I’m already a big fan of the Asus ROG Ally, but an extra $50 off its already discounted price means I’d choose it over most other handhelds. While there are plenty of Windows-based alternatives that make for an impressive laptop, this latest discount honestly makes me question why I’d go for the Lenovo Legion Go or the MSI Claw.
If you head over to Best Buy, you’ll be able to get the Asus ROG Ally for $549.99 (down from $699.99). The discount means you can now get $150 off one of the best gaming handhelds for PC gaming, with previous deals almost permanently reducing its price by $100 from its MSRP of $699.99. It’s still not the cheapest portable, as the Steam Deck OLED still dominates this particular battle. However, it is $80 cheaper than the Lenovo Legion Go, despite boasting comparable specs and performance.
Looking for a deal in the UK? Don’t worry because you can also get the ROG Ally for £499 on Amazon thanks to a £50 discount. It would normally set you back £549 at the retailer and has already deviated from its original price of £600 since release. You’re actually getting the same kind of deal here as in the US, which is nice to see considering the UK sometimes misses out on handheld deals.
I’ve tested a lot of gaming handhelds at this point, and the ROG Ally is still pretty much up there. While I consider Windows 11 both a blessing and a curse for portable gaming, using the OS is a reliable way to keep access to all of your game libraries, whether you’re using Steam, the Epic Game Store, or even PC Game Pass. . Its AMD Ryzer Z1 Extreme also provides enough power to play the latest games at 1080p resolution, and Asus’ choice of a 120Hz screen seems well-suited to the handheld’s specs.
Should you buy the Asus ROG Ally?
The Asus ROG Ally is a solid laptop, and I doubt most gamers looking for performance will be disappointed with the handheld. That said, the scene is evolving quickly, and you might be wondering if you’re better off pre-ordering the Asus ROG Ally X or waiting for Zotac’s upcoming Steam Deck OLED rival. Some of you might even be tempted to go for the Lenovo Legion Go because of its larger 8.8-inch screen, but I’d say the OG Ally trumps all of these with its new discount.
That’s not to say I wouldn’t recommend the ROG Ally X, as its increased battery life, larger 1TB SSD, and 24GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM will be a draw for portable enthusiasts. What I would recommend is that gamers consider whether these features are worth paying $799.99 for, as you won’t get a huge fps boost with the new device.
When reviewing any new gaming technology, I always try to assess whether the price of the gadget matches the experience it provides. Yes, spending more on premium models will normally give you access to more features, but using the Legion Go as an example, I don’t think its faster 144Hz QHD display and detachable controllers are worth the extra $80. If you look past some of the extra frills that Lenovo adds to its portable device, you’ll end up gaming at 1080p just like the ROG Ally (only with arguably worse controls and a clumsier device in your hand.)
For cheaper options, you might want to consider picking up the non-extreme Ryzen Z1 Asus ROG Ally for $399 (was $499.99) at Best Buy. Not only do you get access to the same excellent controls, form factor and 120Hz screen, but it still holds up to lighter classics and indie antics. I think the Steam Deck OLED offers a more refined experience at the expense of the store’s versatility, so keep that in mind if you don’t mind using Windows 11.
Looking for more handheld deals? Recheck Asus ROG Ally Prime Day deal and Prime Day Steam Deck Deals due to Amazon’s low summer sale. Or swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and the best Steam Deck dock if you already have a Valve portable power station.