Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price I've seen for a brand new unit, even lower than Black Friday deals. Along with the discount, you'll also receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. The ROG Ally is one of the best gaming handhelds currently available, especially if you're looking to avoid being tied to Steam's ecosystem.
Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld for $449.99
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. It's the higher-end model of the two Asus ROG Ally options, featuring an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Its 7" screen boasts a sharp 1080p resolution and a smooth 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 incredibly versatile. This is a major advantage for gamers who prefer titles not available or challenging to install on the Steam Deck.
In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted, "The Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. While a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads are drawbacks, the fun of using this handheld when it gets going is undeniable. With its beautiful 1080p screen, perfect for on-the-go gaming in any condition, combined with powerful specs and an impressive price point, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."
It's worth noting that CES 2025 has introduced more competition in the handheld gaming PC market. The more compact and updated Lenovo Legion Go S has been announced and is now available for preorder. If you're interested, the Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM will launch in January 2025, starting at $729. A more budget-friendly option, featuring the same Z2 Go chip but with 16GB of RAM and your choice of Windows 11 or SteamOS, will be available in May 2025 for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in 2024, offers an enhanced gaming experience, though at a $300 higher price point.
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