The Asus ROG XReal R1 XR Glasses: A Mixed Bag of Gaming Potential
The gaming world is abuzz with the latest innovation in immersive experiences: XR glasses. These devices promise to bring the excitement of gaming to life, offering a bigger screen and enhanced visuals on the go. And when it comes to gaming accessories, Asus has always been a name to watch. So, it's no surprise that they've teamed up with XReal to create the ROG XReal R1, a pair of gaming glasses that, on paper, sounds like a dream come true.
However, as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. While the ROG XReal R1 glasses themselves offer a clear picture and some impressive RGB lighting, the overall package falls short due to a mediocre dock and a steep price tag. In this article, we'll delve into the design, features, and performance of these glasses, exploring why they might not be the best choice for gamers seeking an immersive experience.
Design and Features: A Bulky, Garish Look
The ROG XReal R1 glasses have a bulky, garish design that's hard to ignore. The little hood housing the displays measures about an inch thick, making the glasses protrude slightly from your face. While the outward-facing lenses have an angular design that's not entirely unattractive, it's hard to ignore the overall bulkiness of the glasses. The fact that they need to accommodate displays, mirrors, and other components contributes to this issue.
One positive aspect of the design is the discreet hiding of the camera sensor, which powers head tracking. The front of the glasses is made of dark plastic, with a small section boxed off in the center, where the 3DoF sensor lies. If you didn't know about the camera's presence, you might not have guessed it was there, which is a plus for those seeking a more professional look.
The temples of the ROG XReal R1 are a bold statement, with nine RGB lighting zones arranged in diagonal lines. By default, they cycle through the standard rainbow effect, but you can customize the lighting through the settings. Most adjustments are made via buttons on the left temple, including a button that centers the screen or opens the settings with a double tap. Behind this button is a volume rocker, which, when pressed, brings up a menu for fine-tuning tint, screen size, and volume.
The speakers, located in the temples, are loud enough for clear game audio but may not provide the best immersion. For a truly immersive experience, headphones are recommended. The menu setup, however, is not intuitive, and it takes some time to get used to it, despite the glasses' overall functionality.
The Dock: A Mediocre Addition
The real disappointment comes with the dock, which is an essential part of the ROG XReal R1 package. It's a generic-looking hunk of plastic with angular lines engraved into it, and surprisingly, it lacks RGB lighting. The only indicator lights tell you when connected devices are on, and the dock features two triangular buttons and a control stick.
The left button is the power button, and the triangle on the right enables the FPS boost feature, which lowers resolution and increases the refresh rate to 240Hz. While this sounds appealing, it results in a glitchy picture, causing headaches when reading text. The control stick is used for adjusting settings, but it's not as user-friendly as the buttons on the glasses, especially when your vision is obscured.
A critical issue with the dock is its inability to toggle between visual profiles when you push the control stick upwards. This feature is standard on many monitors, but it didn't work on the reviewed unit, even after firmware updates and testing with different devices. This lack of functionality is a significant drawback, especially given the high price of the glasses and dock combined.
Performance and Gaming: A Mixed Bag
On its own, the ROG XReal R1 display is a 1080p panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a colorful and bright image. However, when connected to devices like the Xbox Ally X, the glasses perform admirably, with games looking great and text being more readable. The 'Instant 3D' mode, when used with a handheld device, adds a unique dimension to the gaming experience, making it feel like playing on a large 3DS.
The real test comes when you plug in a gaming PC or console via the dock. The display remains a 1080p image, but the 240Hz mode introduces a strange shimmer, making subtitles unreadable and the overall image distorted. This issue persists even after switching back to 120Hz, which is concerning, as it undermines the benefits of the higher refresh rate.
Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
The Asus ROG XReal R1 glasses have potential, but they're let down by a mediocre dock and a high price tag. While the glasses themselves offer a clear picture and RGB lighting, the dock's issues and the overall package's price make it a less appealing choice compared to competitors like the XReal 1S or Viture Beast. For gamers seeking an immersive experience, there are better options available, and the ROG XReal R1 might be a missed opportunity in the current market.
