Testing shows that running Bazzite, a Linux-based OS, on the ASUS ROG Ally Xbox results in faster start-up, better sleep performance, and higher frame rates in games compared to Windows, suggesting Linux may be a superior choice for this device in some cases.
Leaked prices suggest the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will cost around $599 and $899 respectively, aligning with their predecessor's pricing in Europe, and potentially making them some of the most powerful gaming handhelds with Z2 APUs, though final prices await official confirmation.
The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme was heavily discounted during Newegg's 4th of July Sale, selling out quickly due to high demand. ASUS is preparing to release new Xbox-branded ROG Ally models with AMD Ryzen Z2 processors, which may lead to more discounts on older stock as retailers clear inventory before the new releases and upcoming sales events like Amazon Prime Day.
Lenovo is reportedly developing a new budget gaming handheld, the Legion Go S, which resembles the Asus ROG Ally in design but lacks features like detachable sticks and a trackpad. The device is expected to be less powerful than its predecessor, the Legion Go, and more details are anticipated at CES 2025.
Lenovo is set to release the Legion Go S, a budget-friendly gaming handheld that resembles the ASUS ROG Ally and is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 platform. The device is expected to be more affordable, priced between $399 and $449, by omitting features like detachable sticks and a kickstand found in the original Legion Go. The Legion Go S aims to compete in the growing market of gaming handhelds, offering a more cost-effective option with a similar design to its competitors.
The ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld is available at its lowest price ever during Cyber Monday, with Amazon offering it for $483.95 and Best Buy providing an even better deal at $449.99 for My Best Buy Plus members. This marks a significant discount on the device, which is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset. Both retailers offer competitive deals, but Best Buy's membership provides the lowest price. Shoppers are encouraged to act quickly as these deals are part of the Cyber Monday sales event, which ends today.
This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, gaming enthusiasts can find significant discounts on popular handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Logitech G Cloud. The ASUS ROG Ally, known for its performance and flexibility, is available at its lowest price, while the Lenovo Legion Go offers a larger screen and detachable controllers for a versatile experience. The Logitech G Cloud, focused on cloud gaming, is a more affordable option with excellent battery life. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are discounted, providing access to a vast library of games, making these handhelds even more appealing.
Despite a 38% Black Friday discount, the MSI Claw gaming handheld is not recommended due to its bulkiness and underperformance compared to the ASUS ROG Ally, which offers superior performance and design for a lower price of $349.99. The ROG Ally outshines the MSI Claw in gaming benchmarks, display quality, battery life, and overall usability, making it the better choice for gamers seeking value and reliability.
The ASUS ROG Ally, a portable gaming handheld, is currently a better deal than the Xbox Series S during Black Friday sales. Priced at $349.99 at Best Buy, the ROG Ally offers a complete gaming setup with access to Xbox, PC, and cloud games, and includes a free travel case. Unlike the Xbox Series S, which requires additional peripherals and is limited to stationary use, the ROG Ally is a versatile Windows 11-powered device that can be used on the go and also functions as a full PC.
The ASUS ROG Ally charger dock, originally priced at $64.99, is now available for $29.99 at Best Buy. This versatile dock supports HDMI 2.0 and is compatible with the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, offering resolutions up to 1080p at 120Hz or 4K at 60Hz. The price drop comes just ahead of the ASUS ROG Ally X launch on July 22nd, making it a timely purchase for those planning to upgrade.
Lenovo is reportedly developing a more affordable version of its Legion Go PC gaming handheld, dubbed the "Lite." This new model is expected to feature the same AMD Z1 chipset but with potential refinements such as a smaller display and the removal of detachable joysticks, aiming for a lower price point. The move comes as competition in the PC gaming handheld market intensifies, with devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally leading the charge.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, built on Unreal Engine 5, is visually stunning but demands high performance. On Xbox Series S, the game features visual cutbacks like reduced reflections and lower resolution lighting compared to Series X, but still delivers a stable 30fps experience. Steam Deck struggles to maintain 30fps at low settings, while the Asus ROG Ally performs better, achieving higher frame rates. Despite the visual downgrades on lower-end hardware, Hellblade 2 remains visually impressive and playable across various platforms.
The Anker PowerCore 737 24,000mAh USB Power Bank is on sale for $90 on Amazon, down from its original $150 price, and is considered one of the best chargers for the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. With 140W of USB power delivery, it can charge devices multiple times and features an LCD digital readout for real-time information. It is recommended for gamers on the go to ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions on their portable devices.
The Anker Prime 20,000mAh USB Power Bank, ideal for charging devices like laptops, portable gaming systems, and high-end phones, is on sale for $89.98 on Amazon, down from its original $130 MSRP. With 200W of USB power delivery, it can charge multiple devices simultaneously and features an LCD digital readout for real-time information. Specifically designed for the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, it can charge three Steam Decks or two ASUS ROG Allys simultaneously at their maximum charging rate, addressing their short battery life when gaming on the go.
The Xbox Series X bundle with Diablo 4 is still available at a discounted price of $439.99, while the console alone is priced at $432.21 on Amazon. Best Buy offers the Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld starting at $449.99. Antonline has a deal on Super Mario Bros. Wonder and a year-long family membership to Nintendo Switch Online for $59.99. Target has discounts on three-month subscriptions to PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Best Buy has discounts on Disney 100 4K Blu-ray discs, John Wick movie collection, The Hunger Games Ultimate Steelbook Collection, and the Planet of the Apes trilogy. Amazon has discounted Blu-rays of Studio Ghibli films, excluding The Boy and the Heron.