ROG Ally Handheld: Ryzen Z2 A Model with 16GB RAM Drops to Under $500
▼ Summary
– The ROG Xbox Ally, a Microsoft and Asus collaboration, is on sale for $499, a $100 discount matching its lowest price since January.
– It features a design with Xbox-style grips and updated internals, including an entry-level AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor.
– The device has a 7-inch, 1080p 120Hz IPS display, 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and a 60Wh battery.
– It runs Windows 11 but can boot directly into a streamlined Xbox Full Screen Experience for accessing games from multiple platforms.
– At its discounted price, it is positioned as a capable option for smooth casual and mid-tier handheld PC gaming.
A significant discount has arrived for a major player in the handheld PC market. The ASUS ROG Ally X, a device born from the collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS, is now available for under $500 on major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. This $100 price cut brings the cost down to $499, matching the lowest price seen since its launch earlier this year. This deal presents a compelling entry point for gamers looking to experience portable PC gaming without the premium price tag of higher-end models.
While it shares the ROG Ally name, this specific model is distinguished by its Ryzen Z2 A processor, AMD’s entry-level chip in the new Z2 series designed for handhelds. This CPU features a four-core, eight-thread Zen 2 architecture paired with an RDNA 2 GPU. The system is configured with 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, providing solid baseline performance for its category. Powering the device is a substantial 60Wh battery, aimed at delivering respectable playtime on the go.
The visual experience is centered on a 7-inch 1080p IPS display that boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and support for VRR and FreeSync Premium. With a peak brightness of 500 nits, the screen offers smooth, tear-free gameplay suitable for a wide range of titles. It is not an OLED panel, but in practical use, its performance is on par with the well-regarded display found on the original ROG Ally.
A key software advantage for this device is its integration with the Xbox ecosystem. While it runs Windows 11, it can boot directly into the Xbox Full Screen Experience, a console-like interface that is far more intuitive for handheld use than the standard Windows desktop. This interface provides quick access to recently played games, Xbox Game Pass, and libraries from other major PC platforms like Steam, Epic Games, and Ubisoft Connect.
For a discounted price of $499, the ROG Ally X with the Ryzen Z2 A chip represents a strong value proposition. It is not designed to be the absolute most powerful handheld available, but it excels at delivering a smooth experience for casual and mid-tier gaming. For anyone who has been considering entering the handheld PC space and was waiting for a meaningful price reduction, this current deal offers a balanced package of performance, features, and affordability.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware UK)
