Starting this week, Best Buy is offering an impressive $200 discount on the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing the price down to just $449.99. This marks the lowest price seen for a brand-new unit, even lower than during Black Friday. Along with the discounted price, 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. The ROG Ally stands out as one of the premier gaming handhelds available, particularly for those looking to explore beyond Steam's ecosystem.

Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld for $449.99

Asus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Gaming Handheld

Original Price: $649.99 | Save 31% | Now: $449.99 at Best Buy

The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is a high-performance Windows 11-based gaming handheld PC. As the higher-end model of the two Asus ROG Ally options, 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.

Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck, which operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally runs on 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 an appealing choice for gamers seeking versatility beyond the Steam ecosystem.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted, "The Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine many fans have been eagerly awaiting. Despite some drawbacks like a frustrating user experience, suboptimal battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the handheld delivers immense fun when it's in full swing. Its stunning 1080p screen, bright enough for any environment, combined with its robust specs and competitive pricing, positions it as a formidable rival to the Steam Deck."

With CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is set to see increased competition. The latest entrant, the Lenovo Legion Go S, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally and more expensive at $729, comes with Windows 11, a Z2 Go processor, and 32GB of RAM. A more budget-friendly version is slated for release in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers enhanced performance but at a $300 premium.

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