Buzz
Upon its release earlier this year, the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme earned the nickname “Steam Deck killer” due to its superior performance, a higher-resolution screen, and seamless compatibility with the full version of Windows 11.
However, with the introduction of a more affordable, less robust variant, buyers of the ROG Ally must decide between the Z1 and Z1 Extreme. What sets them apart, and does the choice truly matter? After extensively testing both models for two weeks, I can confidently say that your decision definitely matters.
Design and cost considerations
When placed side by side, distinguishing the Z1 from the Z1 Extreme is nearly impossible without spotting the small label on the bottom of the device. This is because ASUS has maintained an identical exterior design for both models—a smart move, as the design is excellent.
Both handhelds are sturdy, lightweight, and comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions. (The white finish is a nice touch.) The placement of the joysticks, buttons, and triggers is perfect, allowing effortless navigation without straining your fingers.
While the designs are identical, the pricing is not. The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 costs $600, which is $100 less than the Z1 Extreme. Although $100 is a notable difference, if you're investing in such a device, I’d suggest opting for the Z1 Extreme for its enhanced performance.
Performance comparison: ROG Ally Z1 vs. Z1 Extreme
This is where the distinctions between the two models become apparent. Spending an extra $100 on the Z1 Extreme grants you additional CPU and GPU cores. While this might sound like technical jargon, it translates to a noticeable improvement when playing demanding AAA titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Starfield. The Z1 Extreme’s extra cores deliver a tangible performance boost.
Both models come equipped with a 512GB internal SSD and a 1080p display supporting up to a 120Hz refresh rate. However, to truly take advantage of that refresh rate, the Z1 Extreme is the only viable option. (In my recent review of the Asus ROG Ally Z1, I found it to be a decent device, but its performance left me somewhat unimpressed.)
Although both devices provide full access to Windows 11, navigating the system can be challenging, and games often run sluggishly on the Z1's less powerful chip. When testing the same games on the Z1 Extreme, I experienced smoother gameplay without needing to adjust settings extensively. For instance, I played Starfield at a steady 30FPS on the Z1 Extreme, with occasional drops. While not perfect, the regular Z1 struggled to maintain even 15FPS, often lagging behind my inputs. (The Steam Deck, which performs between the Z1 and Z1 Extreme, also managed Starfield at around 30FPS but experienced more frequent dips than the Z1 Extreme.)
Realistically, such limitations are expected with handheld gaming devices—none can match the performance of a high-end desktop or gaming laptop. However, if you want smoother gameplay with fewer interruptions, the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is the superior option.
On the other hand, if your focus is on less demanding indie games and you can tolerate occasional delays, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 remains a reliable choice. That said, it’s difficult to recommend it over its slightly pricier counterpart.
