Discount of $150 on the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Windows-powered gaming handheld, ideal for gaming in dorm rooms
Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: A Powerhouse in the Handheld Gaming Market
In the ever-evolving world of portable gaming, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme has emerged as a formidable competitor, challenging the likes of Valve's Steam Deck, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go.
The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme boasts an impressive AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, comprising 8 Zen 4 cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock up to 5.1 GHz. This powerful CPU, integrated with an RDNA 3 GPU featuring 12 compute units, sets the device apart in terms of raw performance.
Key features of the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme include a 7-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB (or 24GB in higher-end variants) of LPDDR5 RAM, and SSD storage options starting at 512GB, with some versions offering up to 1TB M.2 NVMe storage. The device also sports a sleek design, weighing approximately 608 grams, and is slightly lighter than the Steam Deck, featuring a white shell with RGB thumbsticks and ergonomic curves for comfort.
Running on Windows 11, the device offers broad compatibility, with an optional Xbox-centric interface providing access to major game storefronts. The device's performance highlights include a 50% increase in gaming performance compared to the non-Extreme ROG Ally Z1 variant, delivering superior performance in demanding AAA games at high frame rates and resolution.
Comparatively, the Steam Deck, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go fall short in various aspects, such as CPU/GPU power, RAM, storage, display quality, weight, and battery life. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme's competitive advantages lie in its superior processor/GPU, high-refresh 1080p display, expanded RAM/storage, and flexible Windows-based gaming experience.
While the Steam Deck has more polished controls and a mature gaming ecosystem, the Ally leverages a Windows 11 base plus an Xbox-centric interface for broader compatibility and versatility. MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go typically lag behind in raw performance and/or display quality compared to the Ally Z1 Extreme.
In summary, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme stands out with its powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 120Hz 1080p display, and ergonomic design. It delivers superior performance in demanding AAA games at high frame rates and resolution compared to the Steam Deck’s 800p display and lower refresh rate. Its large RAM and storage options further complement gaming multitasking and load times. The refreshed battery in newer Ally X models also gives it an edge in endurance.
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is currently available at Best Buy for $499, offering a top-tier handheld PC gaming experience at a competitive price.
[1] Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Specifications and Features [2] Performance Highlights of Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme [3] Comparison: Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme vs. Valve Steam Deck, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go [4] Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Review
- The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme's impressive performance in gaming is partly due to its integration of smartphones' cutting-edge technology, such as the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and RDNA 3 GPU.
- In the realm of handheld gaming devices, gadgets like the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, along with smartphones such as the Valve Steam Deck and MSI Claw, are redefining the landscape of technology with their portable power and advanced features.
