Starting this week, Best Buy is offering a massive $200 discount on the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing the price down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even lower than during Black Friday. Along with the discount, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of a Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. If you're looking for a top-tier gaming handheld that isn't tied to Steam's ecosystem, the ROG Ally is a stellar choice.
Asus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld
$649.99 save 31% $449.99 at Best Buy
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a Windows 11-based gaming handheld PC, representing the higher end of the two Asus ROG Ally models. It's equipped with an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The device features a 7" screen with a sharp 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck, which runs on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally operates on Windows 11. This compatibility with virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it an attractive option for gamers who enjoy titles not easily accessible on the Steam Deck.
In our review, Robert Anderson praised the Asus ROG Ally, noting, "the Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. While it has its drawbacks, such as a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the handheld's fun factor is undeniable. With its vibrant 1080p screen, perfect for gaming on the go, and its robust specs at a competitive price, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."
With CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up. The latest entrant is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, despite being pricier at $729 for the Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM, doesn't necessarily outshine the ROG Ally. A more budget-friendly version of the Legion Go S, launching in May 2025, will offer a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers superior performance but at a $300 higher price point.
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