CES 2026 has kicked off with a significant announcement from Xreal, solidifying its position in the augmented reality wearables market. The company has officially launched the Xreal 1S AR glasses and the companion Xreal Neo portable hub globally, following a recent debut in Japan. This launch isn't just a simple refresh; it represents a strategic move to make high-quality AR more accessible and functional, particularly for gamers and mobile professionals. With a lower price point and new, genuinely impressive features driven by custom silicon, Xreal is aiming to transition AR glasses from niche gadgets to essential travel and productivity tools.
The Xreal 1S: Refined Design and Breakthrough Tech
The Xreal 1S serves as the direct successor to the popular Xreal One model, and it arrives with meaningful upgrades at a more attractive price of USD 449. The glasses maintain the sleek, Wayfarer-inspired design that helps them blend in during commutes or flights, but now sport a new dark blue finish. The build quality is reported as robust, addressing durability concerns seen in some competing models. Key technical improvements include a slightly wider 52-degree field of view, a bump in peak brightness to 700 nits, and a shift to a 16:10 aspect ratio at 1200p resolution, offering better vertical space for productivity tasks. The vivid Micro-OLED display retains its buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a premium visual experience for both media consumption and fast-paced gaming.
Xreal 1S Key Specifications
- Display: Micro-OLED, 1200p (16:10 aspect ratio)
- Brightness: 700 nits peak
- Field of View: 52 degrees
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Audio: Sound by Bose
- Weight: 82 grams
- Chip: Xreal X1 spatial computing chip
- Tracking: Native 3DoF
- Features: Real 3D (2D-to-3D conversion), electrochromic dimming
- Price: USD 449
The X1 Chip: The Engine Behind the Magic
What truly sets the Xreal 1S apart is its onboard X1 spatial computing chip. This custom silicon enables native 3DoF (degrees of freedom) tracking, allowing users to anchor virtual screens in their physical space—a feature that has seen stability improvements. More impressively, the chip powers a new feature called "Real 3D," a real-time 2D-to-3D video conversion. Early hands-on testing reveals this feature works far better than expected, analyzing video depth to create a convincing 3D effect without being locked to proprietary apps or DRM. While it can cause the device to heat up and may struggle with extremely fine details, it represents a novel and immersive way to watch standard content, transforming long-haul flights into personal 3D cinema experiences.
The Xreal Neo Hub: Unlocking the Nintendo Switch 2
For gamers, the star of the show might be the separately sold Xreal Neo hub, priced at an introductory USD 99. This clever device is a 10,000mAh power bank with a built-in DisplayPort Alt Mode video adapter. Its primary function is to solve a longstanding frustration for portable console owners: it tricks the Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Switch 2 into outputting a video signal to the AR glasses as if they were docked. Using magnetic attachments to keep the setup tidy, the Neo hub provides a seamless, lag-free gaming experience on a massive virtual screen. Beyond gaming, it acts as a universal video and power source for devices like smartphones and the Steam Deck, supporting up to 1200p at 120Hz output and offering pass-through charging up to 45W.
Xreal Neo Hub Key Features
- Function: 10,000mAh power bank & DisplayPort Alt Mode video adapter
- Key Use: Enables video-out for Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 to Xreal glasses
- Output Support: Up to 1200p @ 120Hz (e.g., for Steam Deck)
- Charging: 30W input, 20W output on battery; up to 45W output when wall-powered (65W+ adapter)
- Design: Built-in USB-C cable, magnetic connector, fold-out kickstand
- Launch Price: USD 99 (USD 119 after February 4, 2026)
- Availability: Shipping starts February 2026
Performance, Price, and the Verdict
The overall package positions the Xreal 1S as a compelling all-rounder. The Sound by Bose audio provides quality immersion, and the inclusion of electrochromic dimming and TUV eye comfort certification adds to the user-friendly design. The main drawback noted is significant heat generation, particularly when using the processor-intensive Real 3D mode, though this heat is contained to the display module and not felt on the wearer's face. At USD 449, the 1S undercuts its predecessor while offering more features, presenting a strong price-to-performance ratio in the AR glasses segment. When paired with the USD 99 Neo hub, it creates a powerful portable ecosystem, especially for Switch 2 gamers seeking a large-screen experience on the go. Xreal has focused on core utility—extending displays for work and play—and delivered a refined, feature-rich product that makes a strong case for AR glasses as a practical tool rather than a futuristic novelty.