Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing its price down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even beating out Black Friday deals. Plus, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a two-month Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. The ROG Ally stands out as one of the top gaming handhelds on the market, especially if you're looking to escape the confines of 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, representing the higher end of the two Asus ROG Ally models. It's powered by an AMD Zen 4 based Z1 Extreme CPU, paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Its 7" screen delivers a crisp 1080p resolution at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
While the Steam Deck operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally runs on the widely-used Windows 11. This means it's compatible with virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Games Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This broad compatibility makes it a top choice for gamers who enjoy titles not easily accessible on the Steam Deck.
In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted, "The Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine fans have been dreaming of. Despite some drawbacks like a frustrating user interface, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, its fun factor is undeniable. With its stunning 1080p screen that shines brightly for on-the-go gaming, powerful specs, and now an even fiercer price, it could well 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 contender, the Lenovo Legion Go S, has hit the shelves, though it's pricier and not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally. Priced at $729, it features Windows 11, a Z2 Go processor, and 32GB of RAM. A more budget-friendly version is slated for May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers an enhanced gaming experience, albeit at a $300 premium.
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