Latest Windows reports: Lenovo is preparing a Legion Go 2 SteamOS variant for unveiling at CES 2026, aimed at gamers who want the hardware performance without the hassle of the Windows 11 handheld.
The idea is simple: keep the same core specs, swap out the operating system, and make the entire device feel more like a console when you pick it up. Lenovo has not officially confirmed this model in the source material provided and important details such as pricing, regions and a sale date are not listed.
Same hardware, different operating system
The specification list cited in the report does not read like a compromise. It features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, up to 32GB of LPDDR5X (8000MHz) memory, and up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 2242 SSD.
The display remains a big selling point, with an 8.8-inch 1920 x 1200 (16:10) OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, rated at 500 nits and DCI-P3. The Blade also includes a 74Wh battery, USB-C charging with a 65W adapter, two USB-C ports with USB4 and DisplayPort 1.4, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader that supports up to 2TB.
SteamOS is the actual upgrade
This is really a bet on feeling. Windows 11 is said to be the persistent weak point for handheld PC gaming, even when the hardware is strong, as the user interface and typical PC workflows can clash with a device that relies on thumbsticks and buttons.
In comparison, SteamOS is designed to be gamepad-first, with a suspend-and-resume flow that mirrors the way users use consoles. The report also notes that Microsoft is working on a full-screen Xbox experience to address similar issues on Windows-based handhelds, but Lenovo appears to be taking a different approach here.
What to see at CES 2026
If Lenovo is indeed showing a Legion Go 2 SteamOS model at CES 2026, the practical questions are missing today: How much does it cost, where will it be delivered and when can you actually buy it?
If Windows 11 is your main problem, this leak is a good reason to wait for official details. If you need a handheld now, the Windows version remains the familiar version, just without the software change that this review is about.
