Unleashing Adventure: Xreal’s One AR Glasses Redefine Mobile Gaming Excitement

One of my preferred upgrades for the Steam Deck is priced higher than the console itself. I’ve been evaluating Xreal’s new $499 One AR eyewear, which can function as an external monitor for the device by linking a USB-C cable between both. The One glasses are also compatible with other gadgets that can transmit video from a USB-C port, such as specific smartphones, tablets, and computers, but unfortunately, they do not support the Nintendo Switch (let’s hope this feature is included in the Switch 2).

Though wearing shades indoors may appear somewhat conspicuous, it provides a more relaxing gaming experience, allowing me to look straight ahead, or in any direction I prefer, rather than bending over to view the Steam Deck’s display. I’d think these would be incredible, and potentially justify the expense, for travelers desiring a large-screen experience while on the move. For most individuals, it’s an extravagant investment that isn’t necessary, but undeniably enjoyable to use.

They are remarkable for such a compact device; similar to earlier Xreal glasses, the One contains micro OLED displays embedded along the top edge of the eyewear, which are projected and combined to create one massive screen in front of the user. The side arms of the glasses house speakers (fine-tuned by Bose) that direct sound straight toward your ears. In terms of loudness, these can easily reach “public nuisance” levels, but at a reasonable volume, only the operator is likely to perceive them. They can then be folded into a relatively compact case once you’re finished.

I have embarked on a quest to discover gear that enables me to enjoy gaming more at ease, partly because, as a first-time father, my playtime is now confined to around 30 minutes each night prior to sleep. I desire every moment to be enjoyable and satisfying. I made progress in this pursuit when I purchased the $64 Mechanism Gaming Pillow, which resembles a bean bag for your lap featuring a customizable stand on top. Rather than holding my Steam Deck in front of me, the pillow bears its weight at an angle that is optimal for my neck, and in the perfect position for my arms to access. The pillow alone may suffice as a significant upgrade for many, but combined with the Xreal One, it comprises what I deem to be a rather ideal lounging setup.

The displays of the One are marginally enhanced in dimensions and field-of-view (FOV) compared to the Air 2 Pro, its predecessor. These 0.68-inch screens per eye can produce an image comparable to a 171-inch display positioned in front of you, with a 50-degree FOV opposed to 46 (if this seems minor, that’s because it is!). The spectacles draw power from whichever device they connect to, which may lead to a quicker drain of your device’s battery than normal; however, this drain seems to be roughly alleviated if your device’s display switches off when the One is connected (as the Deck’s does).

Alongside the slight enhancements in the display, the updated X1 processor embedded within the Xreal One glasses justifies its acquisition over its forerunner, should you contemplate this significant investment. Importantly, this chip facilitates 3 degrees of freedom (3DOF), meaning it can monitor your head movements, whether you turn your head side-to-side, up or down, or incline it, modifying the screen orientation dynamically as you navigate, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience from any perspective. The Air 2 Pro was capable of this, too, but only when an additional $200 standalone device known as the Beam Pro was purchased and connected via a separate USB-C cable. It’s an advantage that this capability is now integrated within the new One AR glasses.

Another advancement is the digital interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment feature. While it does not match the ability to physically adjust lenses for enhanced clarity, as seen in the Meta Quest and Valve Index VR headsets, any form of adjustment with the Xreal One is a plus. After discovering that I practically couldn’t utilize the Air 2 Pro without acquiring prescription lenses, I was delighted that the One’s IPD adjustments were sufficient for me to manage without additional lenses. Nonetheless, options are available for those needing prescription frames.

I have relished utilizing the Xreal One, enough to progress through most of Death Stranding using them, and currently, I’m revisiting an old save file in Cyberpunk 2077. The vibrant contrast from each game appears stunning on these petite OLED displays. However, even if these AR glasses were impeccable, it would still be challenging to advocate for them at $500 unless you are a very enthusiastic traveler. There are also several additional concerns that anyone contemplating a purchase should be aware of.

Although I value the fact that the screens can achieve an impressive 120 Hz refresh rate, images can appear quite unclear if viewing low-resolution text and graphics, which is the case with my Steam Deck (it tends to enforce 720p or 800p settings in games). The One reaches a maximum of 1080p resolution, and generally speaking, visuals are far more readable at that quality.

The method utilized to combine the Xreal One’s displays into a unified image is efficient, although I tend to be a perfectionist, so the limited FOV compared to common VR headsets is hard to overlook. However, the advantage of this narrower FOV is that it allows for an easier view around the screens, which could be beneficial if you want to remain aware of your surroundings while gaming. Another point to note is that some areas of the complete image appear blurrier than others (particularly along the edges of the FOV). This is particularly evident if you disable the head-tracking feature for a static image, as it allows you to selectively concentrate on different sections of the virtual screen to identify the imperfections. Nonetheless, if you are fully engaged in a game, you might not perceive this as much — until you encounter an inventory interface filled with small text and icons.

Even if you manage to dismiss (or are not significantly affected by) these concerns, the Xreal One’s price of $499 remains a substantial factor. Out of curiosity, I wondered how the $299 Meta Quest 3S or even the older Quest 2 might compete as more economical alternatives to smart AR spectacles. Both choices are a great deal heavier than the Xreal One (and, for me, they can verge on discomfort when worn for extended periods unless you opt for the Elite strap). Nonetheless, I found each headset to provide a commendable experience that rivals the quality of the One at a significantly decreased cost. That being said, utilizing a VR headset with a Steam Deck is not straightforward and may require the purchase of certain accessories to ensure compatibility.

In particular, you will need to purchase an HDMI capture card, along with possibly a cable or two. There are various methods to connect the Quest to your Steam Deck (or any handheld gaming PC you possess), but the approach I successfully utilized involved the $50 Genki Shadowcast 2. It sports USB-C input on one side and HDMI output on the opposite side, allowing me to connect a USB-C to USB-C cord from the Quest to the ShadowCast 2. From that point, I linked the HDMI output side of the capture card to an inexpensive USB-C dock I had lying around, which I subsequently connected to the Steam Deck as the last element of the setup. Alternatively, you can acquire a USB-C to HDMI-out cable that connects to a HDMI-in capture card that can connect to a USB-C port. As evident, this setup can become a bit convoluted with various cables and dongles; however, it effectively accomplishes the desired outcome.

Subsequently, you will want to download the Meta Quest HDMI Link app on your Quest headset. When you’re set to test it out, you won’t be able to find this new application in the Quest’s app library unless you adjust the drop-down menu near the top-right of the display to switch the app source to “Prototype.” This is the current location of HDMI Link. After launching the app, agreeing to its hardware permissions, and selecting the highest resolution and frame rate available, you should be able to confirm if the video feed is functional. Next, all that remains is to maximize the screen or adjust it to your preferred size for an optimal experience in your surroundings, and enjoy gaming on a device that is significantly less expensive than the Xreal One. Additionally, the Quest includes several other functions, allowing for standalone VR gaming such as Batman: Arkham Shadow, along with wireless connectivity to my gaming PC for playing Half-Life: Alyx, among others.

Nonetheless, not everyone might be inclined to engage with the Quest’s intricate multi-step procedure, regardless of its more affordable cost. In spite of its flaws, the Xreal One proves to be a more user-friendly and streamlined device that can showcase your games on a personal large screen.