Steam Deck’s out of stock, but the Xbox Ally is under $500

ROG Xbox Ally Hits New Low: $110 Off Brings Powerhouse Handheld Gaming PC to $489.99

If you’ve been eyeing a premium handheld gaming PC but were waiting for the right deal, now’s your moment. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally—a formidable Windows 11-based gaming handheld—has just dropped to $489.99 on Amazon, a full $110 off its regular price. That’s $60 cheaper than the most affordable current-gen Steam Deck, despite packing considerably more horsepower under the hood.

This isn’t the souped-up ROG Xbox Ally X variant with its faster processor and higher resolution screen. Instead, you’re getting the standard model featuring a quad-core AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor paired with RDNA 2 graphics, 16GB of shared memory, and a spacious 512GB SSD. The 7-inch, 1080p IPS touchscreen delivers silky-smooth gameplay at up to 120Hz refresh rate—sharper and faster than Valve’s offering.

Battery life gets a significant boost too. The 60 watt-hour battery is considerably more “chonkier” than competitors, promising extended gaming sessions without constant recharging. The ergonomic design features wider, more comfortable grips that make marathon gaming sessions more enjoyable, though the larger form factor means it won’t slip quite as easily into your backpack.

Here’s where things get interesting: while the ROG Xbox Ally offers superior specs on paper, it runs Windows 11 rather than a custom Linux-based operating system. This brings both advantages and complications. On the plus side, you get broader game compatibility, especially for online multiplayer titles that might struggle on SteamOS. ASUS has also implemented the Xbox Fullscreen Experience, making navigation more intuitive for Xbox gamers.

However, Windows 11 on a handheld isn’t without its quirks. The interface can feel clunky compared to purpose-built handheld operating systems, even with optimizations. The silver lining? Tech-savvy users can install SteamOS or alternatives like Bazzite to transform the experience entirely.

The timing of this discount is noteworthy given that Steam Deck availability in the United States has been affected by RAM supply constraints. While Valve works through these production challenges, the ROG Xbox Ally presents a compelling alternative for gamers seeking immediate gratification with cutting-edge hardware.

Amazon appears to be leading this promotion, though Best Buy and Walmart are matching the $500 price point. The deal’s duration remains unclear, so interested buyers should act relatively quickly if they want to capitalize on this significant savings opportunity.

For gamers weighing their options in the handheld PC market, this price drop makes the ROG Xbox Ally an increasingly attractive proposition. You’re essentially getting a mini gaming laptop with Xbox integration, superior display technology, and more powerful internals than the Steam Deck—all for less money than Valve’s premium offering currently commands.

Whether you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber looking to take your library on the go, or simply want a Windows-based handheld for maximum compatibility, the ROG Xbox Ally at $489.99 represents serious value in the evolving landscape of portable PC gaming.

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