Gaming glasses have long been a topic of interest, with various iterations of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and immersive displays making their mark in the tech landscape. Now, Asus is poised to make a significant impact with the introduction of the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR, which, according to recent leaks, is set to be a groundbreaking product in the realm of gaming eyewear.
Innovative Features and Design
In collaboration with Xreal, Asus is unveiling the first-ever 240Hz gaming glasses, promising an impressive viewing experience equivalent to a 171-inch screen when viewed from four meters away. These glasses are designed to provide a vision-filling display that is both portable and stylish, easily fitting into your pocket or resting comfortably on your face.
The Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR builds on Xreal’s existing line of AR glasses, which already offer a surprisingly expansive screen view in a compact form. True to its gaming heritage, Asus has enhanced the product with a higher refresh rate and a distinctive ROG aesthetic that appeals to gamers.
At the heart of these glasses lies a pair of “optical engines” situated behind the lenses, allowing users to simultaneously experience the real world and a projected display. The outer lenses feature a dimmed mode, employing electrochromic technology to block out external light, thereby enhancing contrast and image quality.
Audio and Connectivity
Each arm of the glasses is equipped with a Bose speaker system, enabling users to enjoy audio without the need for earbuds or a gaming headset. A USB cable extends from the left arm, facilitating connections to any device with a USB-C video output. To enhance usability, Asus has included a ROG Control Dock, which simplifies connectivity with multiple devices.
- Two HDMI 2.0 ports
- One DisplayPort 1.4
- Two USB-C inputs
- One USB-C output for connecting the glasses
For those using gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, the glasses can be directly plugged into the handheld’s USB-C port, making for a seamless gaming experience.
Field of View and Resolution
With a 57-degree field of view, the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR is designed to cover up to 95% of the focused viewing area, creating a substantial virtual screen. However, a notable limitation is the resolution, which caps at 1080p. While the glasses can operate at 240Hz, the inability to reach 1440p or 4K may detract from the overall cinematic experience.
Despite this limitation, the high refresh rate opens the door for competitive gaming, allowing users to potentially engage in fast-paced titles like CS2 or Apex Legends. While we await the opportunity to test these glasses in action, the prospect of gaming with such innovative technology is certainly exciting.
As for the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR’s price and release date, details remain unconfirmed. However, a now-removed webpage suggested a launch in the first half of 2026. For context, the current Xreal glasses range starts at 9 and can go up to 9, indicating that the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR may fall within a similar price bracket.
