Best Buy is slashing the price of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld by $200 this week, bringing it down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price I've seen for a brand new unit, even beating Black Friday deals! And that's not all – you also get a free ROG Ally travel case, a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription.
The ROG Ally is a top contender in the handheld gaming market, particularly appealing to 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 $449.99 at Best Buy (Save 31%)
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a Windows 11 gaming handheld PC. This higher-end model boasts an AMD Zen 4 based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Its 7" screen offers a sharp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck (which runs on Linux-based Steam OS), the ROG Ally utilizes Windows 11. This broad compatibility means it works with virtually any Windows game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This makes it a more versatile option for gamers who enjoy a wider variety of games.
In our review, Robert Anderson noted that the Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine many have been wanting. While acknowledging some drawbacks like user experience, battery life, and the lack of Steam Deck-style touchpads, he highlighted the sheer fun and enjoyment of using the device. The bright, beautiful 1080p screen is perfect for on-the-go gaming, complemented by powerful specs and a compelling price point.
It's worth noting that with CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up. The Lenovo Legion Go S, a more compact and updated device, is now available for pre-order. The Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go chip and 32GB of RAM launches in January 2025 for $729, while a more affordable 16GB RAM version (Windows 11 or SteamOS) arrives in May 2025 for $599. Also released in 2024, the Asus ROG Ally X offers superior performance but at a $300 premium.
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