Cyber Monday might be over, but the holiday season brings another chance to snag incredible deals, and the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 is stealing the spotlight.
Priced at just $399.99 at Best Buy, this handheld gaming originally saw a reduction from $449, dropped to $429, and now hits a new all-time low price.
Even its powerhouse variant, the Z1 Extreme with an upgraded processor, is now available at Best Buy for $599.99, giving fierce competition to rivals like Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.
Game On the Go with ASUS ROG Ally Z1
The new Steam Deck OLED from Valve might come as a surprise for others who did not expect to see its OLED model. That's the same path that Nintendo traversed with its Switch console.
Since resellers and bots are expected to flood the online queues, the company is one step ahead of this scenario. To ward off this type of buyer, it launched anti-scalping measures by allowing only one unit per account.
If you want to avoid this kind of headache, finding a substitute handheld console is the best choice to do. This is when ASUS ROG Ally Z1 enters the stage.
According to Windows Central, this is perfect for gamers who are seeking a portable solution for playing a vast array of PC games on a vibrant and responsive 120Hz display.
On the flip side, it's best to avoid buying this gaming gadget if your focus is solely on modern Nintendo Switch titles although legal emulation of backups on the ROG Ally is an option).
If you add it to your cart on the ASUS eShop, you will notice that it's quite expensive compared to the Best Buy deals. Unfortunately, it will cost you $599.99.
ASUS ROG Ally Supremacy For Windows 11
While Steam Deck fans might express some discontent, the ASUS ROG Ally, running on Windows 11, stands out for its unparalleled compatibility and stability.
Despite the strides made by SteamOS, Windows 11 on the ROG Ally offers a level of performance and support that is hard to match. Microsoft's journey to catch up with Valve in the handheld arena may be ongoing, but for many gamers, raw processing power remains a top priority.
A Shift in Perspective
Acknowledging initial reservations, even seasoned tech enthusiasts like Jez Corden of Windows Central have reconsidered their stance on the ASUS ROG Ally since its launch. T
The challenges of running Windows on a handheld device are evident, yet the device's processing prowess remains a compelling factor. For parents eyeing a handheld gaming device within the $400-450 budget range, the ROG Ally deal takes precedence over the recently launched Steam Deck OLED.
While Valve's creation allows extensive customization, the ROG Ally's compatibility with Windows, an operating system familiar to many, is a valuable advantage.
Choosing the Right Model
For newcomers to the handheld gaming category, the Z1 version at $399.99 is an excellent choice. Those receiving clear hints about the ROG Ally are likely inclined towards the Z1 Extreme variant priced at $599.99. The former caters to first-time handheld gaming, offering smooth gameplay for modern titles, while the 'Extreme' model boasts enhanced components for tackling the most demanding games.
If you've already purchased something during Cyber Monday, don't give up your hopes yet. Best Buy offers price matching during promotional periods, and a My Best Buy membership extends your returns window, ensuring you get the best value for your gaming investment.
Read also: Massive Deal Alert: Grab the 256GB Samsung Galaxy S22 for Only $500 - $350 Off at Walmart!
