS vs Windows — Which should I buy?

In all honesty, both the Windows and the SteamOS versions of the Legion Go 2 could make for the perfect handheld, depending on what you want from your portable gaming device.

Generally, more people will likely prefer the SteamOS version due to its console-like interface and efficiency, but Windows can be a better fit for certain use cases.

In the end, choose the Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) if you want a handheld that feels more like a dedicated gaming system than a full-blown PC. SteamOS is also a preferred option thanks to how efficiently it runs without unnecessary bloat.

Meanwhile, choose the Legion Go 2 (Windows) if you tend to play games with anti-cheat systems or other titles that don't run well on SteamOS. Alternatively, you might want to go with the Windows version if you want to use your handheld like a Windows gaming laptop or desktop, for school, work, or personal tasks.

NOTE: If you need a handheld right now, you're kind of out of luck, unless you're willing to give in to scalpers. The Windows Legion Go 2 has been out of stock at most retailers for a couple of months, and the SteamOS version doesn't launch until June 2026.

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