ASUS has announced a price drop for the Ryzen Z1 APU variant of the ASUS ROG Ally, offering buyers in specific regions the chance to purchase it for $299 through the Open-Box option. Gamers who prefer portable gaming have shown great interest in the ROG Ally since its debut. Positioned as a strong contender against the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, the ROG Ally has captured the attention of both players and retailers since the release of the Switch in 2017.
Setting itself apart from other portable gaming devices, the ROG Ally boasts impressive features such as a 1080 screen and an RDNA 3 GPU. Its introduction has paved the way for the release of additional portable systems like the MSI Claw. As ASUS continues to innovate in the gaming industry, players anticipate further advancements in portable gaming technology, hoping that the Steam Deck will draw inspiration from the ROG Ally.
Best Buy, the official retail launch partner for the ROG Ally, has reduced the price of the device by an extra $200 for Open-Box purchases in specific regions. The brand new system has received a $100 price cut, making it more accessible to gamers. In eligible areas, the Open-Box variant of the ROG Ally with the Ryzen Z1 APU is available for $299, compared to its original launch price of $599 in September 2023.
The ROG Ally's superiority over the Steam Deck in certain aspects does not come as a surprise to some gamers. ASUS technology has been consistently outperforming competitors, with the ROG Ally serving as another testament to this trend. Moreover, the Ally offers compatibility with Xbox Game Pass.
Affordable Portable Gaming with the ROG Ally Price Drop
Potential buyers of the ROG Ally should note that the price reduction applies to the base Ryzen Z1 APU model, equipped with six cores. For those seeking even more power, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme variant, featuring eight cores and performance capabilities surpassing the Steam Deck, can be purchased for $559 in the Open Box category, down from its regular price of $699. Rumors suggest that the ROG Ally 2 might be launched later this year, prompting some to wait for the new model.
When comparing the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, gamers should consider their preferences for customization. The ROG Ally caters to those valuing enhanced graphics over battery life, unlike the Steam Deck, which strikes a balance between graphics quality and battery performance. Players dissatisfied with these options may find interest in a new handheld console from PlayStation, appealing to Sony fans seeking a gaming experience akin to the Switch.