Best Buy Sells Excellent Condition Asus ROG Xbox Ally for Under $500

Best Buy has dropped the price on excellent condition Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming PCs to $497.99 with free shipping, marking a $100 discount from the original retail price. The October 2025 release packs an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD into a device that runs Windows 11 but boots straight into the Xbox App. For players who have been priced out of the handheld PC market by rising costs, this deal brings a current-generation Windows handheld under the $500 threshold for the first time in months.

The retailer is also listing preowned Asus ROG Xbox Ally X units for $838.99, a $162 savings on the normal $1,000 price tag. These Geek Squad verified units come with a 15-day return policy, giving buyers a safety net that many third-party marketplace listings lack. Both devices represent Asus's latest evolution of the ROG Ally line, though the naming convention blurs the line between Xbox-branded hardware and what is essentially a Windows handheld optimized for Microsoft's ecosystem.

About the Asus ROG Xbox Ally

The standard Xbox Ally arrives as a more accessible entry point into Asus's current handheld lineup. Its AMD Ryzen Z2 A CPU delivers performance comparable to the Steam Deck's APU according to the source material, positioning it as a direct competitor to Valve's device at a lower price point in today's market. The 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD provide enough memory and storage for a substantial library, though the non-X model makes clear compromises compared to its higher-end sibling.

Windows 11 runs underneath the hood, but the device bypasses Windows Explorer on boot to launch directly into the Xbox App. This design choice frees up system resources typically consumed by background processes, theoretically yielding better gaming performance without requiring upgraded hardware. The experience aims to mirror the streamlined, console-like interface of SteamOS while retaining full Windows compatibility for Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC platforms.

Performance Expectations and Limitations

If you buy the base Xbox Ally, don't hold your breath when you fire up Crimson Desert or Monster Hunter. Those games want more horsepower than the Z2 A chip can offer, especially when you crank the graphics up. Even the best drivers can only do so much; the Z2 A's thermal ceiling is a hard wall. In contrast, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the Ally X pushes the system harder, giving the same titles a smoother ride. When you’re ok

But the source notes there are literally thousands of outstanding games that don't require the most powerful system to enjoy. Indie titles, older AAA releases, and less demanding modern games will run comfortably on the Z2 A hardware. For players whose libraries lean toward these categories, the $497.99 price point represents genuine value rather than a compromise. The device's 1080p display and 120Hz refresh rate further support smooth gameplay in less intensive scenarios.

Xbox Ally X Slash at $499

The Xbox Ally X sits at the top of Asus's handheld hierarchy with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This configuration makes it the most powerful handheld gaming PC currently available according to the source material. The faster RAM and doubled storage address two common bottlenecks in handheld gaming, while the Extreme chip provides headroom for demanding titles that the base model struggles with.

IGN's Jackie Thomas described the Xbox Ally X as the "new handheld gaming PC to beat" in her review, signaling strong critical reception for the premium model. Like its cheaper sibling, the X variant runs Windows with Xbox integration rather than a pure Xbox OS, maintaining the same boot-to-Xbox-App behavior. The $838.99 preowned price narrows the gap significantly from the $1,000 MSRP, though it remains a substantial jump from the standard model's sub-$500 deal.

Best Buy's $500 Xbox Ally Deal

The sub-$500 price for the standard Xbox Ally shifts the value proposition in the handheld PC space meaningfully. Steam Deck pricing has crept upward since launch, and the ROG Ally line has held its MSRP while occasionally dipping below it. At $497.99 for an excellent condition unit with a return policy, Best Buy's offer removes much of the risk typically associated with buying preowned electronics. Players who want a Windows handheld for Game Pass and multi-store access now have a viable entry point that didn't exist at this price tier six months ago.

The trade-off is clear: the base model's Z2 A chip limits its longevity for future demanding releases, while the X model's $838.99 price still demands a premium budget. Neither device is a true Xbox console despite the branding — both are Windows PCs with an Xbox-flavored interface layer. For the right buyer, specifically someone prioritizing Game Pass integration and Windows flexibility over raw power or SteamOS simplicity, the standard Xbox Ally at this price represents the most compelling value in the current handheld market.

Best Buy is still selling both deals right now, according to the date the source was published. The regular Xbox Ally, priced under $500, stands out as the most budget‑friendly current‑gen Windows handheld available from a big box retailer that offers a return policy. The X model's discount nudges top‑tier handheld performance much closer to affordability. Gamers have to match performance demands with their wallets. While the Z2 A runs thousands of titles smoothly, the Z2 Extreme remains the sole viable option for demanding games like Crimson Desert at reasonable settings.