If you’re looking for the cheapest way to buy a “used” ROG Ally console in good condition, then Best Buy’s Open-box discount scheme might be the best option for you – especially with some users reporting “near brand new” condition.

If you shop at Best Buy, you’ve probably seen the brand’s open-box discount scheme – which allows buyers to save a decent amount on a pre-owned product. Well, the latest opportunity to save big seems to be on the ROG Ally, where some savvy buyers are claiming to have received a “basically new” console for newly $200 cheaper than MSRP – but is that the case for all open-box models?

As you can see from the image above, Best Buy’s Fair Condition option is $407. But fair isn’t new, is it?

Is it too good to be true?

There has been plenty of online hype around ASUS’s ROG Ally handheld console since the announcements of its successor, the Ally X. However, amongst all the “is it worth it” chat, we’ve found a small discussion where people are voicing their delight in getting a “brand new” ROG Ally Extreme for $400.

One Reddit user discussing the imminent price decrease of the ROG Ally says, “I would definitely recommend trying to purchase a open-box model. I ordered the lowest quality ROG Ally Z1 Extreme BB had for $429. It had zero damage and everything was in the box.“

So why isn’t everyone doing this? Well, the answer is fairly obvious, using Best Buy’s Open-box discount scheme is a bit of a lottery.

While many are receiving excellent condition devices, that isn’t the case for everyone. One user went on to say “I wish I could say the same lol. I tried 3 times and they were all disgusting. I don’t understand why they can’t give them a quick wipe down before selling them“

We did some digging and the best way to take some of the gamble out of the open-box discount is by physically walking into your local Best Buy and seeing what they have to offer. If the store has a bunch of options – which is very well the case with the ROG Ally with so many reports of returns – you should be able to browse through and handpick the best one.

Of course, any second-hand, open-box purchase is a bit of a gamble, so be careful if you do plan on using this method to save cash. Regardless, it’s definitely worked for some individuals and could be your best bet for saving a few bucks.

About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.