Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: Now at Its Lowest Price Ever

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 lower than during Black Friday. 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 a Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. The ROG Ally stands out as one of the top gaming handhelds on the market, particularly if you're looking to play outside of 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 powerful Windows 11-based gaming handheld PC. It's the higher-end model of the two Asus ROG Ally variants, featuring an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. With a 7-inch screen boasting a crisp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, this device offers a premium gaming experience.

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 nearly all Windows-based game launchers, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it an attractive option for gamers who enjoy titles not available or challenging to install on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson praised it, stating, "The Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been eagerly awaiting. While it has its drawbacks, such as a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, its fun factor is undeniable when it's running smoothly. With a stunning 1080p screen that's brilliantly bright and ideal for on-the-go gaming in any condition, coupled with its robust specs and competitive pricing, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."

It's worth noting that since CES 2025, the handheld gaming PC market has seen increased competition. The latest entrant is the Lenovo Legion Go S, though it's not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally and comes at a higher price point. The Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM is priced at $729. However, a more budget-friendly version will be available in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for just $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, is an all-around better gaming handheld, but it comes with a $300 premium.

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