If you’ve been eyeing a premium gaming handheld, now might be the moment to pull the trigger. Best Buy is currently offering the ASUS ROG Ally—a high−end Windows 11 gaming device—for $450, a whopping $200 discount off its original $650 price tag. This marks the lowest price ever for the handheld, even undercutting Black Friday deals. The sale, which includes a free travel case, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and two months of Crunchyroll Mega Fan, is exclusive to Best Buy and available for a limited time.

Launched in 2023, the ROG Ally quickly cemented itself as a formidable rival to Valve’s Steam Deck. Unlike the Steam Deck’s Linux-based OS, the ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, giving it broad compatibility with platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net. This flexibility appeals to gamers who want access to titles beyond Steam’s ecosystem, such as Call of Duty or Game Pass exclusives.

The discounted model features AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a chip designed specifically for handheld gaming. Paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it delivers smooth performance for AAA titles. The device also sports a 7-inch, 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a notable upgrade over the Steam Deck’s 800p, 60Hz screen.

The handheld market is evolving rapidly. At CES 2025, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S, a compact Windows 11 device with up to 32GB of RAM and a new AMD Z2 Go chip. Priced from $729 (arriving February 2025), it’s a premium alternative. A cheaper $599 version arrives in May 2025, offering 16GB of RAM and a choice of Windows 11 or SteamOS. Meanwhile, ASUS’s own ROG Ally X (released in late 2024) boasts upgraded specs but starts at $899, making the original Ally’s $450 price look even more appealing.

Who should buy the ROG Ally now?

This deal is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious gamers want premium specs without paying flagship prices.
• Multi-platform players who value access to Xbox Game Pass, Epic, and other stores.
• Early adopters are wary of waiting for 2025’s pricier models.

While the Legion Go S and ROG Ally X promise advancements, their costs are significantly higher. For those seeking a balance of performance and affordability, the ROG Ally’s current discount is hard to beat.

With its Windows 11 versatility, sharp display, and robust hardware, the ROG Ally remains a top contender in the handheld arena. At $450, this deal isn’t just a discount—it’s a gateway into high-end portable gaming without the premium price tag.

Act fast: Best Buy’s sale is temporary, and stock is likely to dwindle as news spreads.