A Rare $100 Price Cut on the Asus ROG Ally
Best Buy has trimmed USD 100 (approx. RM460) off the base Asus ROG Xbox Ally, dropping this portable gaming device to USD 499 (approx. RM2,300) from its usual USD 600 (approx. RM2,760). In a climate where component costs and hardware prices are trending upward, this handheld gaming console discount stands out as unusually generous. The deal covers the entry Asus ROG Ally model, which still delivers a fully featured Xbox handheld experience built around AMD’s Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB SSD. With enough power to target 720p or 1080p gaming on its 7‑inch 1080p 120Hz IPS display, the Ally is positioned as a flexible machine for both indie titles and demanding AAA games. For shoppers tracking gaming handheld deals, this is one of the most aggressive markdowns we’ve seen on a major Windows-based device.
Specs and Experience: Why This Asus ROG Ally Deal Matters
Beyond the headline savings, the hardware behind this Asus ROG Ally deal is what makes it compelling. The Ryzen Z2 A processor offers performance in the same ballpark as the chip inside Valve’s Steam Deck, enabling smooth play at moderate settings in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Rainbow Six Extraction. The 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB SSD provide a solid baseline, and storage can be upgraded thanks to support for standard M.2 2280 drives. Ergonomically, the Ally feels like an Xbox controller split around a 7‑inch screen, with familiar thumbstick and button placement and chunky, comfortable grips designed for long sessions. Its 1080p 120Hz IPS panel delivers sharp visuals and fluid motion, and Asus’ extra buttons give quick access to ROG Armory Crate and the Xbox Game Bar. At its discounted price, the Ally’s combination of specs, comfort, and screen quality sharply improves its value proposition.
Nex Playground Shows How Diverse the Console Landscape Has Become
While the ROG Ally chases enthusiasts, Nex Playground is proving there’s huge appetite for very different kinds of systems. The camera‑based motion console made headlines when it outsold Sony’s PS5 during Black Friday, and it’s now approaching one million units sold. Instead of focusing on raw power, Nex Playground emphasizes family‑friendly, controller‑free play using full‑body motion tracking similar to Microsoft’s former Kinect. The base system includes five motion games for USD 249 (approx. RM1,140), with an optional annual Play Pass at USD 99 (approx. RM450) that unlocks more than 60 titles from major brands like Paramount, Hasbro, Sesame Workshop, and NBCUniversal. A quarterly Play Pass at USD 49 (approx. RM225) offers a shorter commitment. Its success underscores how alternative platforms that prioritize accessibility, active play, and safety can thrive alongside performance‑driven handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally.
Handheld Gaming’s Renewed Momentum and What Comes Next
Taken together, the Asus ROG Ally discount and the rise of Nex Playground point to a handheld and alternative console market that is more vibrant than it has been in years. On one side, powerful portable gaming devices like the Ally are becoming more appealing through aggressive gaming handheld deals and smarter software, such as Microsoft’s Xbox Full Screen Experience that unifies games from multiple PC libraries into a console‑like interface. On the other, motion‑driven systems like Nex Playground prove that families are willing to invest in new types of interactive entertainment, not just traditional controllers and couch play. This combination of performance‑focused handhelds and approachable, movement‑based consoles suggests we’re entering a phase where experimentation, promotional pricing, and diverse form factors will define the next wave of gaming on the go and in the living room.