Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the price of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to an irresistible $449.99. This is the lowest price I've seen for a brand-new unit, even beating Black Friday deals. Not only do you get the device at this fantastic price, but 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 Asus ROG Ally is renowned as one of the top gaming handhelds available, especially for those who prefer not to be confined 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 powerhouse Windows 11 gaming handheld PC. It's the premium model in the Asus ROG Ally lineup, featuring an AMD Zen 4 based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It sports a vibrant 7" screen with a crisp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
While its primary competitor, the Steam Deck, operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally leverages the versatility of Windows 11. This compatibility extends to virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This feature is particularly appealing to gamers who enjoy titles not readily 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. Despite some drawbacks like a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the fun and enjoyment this handheld offers when it's running smoothly are undeniable. With its stunning 1080p screen, bright and perfect for gaming on the go, combined with its robust specifications and competitive price, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."
With CES 2025 now behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up. The latest entrant is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally, comes with a higher price tag of $729 for the Windows 11 version equipped with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM. However, a more budget-friendly version is set to launch in May 2025, offering the choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for only $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers enhanced performance but at a $300 premium.
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