Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: Lowest Price Ever on Handheld Gaming PC

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 is the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even beating Black Friday deals. As an added bonus, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan. If you're in the market for one of the best gaming handhelds and want to avoid being tied to Steam's ecosystem, the Asus ROG Ally is an excellent choice.

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 Windows 11 gaming handheld PC. As the higher-end model of the Asus ROG Ally series, it comes equipped with an AMD Zen 4 based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Its 7" screen boasts a crisp 1080p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for gaming on the go.

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 like Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it incredibly versatile for gamers who enjoy titles outside of Steam's ecosystem.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted that "the Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine many fans have been dreaming of. Despite a somewhat frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the handheld's fun factor is undeniable when it gets going. The beautiful 1080p screen is bright enough for gaming in any condition, and coupled with its robust specs and competitive price, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."

With CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up. The latest entry is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally, is much pricier at $729 for the Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM. A more affordable version is set to launch in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Also worth mentioning is the Asus ROG Ally X, released late in 2024, which offers an all-around better gaming experience, albeit at a $300 premium.

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