The Asus ROG Xbox Ally was just released back in October, but it’s already received its first major discount. If you’ve had your eye on this new gaming handheld but didn’t want to pay full price, this is the perfect deal that’s just in time for Christmas.
Right now, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally is on sale for $489 at Amazon. That’s a $110 discount and is the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this system. It even comes with a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Premium voucher. While this isn’t the more powerful Asus ROG Xbox Ally X that we reviewed, it’s still a solid (if imperfect) handheld. Here’s why you might want to consider getting the ROG Xbox Ally.
Though this is the entry-level model, it shares the same design as its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered counterpart. Its controller grips and even weight distribution make it comfortable to hold for many hours. So even if you’re on a long flight, your hands might not get tired very easily.
The Xbox UI is a revelation compared to the standard Windows 11 interface. This UI is easy to navigate and even gives SteamOS a run for its money in terms of ease of use. You get instant access to all your settings, should you wish to change anything on the fly. We love the fact that the Windows desktop isn’t even running, which gives this system better performance and battery life.
Since this unit has an AMD Z2 A chip instead of the beefier Z2 Extreme, you won’t get the same level of performance and efficiency. However, with proper tweaking in settings, you will enjoy comparable performance to the Steam Deck. That might be disappointing, but at this reduced price (which is lower than a high-end Steam Deck), the trade-off isn’t as bad. Just don’t expect to play all games at maximum resolution comfortably.
Faults aside, the standard Asus ROG Xbox Ally is a good alternative to the Steam Deck. It feels great to hold and the Xbox UI is a welcome addition to Windows handhelds. We don’t know how long this sale will last, so don’t hesitate if you’ve had your eye on Asus’ Xbox-inspired gaming handheld.
Shop today's best holiday deals
- Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, AirPods, more
- Walmart: save on Crocs, Keurig, PS5
- REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more
- Dell: monitors from $79/laptops from $249
- Nectar: 50% off mattresses + bundles
- Best Buy: laptops from $149
- Lenovo: doorbuster deals from $319
- Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
- Lululemon: top picks from $9
- Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
- Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099
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