This week, Best Buy slashes $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing the price down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price I've seen for a new unit, even beating Black Friday deals. The offer includes a free ROG Ally travel case, a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan.
The ROG Ally is a top contender in the handheld gaming market, particularly appealing to those who prefer a wider range of game launchers beyond Steam.
Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld - $449.99
Asus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld
$649.99 (Save 31%) $449.99 at Best Buy
This high-end Asus ROG Ally 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 120Hz refresh rate. Unlike the Steam Deck's Linux-based OS, the ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, providing compatibility with numerous game launchers including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This broad compatibility is a major draw for gamers.
In our review, Robert Anderson praised the ROG Ally as a portable Xbox Game Pass powerhouse. While acknowledging shortcomings like battery life and the lack of Steam Deck-style touchpads, he highlighted the enjoyable gaming experience, especially appreciating the bright, high-resolution screen ideal for on-the-go play.
The handheld gaming market is heating up, with new competitors emerging since CES 2025. The Lenovo Legion Go S, while pricier, is a recent entry. A more budget-friendly version is slated for a May 2025 release. The Asus ROG Ally X, released late 2024, offers superior performance but at a significantly higher cost.
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