Best Buy Cuts Prices on Open-Box Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Handhelds
Gamers can now secure the Z2 Extreme-powered Windows handheld for as low as $838.99 via open-box inventory.
Best Buy has refreshed its inventory of open-box Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PCs, offering a significant discount on the high-end device. The deal provides a more accessible entry point for users seeking a premium Windows-based handheld without paying the full $1,000 retail price.
Open-box units in "Excellent Condition" are currently listed at $899.99, while units in "Fair Condition" are available for as low as $838.99. These devices are verified by Geek Squad to ensure the hardware meets functional standards despite the open-box status. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is a 2025 model co-developed by Asus and Microsoft, serving as an evolution of the previous ROG Ally X rather than a standalone Xbox console.
The Shift to Ultra-Premium Handhelds
The handheld gaming market is transitioning toward "ultra-premium" hardware, characterized by the adoption of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor. The ROG Xbox Ally X is built around this chip, paired with 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD to handle demanding AAA titles. By running on Windows with deep Xbox ecosystem integration, the device positions itself as a high-performance alternative to the Steam Deck, focusing on versatility and raw power.
Market Implications
This pricing shift lowers the barrier to the Z2 Extreme ecosystem. While competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and MSI Claw A8 have pushed the price of high-end handhelds toward or beyond the $1,200 mark, the open-box Ally X allows users to access similar top-tier performance for under $900. For many gamers, the trade-off of a previously opened unit is negligible compared to the savings on a device that Jacqueline Thomas of IGN described as "easily the best handheld gaming PC available."
What to Watch
The value proposition of the Ally X is further complicated by the arrival of the Xbox Ally X20. While the X20 is identical in performance to the current model, it introduces a larger OLED display. As the X20 begins to saturate the market, the original Xbox Ally X is likely to see further price corrections. Potential buyers should monitor whether Best Buy continues to refresh open-box stock or if the retail price for new units drops to compete with the newer OLED iteration.