A lot of New Year tech goals boil down to the same thing: fewer devices, less friction, and more use out of what you already own. It’s easy to end up with a console under the TV, a gaming PC at a desk, and a backlog of games scattered across platforms — all while feeling like you never have time to play. But the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally makes a compelling case as a smarter, more streamlined upgrade for under $500.
What immediately stands out about the Ally is that it isn’t locked into a single ecosystem. Because it runs Windows 11, you get access to Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, and other PC platforms all in one place. Instead of bouncing between devices depending on what you want to play, everything lives on a single handheld.
The handheld format also changes how gaming fits into everyday life. Rather than committing to sitting at a desk or taking over the living room TV, the Ally lets you play wherever you already are. Gaming feels accessible again, because you can take it into the bedroom, on the bus, or over to a friend’s house.
Performance-wise, this doesn’t feel like a compromise. The 7-inch Full HD touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate keeps games looking smooth and responsive, and the AMD Ryzen Z-series processor paired with 16GB of RAM runs modern titles surprisingly well for a handheld. It’s powerful enough to handle real games, not just lighter or mobile-style experiences, which makes it feel like a legitimate replacement for other devices, rather than just an extra.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally
Another thing that fits well with a New Year reset mindset is the included three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For anyone already trying to get more value out of subscriptions they pay for, that’s an easy way to jump into a large library of games without buying anything new upfront. It encourages actually playing — and finishing — games instead of endlessly browsing sales.
Right now, the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is available for $499.99, and for what it replaces, that price starts to make sense. Instead of upgrading a console and a PC and buying another device down the line, this consolidates everything into one portable system that adapts to your schedule and space.
If your New Year goal is fewer devices, more intention, and actually enjoying the tech you already own, this is the kind of upgrade that aligns with that mindset. One device. One library. Less clutter … and more time to play.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally – Save $100 (17%) and spend just $499.99
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