Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the price of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price I've seen for a brand-new unit, even during Black Friday sales. To sweeten the deal, you'll also receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a two-month subscription to Crunchyroll Mega Fan. If you're in the market for one of the best gaming handhelds that doesn't lock you into Steam's ecosystem, the ROG Ally is a top contender.
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, the higher-end of the two Asus ROG Ally options, features an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It boasts a 7-inch screen with a crisp 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 means it's compatible with virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This compatibility makes it particularly appealing for gamers who want to play games that are not available or are difficult to install on the Steam Deck.
In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted, "The Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been eagerly awaiting. While it's hindered by a somewhat frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, its undeniable fun factor shines through when it's in full swing. With its beautiful 1080p screen, which is bright and perfect for on-the-go gaming in any condition, combined with its powerful specs and aggressive pricing, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been looking for."
It's worth noting that since CES 2025, the handheld gaming PC market has seen increased competition. The latest release is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally, is significantly more expensive at $729. This model comes with Windows 11, a Z2 Go processor, and 32GB of RAM. A more budget-friendly version is set to launch in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, is an all-around better gaming handheld but comes with a $300 higher price tag.
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