Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Gaming PC Hits Record Low Price

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 I've seen for a brand-new unit, even during Black Friday sales. Plus, with your purchase, you'll 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-notch gaming handheld that isn't locked into Steam's ecosystem, the ROG Ally is definitely worth considering.

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. It represents the higher end of the two Asus ROG Ally models, featuring an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It comes with a 7" screen boasting a sharp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck, which runs on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally operates on the widely-used Windows 11. This gives the ROG Ally an edge in compatibility, allowing it to run games from virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This makes it an attractive choice for gamers who enjoy playing titles that are not easily accessible on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted, "The Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been waiting for. While it does have some drawbacks, such as a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, it's undeniably fun to use when it's running smoothly. The beautiful 1080p screen is bright and perfect for gaming on the go in any condition. Coupled with its powerful specs and a compelling price point, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."

Since CES 2025, the handheld gaming PC market has seen increased competition. The latest entrant is the Lenovo Legion Go S, though it's not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally and comes with a higher price tag. This Windows 11 version features a Z2 Go chip and 32GB of RAM, priced at $729. However, a more budget-friendly version is set to launch in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for just $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers an all-around better gaming experience, but at a $300 premium.

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