Lenovo will launch a version of last year's high-powered Legion Go 2 handheld with Valve's SteamOS pre-installed starting in June, marking another point for the Linux-based operating system in its ongoing battle for PC gaming dominance. The announcement, made at CES this week, signals continued momentum for SteamOS as it attempts to chip away at Windows' commanding lead in the PC gaming arena.

This move isn't entirely unexpected, considering Lenovo's previous foray into SteamOS territory. Almost exactly a year ago, Lenovo became the first hardware manufacturer outside of Valve to embrace the Windows alternative, unveiling a SteamOS-compatible version of the lower-end Legion Go S. When Ars Technica put that version through its paces last spring, it actually outperformed the Windows-based version of the same hardware on many popular games, a result that turned heads and fueled speculation about SteamOS's potential. Think of it as an underdog story, reminiscent of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, exceeding expectations against a seemingly unbeatable opponent.

Valve, the company behind SteamOS, has been quietly working to expand its operating system's reach beyond its own Steam Deck handheld. The company has been developing the "SteamOS Compatible" software lab, hinting at a broader strategy to make SteamOS more accessible to other hardware manufacturers. This is akin to a star quarterback working behind the scenes to improve the entire team's performance, not just his own.

The prospect of SteamOS running on non-AMD devices is also generating buzz. While details remain scarce, these signs suggest Valve may be looking to broaden its hardware compatibility, potentially opening the door for more widespread adoption. This could be a game-changer, similar to when Michael Jordan switched from basketball to baseball, creating anticipation and uncertainty about the future landscape.

The arrival of a SteamOS-powered Legion Go 2 represents a continued, albeit slow, advance for Valve's gaming-focused operating system. While Windows remains the undisputed champion, SteamOS is steadily gaining ground, one hardware partnership and software update at a time. The question now is whether Valve can continue to build on this momentum and transform SteamOS from a niche alternative into a true contender for the PC gaming crown.