Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the price of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even lower than during Black Friday sales. Alongside this incredible deal, 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 versatile gaming handheld that isn't locked to Steam's ecosystem, the Asus ROG Ally stands out as one of the best options available.
Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld for $449.99
Asus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld
Originally priced at $649.99, now save 31% and get it for just $449.99 at Best Buy. The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a Windows 11-based gaming handheld PC. As the higher-end model of the Asus ROG Ally lineup, it features an AMD Zen 4 based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also boasts a 7-inch screen with a crisp 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for gaming on the go.
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 Windows allows it to work seamlessly with various game launchers such as Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This feature makes the ROG Ally particularly appealing to gamers who enjoy titles not readily available or more challenging to install on the Steam Deck.
In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted that "the Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been waiting for. Despite some drawbacks like a frustrating user interface, short battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, it's incredibly fun to use when it's running smoothly. The stunning 1080p screen is bright and ideal for gaming in any environment, and combined with its powerful specs and competitive pricing, it could be the Steam Deck rival we've all been anticipating."
With CES 2025 now behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up with new competitors. The latest entrant is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally, comes at a higher price of $729 with a Z2 Go CPU and 32GB of RAM. However, a more budget-friendly version is set to launch in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for just $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, provides an enhanced gaming experience but at a $300 premium.
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