At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, Asus and Xreal unveiled a new collaboration in the burgeoning field of display glasses, introducing the Asus ROG R1 model that promises a standout 240Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. The partnership aims to blend Asus's gaming expertise with Xreal's lightweight display technology, targeting gamers and professionals seeking portable, high-performance screens. CES 2026, held from January 7 to 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, has already featured a slew of innovations in wearables, and this entry adds to the momentum in augmented reality and extended reality devices.
According to a hands-on report from CNET, the Asus ROG R1 glasses build on the foundation of Xreal's previous offerings, particularly the One Pro model reviewed last year. The new glasses maintain the flatter lens design and a 57-degree field of view from the One Pro, but introduce the 240Hz refresh rate as a key upgrade. CNET's coverage described the device as 'a vamped-up version of the Xreal One Pro glasses,' emphasizing how this higher refresh rate delivers noticeably smooth performance when connected to gaming hardware.
During the demo at CES, the glasses were paired with an Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld console and an Asus PC, where the 240Hz capability shone through in fluid motion rendering. 'Trying the glasses connected to an Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and an Asus PC, that smooth refresh rate was notable,' the CNET article noted, highlighting the potential for immersive gaming experiences without the bulk of traditional monitors. Brightness remains at 700 nits, providing visibility in various lighting conditions, though the glasses stick to a standard aspect ratio rather than adopting more gaming-optimized features.
Unlike Xreal's recently launched 1S glasses, which feature a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1200p resolution tailored for gaming, the ROG R1 does not incorporate these enhancements. This choice keeps the design aligned with Xreal's core lineup but may limit appeal for some users seeking the highest fidelity. CNET reported that 'these glasses still offer 700 nits of brightness, and they don't have the more gaming-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio and higher 1200p resolution of the Xreal 1S glasses,' underscoring the incremental nature of the updates.
The collaboration extends beyond the glasses themselves, with compatibility for an Asus media dock that allows seamless switching between PCs, consoles, and other devices. This feature could appeal to multi-platform gamers or remote workers needing quick transitions. As CES attendees explored the booth, the emphasis was on portability—the glasses weigh similarly to Xreal's other models, around 80 grams, making them suitable for extended wear during travel or office use.
Pricing and availability details remain under wraps, but industry observers expect the ROG R1 to command a premium over Xreal's standard models, which typically retail between $400 and $600. CNET speculated, 'It'll be more expensive than Xreal's other glasses. I'd guess it's something like $800, but who knows?' This positions the product in a competitive mid-to-high range, alongside rivals like the upcoming Viture Beast gaming glasses, which promise even more advanced features and are slated for review soon.
Xreal, a Chinese company founded in 2017, has been a leader in micro-OLED display glasses, shipping over a million units worldwide by 2025. Their devices project virtual screens equivalent to a 130-inch display viewed from 10 feet away, ideal for productivity and entertainment on the go. Asus, known for its Republic of Gamers (ROG) line, brings its hardware prowess to the table, having previously partnered on gaming laptops and peripherals that dominate esports scenes.
The timing of this announcement aligns with a surge in demand for wearable displays, driven by hybrid work trends and the rise of spatial computing. Market research from IDC projects the AR and VR headset market to reach $45 billion by 2028, with display glasses carving out a niche for non-immersive applications. At CES 2026, competitors like Meta and Apple have teased updates to their ecosystems, but Asus and Xreal's focus on refresh rates targets gamers frustrated with motion blur in fast-paced titles.
Early impressions from the show suggest the 240Hz feature could set a new benchmark for fluidity in portable displays. One attendee, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the demo as 'game-changing for competitive play,' noting how it reduced latency compared to 60Hz alternatives. However, CNET's reporter tempered expectations, calling the update 'more incremental than most would need,' especially given the lack of resolution bumps.
Beyond gaming, the ROG R1's versatility could extend to professional uses, such as architects reviewing blueprints or pilots simulating flights. Xreal has previously collaborated with enterprises like Boeing for similar tech, and Asus's involvement might accelerate adoption in corporate settings. The media dock integration, in particular, supports hot-swapping that could streamline workflows in multi-device environments.
Looking at the broader landscape, display glasses are evolving rapidly amid challenges like battery life and comfort. Xreal addressed some of these in the One Pro with electrochromic dimming for better outdoor use, a feature retained in the ROG R1. Yet, as Viture prepares its Beast model with rumored 4K support, the market risks fragmentation, with consumers weighing refresh rates against resolution and price.
Officials from Asus declined to provide exact release timelines during CES interviews, stating only that the product is 'targeted for later this year.' Xreal representatives echoed this, focusing on the partnership's goal to 'push the boundaries of mobile gaming.' These comments reflect a cautious approach amid supply chain uncertainties post-2025 chip shortages.
The unveiling comes at a pivotal moment for CES, which drew over 130,000 attendees in 2026, up 5% from the previous year. Amid talks of AI integration in wearables, the ROG R1 stands out for its analog focus on display tech, avoiding the hype around generative models. Analysts from Gartner predict that by 2027, 20% of gamers will use AR glasses for primary play, bolstering the case for innovations like this.
As reviews and full specs emerge, the Asus-Xreal duo could reshape portable computing. For now, the 240Hz demo has sparked buzz, with social media posts from CES highlighting its smoothness. Whether it justifies a potential $800 price tag will depend on real-world testing, but the partnership signals deeper ties between gaming giants and display pioneers.
In the end, this development underscores the accelerating pace of wearable tech, where incremental gains like higher refresh rates compound to transform user experiences. With more details expected soon, enthusiasts await how the ROG R1 stacks up against the competition in a crowded 2026 lineup.