The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Handheld Gaming PC Drops to the Lowest Price Ever

Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even beating Black Friday deals. Along with this incredible discount, 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 on the market, particularly for those looking to break free from the Steam 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 powerhouse gaming handheld PC running Windows 11. This model represents the higher end of the two Asus ROG Ally variants, 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 primary competitor, the Steam Deck, which operates on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally leverages the familiar Windows 11 platform. 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 versatility makes it an attractive option for gamers who enjoy titles not readily available or more challenging to install on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted, "The Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. While it faces challenges with user experience, battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the handheld's fun factor is undeniable when it's in full swing. With its stunning 1080p screen, bright enough for any environment, coupled with its robust specs and competitive pricing, it might just be the Steam Deck rival we've been waiting for."

With CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up. The latest contender is the Lenovo Legion Go S, though it's pricier and not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally. This Windows 11 model comes with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM for $729. 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 in late 2024, offers an enhanced gaming experience but at a $300 premium.

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