ASUS and XREAL Unveil ROG XREAL R1 Gaming Smartglasses

At CES 2026, ASUS and XREAL announced a partnership to produce the ROG XREAL R1 AR smartglasses, designed specifically for gaming. Based on the existing XREAL One Pro, the new glasses feature a significant upgrade with a 240Hz refresh rate, double the standard 120Hz.

A major addition is the ROG Control Dock, a hub allowing users to switch between multiple systems via HDMI and DisplayPort, though the glasses can also connect directly to compatible handhelds via USB-C. Weighing 91 grams, the device includes electrochromic lenses for adjustable tint and supports three degrees of freedom to pin or follow virtual screens.

While capable of creating a 171-inch virtual screen, the glasses' pricing and release date remain unannounced.

The new ROG XREAL R1 AR glasses are based on the existing XREAL One Pro, sharing many of the same components and specifications. The device utilizes dual micro-OLED displays, delivering a per-eye resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. It offers native three degrees of freedom (DOF) and a peak brightness of 700 nits.

The field of view (FOV) is set at 57 degrees, which allows the glasses to create a virtual screen up to 171 inches in size when viewed from four meters away. The built-in speakers are tuned by Bose, providing integrated audio for the user.

The primary distinction from previous models is the refresh rate. While standard smartglasses often max out at 120Hz, the collaboration between ASUS and XREAL pushes the R1s up to 240Hz. This increase is designed to benefit users with older hardware or those who require high-performance displays while traveling.

A key feature of the ROG XREAL R1 is the included ROG Control Dock. This hub is designed primarily for home use, featuring two HDMI 2.0 jacks, one DisplayPort 1.4 connector, and two USB-C slots (one for power). This setup allows users to switch quickly between multiple systems, such as a desktop and a console, with a single touch.

However, the dock is not strictly necessary for all use cases. The R1s can connect directly to compatible PCs or gaming handhelds via USB-C. This includes devices like the ROG Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally X, allowing for a more streamlined portable setup without the bulk of the dock.

Despite the flexibility, the dock may be cumbersome in tight spaces, such as on an airplane. The glasses themselves are lightweight, weighing 91 grams, which is only slightly heavier than the original XREAL One Pro at 87 grams.

The ROG XREAL R1 includes electrochromic lenses, allowing users to change the tint of the glasses with the touch of a button. This feature lets the user adjust the amount of light entering the lenses to suit the specific environment.

Thanks to support for three DOF, users have the ability to pin the virtual screen in a fixed location or have it follow their head movements. The device also features RGB lighting, a stylistic choice often associated with gaming hardware.

Regarding performance, achieving the full 240Hz refresh rate requires hardware capable of pushing that level of performance. When connected to a gaming handheld, the frame rate may vary depending on the specific title. When connected to a PC, however, the high refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience. The 1080p resolution ensures that text and small UI elements remain legible.

Currently, ASUS and XREAL have not announced official pricing or a release date for the ROG XREAL R1. However, speculation suggests the cost will not be significantly higher than the XREAL One Pro, which is currently priced at $649.

The device aims to address the needs of gamers who require high refresh rates and easy connectivity while traveling. While the 57-degree FOV is a limitation of current optical technology, the ability to create a massive virtual screen offers a distinct advantage over portable monitors.