Arguably the best PC gaming handheld is now at its best ever price

Arguably the best PC gaming handheld is now at its best ever price

As an analyst with over two decades of experience in the tech industry, I can confidently say that the ASUS ROG Ally is a game-changer in the world of portable gaming. Having reviewed countless devices and witnessed the evolution of handheld consoles, I’ve rarely encountered one that offers such versatility and power as the ROG Ally does.


The ASUS ROG Ally stands as one of the top-tier gaming handhelds available today, holding its ground against heavyweights like the Steam Deck and other portable gaming devices. Its Z1 Extreme processor and Windows 11 operating system provide it with a significant advantage over numerous competitors in the market. Moreover, exceptional support from ASUS has elevated the console to surpass its initial performance at launch. Currently, you can purchase the ROG Ally equipped with the Z1 Extreme chip for just $499.99 at Best Buy – that’s a substantial $150 discount on its regular price!

✅Perfect for: Playing games on the go, especially if you have a library of PC games.

❌Avoid if: You prefer SteamOS on your gaming handheld or prefer the newer ROG Ally X.

💰Price check: $649.99 at ASUS

👀Alternative deal: ASUS ROG Ally X for $799.99 at Best Buy

🔍Our Take: ASUS ROG Ally review: Nearly hitting the mark as an exceptional gaming handheld device

Best gaming handheld?

When it comes to picking the best gaming handheld, there are several devices that compete for the title. The ROG Ally was one of the first Windows 11-powered gaming handhelds, and it runs on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. That combination makes the device essentially a portable gaming PC with controls built in. Running Windows 11 is a huge boost when it comes to game compatibility, giving you the chance to play the best PC games on the go. Battle.net, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, and more are all at your fingertips. One drawback is that Windows 11 can feel cramped on smaller screens.

In our ASUS ROG Ally review, Rebecca Spear expressed her immediate appreciation for its ergonomic design, stating, “Upon removing the Ally from its packaging, I could already tell that it was designed with comfort in mind.”

“Comfort during gameplay is crucial for me as my pinkies often go numb after half an hour on the Switch or Steam Deck. Fortunately, I can report that, unlike with those devices, I’ve played the Asus gaming handheld for over 24 hours without any finger numbness, cramping, or discomfort.”

Our Gaming Editor Jez Corden shared his experience with the ROG Ally after six months of use.

As someone who has been a dedicated gamer for many years and has owned numerous gaming devices, I must say that I am truly astonished by the capabilities of the ASUS ROG Ally. The fact that it can deliver Xbox One S-like performance in such a compact and portable device is simply mind-blowing.

One reason you might find a lower price for the initial ROG Ally model is due to the launch of its successor, the ROG Ally X. The newer console boasts enhanced battery life, grips, and revamped buttons/joysticks. As anticipated, it comes with a higher price tag at $799.99. Our review of the ROG Ally X delves into the new gaming handheld’s features and contrasts it with the original ROG Ally.

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2024-08-16 20:47