Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: Record Low Price on Handheld Gaming PC

Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $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 brand-new unit, even beating out Black Friday deals. Along with this incredible discount, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of a Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. The ROG Ally stands out as one of the top gaming handhelds on the market, particularly for those who prefer not to be limited to Steam's ecosystem.

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. It's the higher-end model of the two Asus ROG Ally options, featuring an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Its 7-inch screen boasts a sharp 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck, which operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally runs 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 an attractive option for gamers looking to play titles not easily accessible on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted that "the Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. While it has its drawbacks, including a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, its fun factor is undeniable when it's running smoothly. The beautiful 1080p screen is bright and ideal for playing on the go, and coupled with its powerful specs and competitive price, it could be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."

With CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up with new competition. The latest contender is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally, comes at a higher price of $729 for the Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go CPU and 32GB of RAM. A more budget-friendly version will launch in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers enhanced performance at a $300 premium.

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