The Asus ROG Xbox Ally just dropped to $499 ahead of Memorial Day

Asus ROG Xbox Ally deal post image — (Image credit: Future)

If you've been eager to buy a Windows-based handheld gaming console, now is the time to pick one up. This Memorial Day, Best Buy has the Xbox-themed Asus ROG Xbox Ally on sale.

Right now, you can snag the Asus ROG Xbox Ally on sale for $499 at Best Buy. That's a $100 discount and just $10 shy of its all-time price low. It even comes with a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Premium voucher.

shop all Memorial Day sales at Best Buy

This is the entry-level model of hte Xbox Ally series, but it still shares the same design as its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered counterpart. The controller grips and even weight distribution make it comfortable to hold for multiple hours. Even if you're on a long flight, your hands shouldn't get too tired.

The biggest difference between this and other Windows-based gaming handhelds is the Xbox UI which is a revelation compared to the normal Windows 11 interface. It's easy to navigate and even gives SteamOS a run for its money.

You get instant access to all your settings, and we love that the fact that the Windows desktop isn't even running, which improves performance and battery life.

It's worth noting that this unit has an AMD Z2 A chip, rather than the beefier Z2 Extreme. That means you won't get the same level of performance and efficiency as you would on the Z2 Extreme model. However, with some tweaks to the console's settings, the ROG Ally will perform at around the same level as the Steam Deck. That might be disappointing for hardcore gamers, but at this lower price, the trade-off isn't bad.

If you're looking for a Steam Deck alternative, the Asus ROG Xbox Aly is a good one. If feels great to hold and the Xbox UI is wonderful to use. It looks like the sale ends after Memorial Day, so you'll want to lock this in now.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom's Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products for less.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.