Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: Save $200, Now $449.99

This week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to just $449.99. That's the best price I've seen for a new unit, even better than Black Friday deals. Plus, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. The Asus ROG Ally is one of the top gaming handhelds on the market, perfect for those who prefer not to be limited to Steam's ecosystem.

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. As the higher-end model of the Asus ROG Ally lineup, it features an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also sports a 7-inch screen with a crisp 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

While its primary competitor, the Steam Deck, operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally runs on Windows 11. This allows for seamless compatibility with virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This broad compatibility is particularly appealing to gamers looking to play titles that are not easily accessible or installable on the Steam Deck.

In our review, Robert Anderson noted, "The Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. Despite a sometimes frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, this handheld is incredibly fun to use when it's running smoothly. Its vibrant 1080p screen is perfect for gaming on the go under any conditions. With its robust specs and competitive price, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've all been waiting for."

Keep in mind, with CES 2025 now behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is set to see even more competition. The more compact and updated Lenovo Legion Go S has been announced and is available for pre-order. The Windows 11 version, featuring a Z2 Go chip and 32GB of RAM, is set to launch in January 2025, starting at $729. A more budget-friendly version will be released in May 2025, with the same Z2 Go chip but 16GB of RAM, and you can choose between Windows 11 or SteamOS for $599. Also, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in 2024, offers an enhanced gaming experience at a $300 higher price point.

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