Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Gaming PC Now $449.99, Save $200

Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing the price down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand new unit, even beating out Black Friday deals. Along with the discount, you'll receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. If you're in the market for a top-tier gaming handheld and want to avoid being locked into Steam's ecosystem, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a stellar 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 Windows 11-based gaming handheld PC. As the higher-end model of the two Asus ROG Ally variants, it's equipped with an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It features a 7" screen with a crisp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

While its main competitor, the Steam Deck, operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally runs on the familiar Windows 11. This compatibility with virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it particularly appealing to gamers who enjoy titles not easily accessible on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted that "the Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. While it's hindered somewhat by a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the fun factor is undeniable when this handheld really gets going. With its stunning 1080p screen, which is bright and ideal for gaming on the go under any condition, combined with its powerful specs and competitive price, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."

It's worth noting that CES 2025 has passed, and the handheld gaming PC market is set to see increased competition. The more compact and updated Lenovo Legion Go S has been announced and is now available for pre-order. The Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go chip and 32GB of RAM will launch in January 2025, starting at $729. A more budget-friendly version will follow in May 2025, featuring the same Z2 Go chip but with 16GB of RAM and your choice of Windows 11 or SteamOS, priced at $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in 2024, offers an all-around enhanced gaming experience, though at a $300 higher price point.

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