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 marks the lowest price we've seen for a brand-new unit, even lower than during Black Friday. With this deal, you not only get the device at a steal but 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 Asus ROG Ally stands out as one of the best gaming handhelds on the market, particularly 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 powerhouse Windows 11 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. It sports a 7" screen with a crisp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Unlike its main competitor, the Steam Deck, which runs on a Linux-based Steam OS, the ROG Ally operates on Windows 11. This compatibility with virtually any Windows-based game launcher, including Steam, Battle.net, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and more, makes it an attractive 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 highlighted that "the Asus ROG Ally feels like the portable Xbox Game Pass machine many fans have been waiting for. Despite some drawbacks like a frustrating user experience, poor battery life, and the absence of Steam Deck-style touchpads, the handheld is incredibly fun to use. Its stunning 1080p screen, which is bright and perfect for on-the-go gaming, combined with its powerful specs and competitive price, positions it as a strong contender against the Steam Deck."
With CES 2025 behind us, the handheld gaming PC market is heating up. The latest entrant is the Lenovo Legion Go S, which, while not necessarily superior to the ROG Ally, comes with a heftier price tag. This model features Windows 11, a Z2 Go processor, 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 just $599. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally X, released late in 2024, offers an all-around enhanced gaming experience, albeit at a $300 premium over the Z1 Extreme.
Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?
IGN's deals team brings over 30 years of collective experience in unearthing the best discounts across gaming, tech, and various other categories. Our mission is to present genuine deals from reputable brands, ensuring our readers get value without being misled. Our editorial team personally tests and evaluates these products. For more insight into our process, check out our deals standards here, or follow the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.
