The ASUS ROG Ally is down to $500 at Best Buy, which is a $150 discount and a new all-time low for the config with AMD’s Z1 Extreme chip. This deal comes with a heavy caveat: ASUS recently released the ROG Ally X, an upgraded model with better battery life, more RAM and storage, improved ergonomics, an extra USB-C port and slightly improved performance. It should also avoid the overheating issues that hindered the first model’s microSD slot. If you can afford it, just get that one instead.
The X costs $300 more, though. If you can’t pay that much but still want a Windows gaming handheld, the original has the same chip and 7-inch 120Hz display, so it can still run loads of graphically demanding games on the go. Since it’s a Windows device, it can also play titles from virtually any gaming client, be it Steam, the Xbox app or the Epic Games Store.
We still think the Steam Deck OLED is best choice for most people in search of a portable gaming PC, as its software is much easier to pick up and use. Windows may be more flexible, but it can be clunky to navigate without a mouse, and it’ll likely force you to tinker with settings more frequently to get your games running optimally. Valve’s handheld is a good way cheaper than the Ally X, too, yet it offers a more vibrant display and close-enough performance.
All that said, the Ally is lighter and a bit more powerful, plus its display has a variable refresh rate to keep games consistently smooth. If you can live with its short battery life and Windows-related quirks — and you really want a handheld that can play big-budget games from stores besides Steam — it’s an easier sell at this price. Have a look at our review from last year for more details.
