Starting this week, Best Buy is slashing $200 off the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing it down to an unbeatable $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand new unit, even lower than during Black Friday. On top of this incredible deal, you'll 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, particularly if you prefer not to be locked into 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 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 almost any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it a versatile choice for gamers looking to play titles not readily available or difficult 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 its user experience can be frustrating, its poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads are drawbacks, there's no denying the fun this handheld brings when it's in full swing. With a stunning 1080p screen that's bright and perfect for on-the-go gaming in any condition, coupled with powerful specs and an attractive price, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've been waiting for."

It's worth noting that with CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is set to see even more 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 option will be available in May 2025, with the same Z2 Go chip but 16GB of RAM, and a choice between Windows 11 or SteamOS, priced at $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in 2024, offers an all-around improved gaming experience, though it comes with a $300 higher price tag.

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