The Asus ROG Ally, a Windows-based handheld gaming PC, has received significant price cuts at Best Buy, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. But with newer models on the horizon, is it still a worthy purchase?
Steep Discounts on Both Models
- ROG Ally with Z1 Extreme chip: Now $499.99 ($150 off)
- Standard ROG Ally with Z1 chip: Now $379.99 ($120 off)
These represent the lowest prices we've seen for the device since its launch. The higher-end Z1 Extreme model, in particular, offers substantial value at nearly half the cost of its successor.
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| Unbeatable price cuts on the Asus ROG Ally, making it a top contender for gamers on a budget |
Key Features
- 7-inch 1080p touchscreen display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Windows 11 operating system
- More powerful than the Steam Deck in certain scenarios
- Quieter fan compared to competitors
- 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
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| The Asus ROG Ally boasts a powerful 7-inch touchscreen and impressive gaming performance |
Considerations Before Buying
- Battery Life: Mediocre 4-hour battery at best
- Windows 11: Not optimized for handheld devices
- New Model: The ROG Ally X offers improved comfort and performance
Is It Worth It?
For those seeking a capable Windows gaming handheld on a budget, the discounted ROG Ally presents an enticing option. However, potential buyers should weigh the trade-offs in battery life and consider if the older model meets their needs compared to newer alternatives.
With Valve potentially bringing SteamOS support to devices like the ROG Ally in the future, this could address some of the current software limitations. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual priorities and budget constraints.
Update: Sunday August 18 13:30
The price cuts on the ASUS ROG Ally are part of a broader trend in the AMD Ryzen-powered handheld market. The Lenovo Legion Go, another device featuring the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, has also seen a significant price reduction to $599 on Amazon. These discounts are likely driven by upcoming competition from Intel, the anticipated release of new AMD chips with superior iGPU performance, and the introduction of premium options like the ASUS ROG Ally X. Despite newer technology on the horizon, these discounted handhelds still offer compelling value with their established ecosystem and software support. The handheld gaming market is expected to see further disruption with the introduction of devices featuring the more powerful Radeon 890M iGPU and Intel's Lunar Lake SoCs later this year.
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| Engaging with the Asus ROG Ally, a strong contender even amidst newer options in the handheld market |