Handheld gaming PCs have been all the rage lately, but many devices have also faced the same stock shortages and price hikes due to the ongoing supply issues with key components. One example bucking that trend, though, is the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, which just got a £100 discount on Amazon. So, is now the time to buy? Even at this record-low price, I'm not sure the answer is quite so clear-cut.
Let's start with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally itself. The reception to the handheld has been broadly positive, although this offer is for the less powerful version compared to the similarly-named Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, which we scored four stars in our review.
Buy the Asus ROG Xbox Ally at Amazon
What about alternatives to the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, then?
If you've read through my reservations about the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and decided it's still more than ideal for your needs, I hope you snap up this deal and enjoy it. As a Steam Deck owner, I can't tell you how much I appreciate having the option for handheld PC gaming on the couch or out and about on long journeys.
I would suggest picking up one of them if you could. The issue there? Well, the Steam Deck is completely out of stock right now here in the UK. Valve has confirmed that it expects the OLED version of its handheld to be unavailable intermittently due to memory and storage shortages. Meanwhile, the cheaper LCD model is no longer in production.
You might get lucky with a refurbished model (as I did), but these pop up infrequently and sell out super-fast. I suggest checking the Steam Deck Refurbished sales page regularly for stock updates.
As for other options, you won't find much else in this price range, with the Lenovo Legion Go S only coming close — but that's only when it's significantly discounted.
Of course, there's the Nintendo Switch 2 and (to some extent) the PlayStation Portal for PS5 owners. However, those are very different machines that will only appeal if it's just any handheld gaming device on your most-wanted list.