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 deal marks the lowest price we've ever seen for a brand-new unit, even beating Black Friday prices. Not only do you get the gaming handheld at this incredible discount, but you also receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of a 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 a standout 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. This model is the higher-end version of the two Asus ROG Ally options, featuring 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 smooth 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 Windows-based game launchers, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it an attractive option for gamers who enjoy a variety of platforms and games that may not be easily accessible on the Steam Deck.
In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson stated, "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, such as a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the fun of using this handheld when it's in full swing is undeniable. With its stunning 1080p screen, which is perfect for playing on the go in any condition, along with its powerful specs 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 set to see even more competition. The latest release, the Lenovo Legion Go S, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally and more expensive, offers a Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM for $729. A more affordable version is slated for release in May 2025, allowing a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, launched in late 2024, is an all-around better gaming handheld, though it comes with a $300 higher price tag.
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