Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to an unbeatable $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even lower than during Black Friday. Plus, 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 one of the best gaming handhelds on the market and want to break free from Steam's ecosystem, the ROG Ally is your go-to choice.

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 powerful Windows 11-based gaming handheld PC. As the higher-end model of the two Asus ROG Ally variants, it features an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Its 7" screen boasts 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 familiar Windows 11. This compatibility extends to virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This makes it particularly appealing for gamers looking to play titles that are unavailable or difficult to install on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted that "the Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine many fans have been waiting for. Despite its frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, it's undeniably fun to use once it gets going. With a stunning 1080p screen that's bright and perfect for on-the-go gaming in any condition, powerful specs, and an aggressive price point, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've all been anticipating."

With CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up with new competitors. The latest is the Lenovo Legion Go S, though it's not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally and comes at a higher price of $729 for the Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM. A more budget-friendly version will be available in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers an enhanced gaming experience, albeit at a $300 premium.

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