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 an unprecedented low of $449.99. This price beats even the Black Friday deals, making it an exceptional opportunity to grab this top-tier device. Along with the discount, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a two-month Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. If you're in the market for a gaming handheld that offers flexibility beyond Steam's ecosystem, the ROG Ally is a standout 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 powerhouse of a gaming handheld, running on Windows 11. This model, the higher end of the two Asus ROG Ally variants, is equipped with an AMD Zen 4 based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It features a stunning 7" screen with a crisp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming.

Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck, which operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally leverages the versatility of Windows 11. This compatibility extends to a wide range of Windows-based game launchers such as Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This broad support makes the ROG Ally an attractive option for gamers who enjoy titles not easily accessible or installable on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson highlighted its appeal, stating, "The Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine fans have been eager for. While it faces challenges with user experience, battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, its fun factor is undeniable when it's in full swing. The bright, 1080p screen is perfect for gaming in various conditions, and with its robust specs and competitive price, it's a worthy contender against the Steam Deck."

It's worth noting that since CES 2025, the handheld gaming PC market has seen increased competition. The Lenovo Legion Go S, for instance, is a new entrant, though it's pricier at $729 for the Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go 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 late in 2024, offers superior performance at a $300 premium.

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