ROG Xreal R1: the gaming smart glasses are available, here’s how much they cost

Presented for the first time during the CES showcases, the awaited augmented reality glasses born from the collaboration between Asus ROG and Xreal finally hit the market.

The gaming-focused division of Asus has indeed announced the opening of pre-orders for the new ROG Xreal R1 at Best Buy stores in the USA, with direct availability on the company’s official site scheduled for May 17.

The launch price reflects the premium nature of the device, positioning at $849. This figure is higher than the $649 asked for the previous and already excellent Xreal One Pro model, a difference justified by an enhanced hardware and accessories included in the package designed specifically to meet the needs of the most demanding gamers.

ROG Xreal R1, the gaming glasses are available to buy

Analyzing the hardware features, the ROG Xreal R1 preserve some of the technical peculiarities of the previous models, while introducing significant improvements for high-performance gaming.

Micro-OLED panels offer a resolution of 1080p. Although a 1440p or 4K definition would have represented a welcome addition for this price range, implementing screens so compact with ultra-detailed resolutions remains currently a complex challenge.

The field of view stands at 57 degrees, a value sufficient to create the optical illusion of a virtual screen of no less than 171 inches, perceived as if viewed from 4 meters away.

The real quality leap, however, occurs in the refresh rate, which reaches the threshold of 240 Hz. This extreme fluidity makes the device particularly suitable for frenetic shooters and action titles, ensuring an experience free from annoying visual delays and motion blur.

An expanded docking station

A distinctive feature of this ROG edition is the inclusion of an included dock in the box. This component greatly expands the connectivity options compared to past Xreal devices.

In addition to the ability to connect computers and other portable devices directly via a USB-C cable, the dock enables seamless interfacing with more sophisticated hardware or specific consoles, such as the Switch 2.

Using this expansion dock comes with a trade-off in terms of bulk, making it rather bulky and affecting overall portability when moving about with the full setup.

Nevertheless, the convenience of being able to manage multiple consoles and PCs from a single, central hub makes up for the bulk for those who want a flexible, fixed workspace that’s always ready to use.

Ergonomics and everyday versatility

Beyond more intense gaming sessions, the ROG Xreal R1 prove to be excellent tools also for general productivity, PC work, and multimedia entertainment.

Compared with traditional heavy virtual reality headsets, these glasses boast superior lightness that makes extended use more comfortable without straining the neck.

This feature makes them ideal travel companions: they let you expand your laptop screen during a long flight or enjoy a movie in a hotel room with maximum comfort.

The device design also takes into account the needs of people with vision impairments, supporting the insertion of prescription lenses as additional accessories to maintain maximum image sharpness in every situation.