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I bought this Crucial P310 1TB SSD back on Amazon’s October Prime Day, with the intention of using it to seriously upgrade the storage on my 256GB Steam Deck. Now I have an ROG Ally on the way, it’ll be going in there to double up on the 512GB that comes with that (and I guess the SSD from the Ally could go into my Steam Deck!)
It’s reduced to just $70 which makes it a really cost-effective upgrade for a Steam Deck or ROG Ally with less than 1TB onboard. It’s the all important m.2 2230 form factor, and with PCIe 4.0 performance, it’ll match what you have already.
Swapping out the SSD isn’t a particularly difficult process, but you will need to devote some time to it. It actually takes longer to get the OS back up and running than to physically swap the drives! — Richard Devine
💾 Crucial P310 1TB m.2 2230 SSD for Steam Deck and ROG Ally | was $114.99 now $69.99 at Amazon
I’ve just finally pulled the trigger on an ROG Ally, thanks to an obsession with Black Ops 6 and the fact that Black Friday made them cheaper than ever. I wrote about that here, but while I wait for my handheld to actually ship, I’ve already been accessorizing.
After reading my colleague, Rebecca Spear, speak very highly of the JSAUX ModCase for the ROG Ally, I jumped on a Black Friday weekend deal on one for my own. I’ve got the dbrand Killswitch on my Steam Deck, and I appreciate the extra protection when travelling that you get from the front cover.
The fact the ModCase in an ROG Ally-matching white is under $20 right now made it the quickest purchase I’ve made this deal season. — Richard Devine
🎮 JSAUX ModCase for ROG Ally | was $29.99 now $19.99 at Amazon
While it’s not technically a PC, the Logitech G Cloud my colleague reviewed is another interesting (and much more affordable) gaming handheld on the market right now. It’s a cloud-focused handheld, meaning it only has a mobile CPU and GPU, and it is designed to stream console and PC games from cloud services such as Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce NOW.
Unlike other handheld gaming devices, the Logitech G Cloud is much slimmer and lighter than the competition. In shape and size, it is more similar to a Nintendo Switch. That means it’s super easy to carry around with you, and it has great battery life thanks to its mobile-class processor powering things under the hood.
The device has a 1080p LCD touchscreen that looks incredible. Right now, it’s only $259 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, down from $299 — making that a $40 saving. The device comes preloaded with a number of cloud streaming apps, and you can even download Android games locally to the device if you want to play games on the go without an internet connection.
The Logitech G Cloud is actually an incredible emulation handheld, with apps like PPSSPP and PPSS22 letting you play PSP and PS2 classics while on the go. So, if you’re in the market for a handheld gaming device but don’t want to splash out for a full portable gaming PC, the Logitech G Cloud is a great device to consider, especially if you’re willing to pay a little more than the Razer Edge right now; the G Cloud has less power, but a more ergonomic and « console-like » design. — Zac Bowden
🎮Logitech G Cloud Android Gaming Handheld: was $299 now $259 at Best Buy
It’d be surprising if you weren’t already familiar with Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription service, but in case you need a refresher… Xbox Game Pass is widely considered one of the best values in gaming, as it gives you access to a growing and rotating library of literally hundreds of Xbox and PC cloud games.
You can play any of those games without restriction, and depending on your subscription tier you may also get permanent access to first-party Xbox exclusives, access to brand-new games on release day, exclusive discounts on games and DLC, and even unique perks for in-game content, movies, other subscriptions, and more. You can even stream many of those games (including games that you own, the latest Game Pass development) through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
All that for a single monthly cost, making it the perfect companion for any PC gaming handheld. In fact, the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go both come with 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in the box to get you started, but you’ll be having so much fun that time will pass in a flash. I strongly recommend avoiding subscribing to Game Pass month-to-month, as you’ll end up paying way more. Instead, it’s best to stack 3-month subscriptions (you can add up to three years to your account) and save a huge amount in the long run. From $20 per month to $28 per three months. Yeah, that big of a difference. — Zachary Boddy
🕹️Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months): was $49.99 now $27.99 at CDKeys
I still maintain that the original ASUS ROG Ally is the better gaming handheld for most people, but I was frankly shocked by just how noticeable of an upgrade the ASUS ROG Ally X is. A mid-gen update, ASUS made a handful of changes that add up to the absolute best PC gaming handheld money can buy right now, and it’s nearly perfect for me. My ROG Ally X sits by my bed, and there isn’t much I’d change.
The overall design is similar but has been refined to be even more comfortable, with more ergonomic grips and other tweaks. The controls feel familiar, but are updated to be more responsive and tactile. Look around, and you’ll notice shifted thermal vents for more reliable microSD card expansion, and a second (upgraded) USB Type-C port. Peek under the hood, and you’ll find the tried-and-true AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset propped up by 50% more RAM and a faster (and larger) 1-2TB SSD. Look a little harder, and you’ll notice the battery is literally twice the size.
I still want an OLED display, Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers, and for ASUS and Microsoft to work together to make Windows truly shine on handhelds, but in the meantime the ROG Ally X has earned its title as « the most powerful PC gaming handheld, » and it’s the only choice for those that need to have the absolute best and are willing to splurge for it. The ASUS ROG Ally X is also enjoying its first-ever discount for Black Friday, and if you own an original ROG Ally you can trade it in for an additional $230 off (and Best Buy is very lenient about those trade-ins).
With handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go dominating our collective minds lately, it’s easy to forget about some of the more interesting handhelds that came out right before. One such handheld is the Razer Edge that I reviewed, and it’s a very different device than the ROG Allys and Legion Gos of the world. For one, this device is more like a large smartphone or small tablet than a handheld, and it’s wrapped in Razer’s Xbox-layout Kishi V2 Pro mobile controller.
The Razer Edge is also powered by Android, the same mobile operating system that runs so many smartphones, tablets, and other products. That means you won’t be downloading Steam or natively playing all the latest PC games, but it doesn’t mean the Razer Edge is low on titles to enjoy. Optimized for gaming, the Razer Edge is better equipped than most Android devices to take full advantage of the vast, growing library of mobile games in the Google Play Store (with more every day adding controller support), the robust emulation ecosystem for playing classic games, and the multitude of streaming platforms that let you play all the Xbox and PC games your heart desires.
The disadvantage is less power and more hoops to jump through if you want to play « real » console and PC games, but the advantages include a more compact design and a much, much lower price tag. For Black Friday, the Razer Edge is nearly half off, making it significantly more affordable than even the heavily discounted ASUS ROG Ally. It’s a great deal for those who maybe want a more casual gaming experience, or are already invested in mobile gaming and want to take it to the next level. — Zachary Boddy
🎮Razer Edge Android Gaming Handheld (Wi-Fi, 128GB): was $399.99 now $212.48 at Amazon
Ahead of Black Friday, I actually made a personal vow that I wouldn’t spend any money this sales season. I’m blessed with a constant stream of new tech thanks to the privileges of my job, and I’ve amassed quite the backlog of video games and books to consume through previous shopping trips. Of course, one company had to insist on sticking a hand into my wallet, and it shouldn’t be surprising that the company in question was dbrand.
dbrand is running its own storewide Black Friday sale, and that includes its excellent Killswitch cases for the ASUS ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, and Steam Deck. I loved this case/skin combo with my original ROG Ally, and I admit my ROG Ally X has felt a little too naked without it. I was able to save a hefty sum on the complete Killswitch package, though, saving nearly $50 on the Killswitch case, a unique skin, a tempered glass screen protector, ergonomic thumbstick caps, and a protective travel cover. dbrand also threw in a second free skin free of charge, which I’m not going to say no to.
Even if you don’t go all out, every iteration of the current-gen Killswitch and every combination of its add-ons and skins are discounted. You can upgrade to one of dbrand’s special skin designs for free, save on additional protection, and truly make your gaming handheld stand out in a crowd. I chose the « Obsidian » skin for my ASUS ROG Ally X, but you’ll have a wide array of skins from which to choose, and each one will make your handheld more, well, you.
It’s not just about protection or customization, either, although the dbrand Killswitch case we reviewed counts among the best in both categories. You’ll also enjoy improved comfort and ergonomics, a built-in kickstand, and some hidden microSD card storage. I may have broken my promise to myself, but I’m not actually that upset. I’m just waiting for my case to get here. — Zachary Boddy
🛡️dbrand Killswitch Case for the ASUS ROG Ally: was $64.90 now from $49.95 at dbrand
🛡️dbrand Killswitch Case for the ASUS ROG Ally X: was $64.90 now from $49.95 at dbrand
🛡️dbrand Killswitch Case for the Steam Deck: was $64.90 now from $49.95 at dbrand
It doesn’t take a detective to ascertain what one of the best deals of this year is, as you’ll find it shouted from the rooftops and in multiple different ways on the Windows Central homepage. The ASUS ROG Ally has long been our top-recommended gaming handheld due to its comfortable and ergonomic design, excellent performance, never-ending post-launch support, and the sheer flexibility it offers. Black Friday has also seen the handheld hit its lowest prices ever, so the recommendations write themselves.
I’ve written that the Xbox Series S isn’t the best-value entry into modern gaming — the ASUS ROG Ally is. Even with a competitor enjoying a major discount of its own, my colleague Jennifer Young has written that you should absolutely get the ASUS ROG Ally instead of the MSI Claw. Hell, my other colleague Rebecca Spear has even written that the ASUS ROG Ally is flat out better than the Steam Deck for most people. When you look at the deals, it’s not difficult to understand why the ROG Ally is appearing in so many places right now.
For a little longer, you can pick up the entry-level ASUS ROG Ally for just $349.99 at Best Buy, which cuts a massive $150 off the retail price and still gets you 3-months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as a gift. That’s an unbeatable value when you’ll be able to play many thousands of Xbox and PC games wherever you want. If you need more power, the higher-end ASUS ROG Ally is enjoying its own price cut down to $499.99 at Best Buy, and My Best Buy Plus members can save another $50 on top of that.
I’ve since moved on to the ultra-premium ASUS ROG Ally X as my personal gaming handheld, but I can’t argue against the regular ROG Ally totally being the superior deal right now. If you’d like to investigate this handheld more before checking out, you can read our ASUS ROG Ally review to better understand why so many love it. — Zachary Boddy
🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1, 512GB): was $499.99 now $349.99 at Best Buy
🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 512GB): was $649.99 now $499.99 at Best Buy ($449.99 w/ My Best Buy Plus)
My favorite PC gaming handheld is currently $200 off for Black Friday, but it’s not one I typically recommend to everyone.
The Lenovo Legion Go is a versatility powerhouse thanks to its trackpad, kickstand, detachable controllers (one of which can be used as a mouse), and more. The reasons I don’t always recommend it over its closest competitor, the ASUS ROG Ally, pertains to a couple of things.
A: The Lenovo Legion Go doesn’t have VRR (variable refresh rates), which means that some games can feel a little choppy at times. However, it also has a much larger screen. Games are often designed for TVs and monitors, and don’t always present well on the 7″ ASUS ROG Ally display. The 8.8″ display on the Legion Go is a lot more pleasant on my beady eyes, even if there’s some occasional stuttering in more intensive games.
B: It’s also a beefy boy. The ASUS ROG Ally is a lot lighter than the Lenovo Legion Go, and has a thinner chassis. I would say it’s more ergonomic overall in general, and a little easier to use. The Lenovo Legion Go sacrifices some of that thinness for extra versatility, though, and I prefer having a kickstand here. I can use the Lenovo Legion Go as a travel laptop effectively in essence, and it’s ironically far more powerful than my Surface Pro X, which I have since sold.
So, in essence, if you want a pure gaming handheld experience, the ASUS ROG Ally (which is also on sale) might be best for you. But if you want a versatility powerhouse with a much bigger display, an extra USB-C port, and integrated trackpad and mouse, the Lenovo Legion Go might be better for you. This is essentially a laptop in handheld form, and I love it. — Jez Corden
🎮Lenovo Legion Go (Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 512GB): was $699.99 now $472.97 at Amazon
🎮Lenovo Legion Go (Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 1TB): was $749.99 now $549.99 at Best Buy
The world of gaming handhelds is rapidly expanding with new hardware, new accessories, and new services to take advantage of this diverse category. The Windows Central team has loved PC gaming handhelds since the arrival of early pioneers like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, and our love has only grown with newer arrivals like the versatile Lenovo Legion Go and the ultra-premium ASUS ROG Ally X (this is the handheld I use).
My colleague, Rebecca Spear, recently wrote about how right now is the best time to invest in a gaming handheld, even if you still have your sights set on the aging Nintendo Switch. I agree with her wholeheartedly — the growing maturity of the PC gaming handheld space combined with the wealth of best-ever discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday makes this time of the year your greatest opportunity to purchase a gaming handheld of your own, secure the title of « best gift-giver of the year » for someone you love, or simply improve the handheld you already have with the most useful accessories.
• Check out our LIVE hub of the best Razer Black Friday deals
• Don’t forget our LIVE hub of all the best Xbox Black Friday deals, too
I love my Xbox Series X, but my ASUS ROG Ally X is the reason I’m still able to play all the Xbox and PC games I want whenever I travel for work or am away from home. There’s nothing like shutting down the Xbox in the living room and immediately picking up right where I left off from the comfort of my bed. So, I thought it was a good idea to dedicate the first post in our Black Friday gaming handheld live deals hub to a few quick tips on buying your first handheld.
First, it’s worth looking into both My Best Buy memberships and Amazon Prime memberships. Best Buy and Amazon are two of the best retailers for saving the most cash on the top-rated gaming handhelds and accessories, and their respective memberships can score you extra savings, free shipping, extended return windows, and more.
As far as choosing the right handheld for you is concerned, there are a few options that obviously stand out. First, the Steam Deck is the best handheld for those that want the most casual, easy-to-use handheld experience and/or already primarily use Steam for their PC gaming needs. However, those who want a much larger library of available games and more freedom should consider the ASUS ROG Ally or Ally X, which is our most commonly recommended handheld for most people. Powered by Windows, the ROG Ally is a little more awkward to use — but it’s also a lot more capable than the Steam Deck. Finally, those who want the ultimate in versatility can consider the Lenovo Legion Go, which is big and heavy but boasts the largest screen on a handheld, a built-in kickstand, and detachable controllers.
When considering accessories, I’d recommend considering cases, docks, storage, and subscriptions before anything else. A good case or travel bag can keep your handheld safe and make it more comfortable to use, and some cases or bags add extra features or customization. A good docking station or USB hub can expand your handheld’s capabilities, giving you ways to attach external displays, keyboards and mice, and more accessories. All handhelds boast built-in storage, but you can often expand that storage with casual microSD cards or upgrade that internal handheld storage with a brand-new SSD. Finally, an Xbox Game Pass subscription can immediately give you unlimited access to hundreds of Xbox and PC games on your PC gaming handheld, as well as exclusive perks and discounts. — Zachary Boddy
🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 512GB): was $649.99 now $499.99 at Best Buy ($449.99 w/ My Best Buy Plus)
💾Samsung Pro Ultimate microSD (512GB): was $79.99 now $55.44 at Amazon
💽WD_BLACK SN770M M.2 2230 SSD (2TB): was $239.99 now $179.99 at Best Buy
🕹️Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months): was $49.99 now $27.99 at CDKeys
🛡️dbrand Killswitch Case for ASUS ROG Ally: was $64.90 now $49.95 at dbrand
👩💻JSAUX 5-in-1 ASUS ROG Ally Docking Station: was $39.99 now $23.99 at Amazon
