Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: Historic 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 deal marks the lowest price I've ever seen for a brand-new unit, even lower than during Black Friday sales. Not only do you get 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. The Asus ROG Ally is renowned as one of the top gaming handhelds on the market, particularly for gamers who prefer not to be locked into 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, representing the higher-end model of the two Asus ROG Ally variants. It's equipped with an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The device features a 7-inch 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 the widely-used Windows 11. This compatibility extends to virtually all Windows-based game launchers, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This broad compatibility makes the ROG Ally an excellent choice for gamers who enjoy titles that are either unavailable or difficult to install 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 challenges, including a somewhat frustrating user experience, suboptimal battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the handheld's fun factor is undeniable when it's in full swing. With a stunning 1080p screen that's bright and perfect for on-the-go gaming in any condition, coupled with its powerful specs and an aggressive price point, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."

It's worth mentioning that following CES 2025, the handheld gaming PC market is set to see increased competition. The latest addition is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally and significantly more expensive, offers a Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM for $729. A more budget-friendly version is slated for release in May 2025, offering your choice of Windows 11 or SteamOS for only $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, is an all-around better gaming handheld, though it comes with a $300 higher price tag.

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