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 I've seen for a brand new unit, even surpassing Black Friday deals. Along with this discount, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. If you're looking for a top-tier gaming handheld that isn't locked into Steam's ecosystem, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is an excellent choice.
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. 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 sports a 7" screen with a crisp 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 nearly any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it a versatile choice for gamers who enjoy titles not easily accessible or installable 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 its user experience can be frustrating, its poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads are drawbacks, the fun of using this handheld when it's running smoothly is undeniable. With its stunning 1080p screen, which is bright enough for any condition, and its powerful specs combined with an aggressive price, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."
Keep in mind that with CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up. The more compact and updated Lenovo Legion Go S has been announced and is available for preorder. The Windows 11 version, equipped with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM, is set to launch in January 2025, starting at $729. A more budget-friendly option will launch in May 2025, featuring the same Z2 Go chip but with 16GB of RAM and your choice of Windows 11 or SteamOS, priced at $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in 2024, offers an all-around superior gaming experience, albeit at a $300 higher price point.
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