The landscape of handheld gaming has evolved, moving beyond the longstanding dominance of Nintendo. Recent developments have seen the entry of PC gaming into this sector, with notable contenders like Valve and ASUS joining the fray. The Steam Deck emerged as the go-to affordable handheld until the unveiling of the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 in 2023, which offers a budget-friendly alternative to the more robust ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme.

During Best Buy’s 48-hour Flash Sale, there’s an opportunity to acquire the more advanced ASUS ROG Ally Extreme for less than the standard version. Priced at $449.99, down from its original $649.99, this marks the lowest price observed in recent months, as indicated by price monitoring services.

The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice for players accustomed to Windows who wish to enjoy their favorite titles on a portable device. While the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers a more budget-friendly option compared to typical gaming laptops, its processing and graphic capabilities are somewhat limited. A comparison of the budget and Extreme versions can help decide which suits your needs best.

However, it’s vital to temper expectations regarding AAA games; running these titles smoothly may not always be feasible. For many major releases, substantial computing power provided by a desktop or high-performance laptop is necessary for flawless play. While the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 can manage some AAA titles, players may encounter a decrease in frame rates, requiring adjustments for smoother gameplay (reports suggest some users have successfully played AAA games at 60FPS without significant issues). Navigating the Windows 11 interface could present challenges for those unfamiliar with the system.

Equipped with 512GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for expansion, the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 features an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a vibrant seven-inch touchscreen boasting 1080p resolution. Users can expect around eight and a half hours of battery life on a full charge.

For an in-depth analysis, refer to the complete PCMag review of the ASUS ROG Ally Z1. While the ROG Ally does not outperform the Steam Deck in every aspect, its current pricing makes it an appealing choice for many consumers.