Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: $200 Off, Now $449.99

Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the price of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to an incredible $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand new unit, even beating out Black Friday deals. Not only do you get this fantastic price, but you also receive a free official ROG Ally travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan subscription. The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme stands out as one of the premier gaming handhelds on the market, especially for those who want to venture beyond 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 Windows 11-based gaming handheld PC, representing 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. Its 7-inch screen boasts 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 Windows allows it to work seamlessly with virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more. This makes it particularly appealing to gamers interested in titles not readily available or more challenging to install on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson highlighted that "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, subpar battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the fun of using this handheld when it's running smoothly is undeniable. With its stunning 1080p screen, bright enough for outdoor use, coupled with robust specs and an aggressive price point, it's a compelling contender against the Steam Deck."

It's worth noting that with CES 2025 behind us, 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 preorder. The Windows 11 version, featuring a Z2 Go chip and 32GB of RAM, is set to launch in January 2025, starting at $729. A more budget-friendly version will follow in May 2025, with the same Z2 Go chip, 16GB of RAM, and a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS, priced at $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in 2024, offers an all-around superior gaming experience, though at a $300 higher cost.

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