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

Starting this week, Best Buy is offering a staggering $200 discount on the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme gaming handheld, bringing its price down to just $449.99. This is the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even beating out Black Friday deals. To sweeten the deal, you'll also 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, especially for those who 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 variants, it features an AMD Zen 4-based Z1 Extreme CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It boasts a 7-inch screen with a sharp 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck, which runs on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally operates on the widely-used Windows 11. 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 feature makes it especially appealing to gamers who enjoy titles not readily available or difficult to install on the Steam Deck.

In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson noted that "the Asus ROG Ally truly feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine that many fans have been clamoring for. While it has its drawbacks, including a sometimes frustrating user experience, poor 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, perfect for playing on the go in any condition, combined with its powerful specs and aggressive pricing, it might just be the Steam Deck competitor we've all 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 with a higher price tag. The Windows 11 version with a Z2 Go and 32GB of RAM is priced at $729. However, a more affordable model is set to launch in May 2025, offering a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS for just $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released in late 2024, offers an overall improved gaming experience, albeit at a $300 premium over the Z1 Extreme.

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