ASUS and XREAL have started pre-orders for the new ROG XREAL R1. The highly advanced AR glasses are mainly for gamers who want a larger display without carrying a monitor everywhere.
The new model is priced at $849, and tech enthusiasts can pre-order it from Best Buy. Reports say the launch will happen later this year. The R1 glasses are designed for handheld gamers, laptop gamers, and travelers who prefer gaming on the go.
AR gaming glasses are still new on the market, and competition is limited. However, more companies are now focusing on this segment as portable gaming grows in popularity.
The ROG XREAL R1 features dual micro-OLED displays that can push refresh rates up to 240Hz. In general, a higher rate tends to make gaming feel more fluid, especially when the action is quick and a lot is happening on screen.
Some reports even say the glasses can generate a big, virtual viewing area for the user. This kind of effect might let players run games on a handheld device without relying on a tiny built-in display.
The glasses also include built-in speakers and adjustable viewing settings. ASUS and XREAL seem to prioritize comfort, since many users may wear the device for long gaming sessions.
The ROG XREAL R1 reportedly supports several gaming devices via USB-C. This includes handheld gaming PCs, laptops, some smartphones, Xbox consoles, and PlayStation 5 consoles. Pre-orders are currently live in selected regions. More markets may get the device later.
Portable gaming has changed a lot in recent years. More players now use handheld gaming systems, but small screens are still a common problem. ASUS and XREAL appear to be trying to solve that with wearable displays. Instead of carrying extra screens, users can wear the glasses and see a much larger virtual display.
The companies are also focusing on immersion. Features like private viewing and smoother visuals may help portable games feel closer to a full desktop setup.
Still, AR gaming glasses remain a small category. Many people are still not fully comfortable wearing gaming glasses outside their homes or for extended periods.
Even though the technology is improving, the biggest problem has not changed much. The price is still too high for many buyers. At $849, the ROG XREAL R1 costs almost as much as budget gaming laptops and consoles.
Comfort may also remain a concern for some users during longer sessions. Still, companies continue to invest in AR gaming since they believe wearable displays could become more common among gamers.