Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Handheld Gaming PC Now $449.99, Save $200

Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to just $449.99. This price is the lowest I've seen for a brand new unit, even beating 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 Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. If you're looking for one of the best gaming handhelds on the market that isn't locked into Steam's ecosystem, the Asus ROG Ally is a top contender.

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 powerhouse in the world of gaming handhelds, running on Windows 11. This model stands out as the more advanced of the two Asus ROG Ally variants, featuring an AMD Zen 4 based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. With a 7" screen boasting a crisp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, it's designed for top-notch gaming on the go.

Unlike its main rival, the Steam Deck, which operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally leverages the versatility of Windows 11. This compatibility extends to virtually any Windows-based game launcher, from Steam and Battle.net to Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and beyond. This flexibility is a major draw for gamers who enjoy titles not easily accessible or installable on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson highlighted that "the Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. Despite some drawbacks like a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the handheld shines when it comes to fun and performance. With its stunning 1080p screen that's bright and perfect for gaming in any environment, coupled with its robust specs and competitive pricing, it's a serious contender against the Steam Deck."

It's worth noting that with CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is about to see more competition. The more compact and updated Lenovo Legion Go S has been announced and is now available for preorder. The Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM is set to launch in January 2025, starting at $729. A more budget-friendly option, featuring the same Z2 Go chip but with 16GB of RAM, and your choice of Windows 11 or SteamOS, will be available in May 2025 for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X was released in 2024, offering an enhanced gaming experience at a $300 premium.

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