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[Sinozen]

Anyone try these tethered display glasses? This is an emerging tech, but it absolutely obliviates VR for playing flat games on a massive screen. Much better than any TV you can get in your home. You can get a giant screen anywhere on your Switch 2 or Steam Deck with them. They work with PCs and other devices as well.

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I've been into VR since the first Oculus headset and have been really into the idea of having an imax experience with my games. It greatly enhances the experience of playing games as apposed to playing on your TV at home (regardless of the size). In this age it's tough to stay focused on one thing as well and when youre literally playing games on a theatre screen it demands your attention.

Problems with VR though; it's blurry, the headsets are big and uncomfortable, you have to stream the content (with latest headsets) and that comes with poor latency. So as a result of this I don't use theatre screens in VR hardly ever. It's just got some big issues holding it back.

Then I figured out about these tethered display/AR glasses. Heard they were getting good so I tried the Rokid Max 2 off Amazon. Figured I'd return it if it wasnt great. They're like bare bones glassses. I just plug it into my Steam Deck and it emits a display no fuss. Putting them on initially the edges were kind of blurry but after changing the nose piece and getting it up to my face my entire gaming library has a new life. It's just a million times better than my home TVs and VR screens. The displays are insanely bright, massive, and detailed. I can make out detail in games I've never seen before like textures in Hollow Knight. I play better in Sonic Crosswords because I can see further ahead of me now. Retro pixel games are on a whole different level and just pop. They look so good. Plus theyre light! I can play with these all day without fatigue compared to VR.

I was thinking about it, but screw the Steam Frame, if you want to to play your games on a big ass screen get some tethered display glasses. The biggest are the Rokid Max 2 (50fov) and Xreal Pro (57fov). I did all the research so you don't have to. We have glasses coming out in 2026 called the Xreal Aurora (Xreal partnered with Google), that will give us a 70 degree field of view. Field of view equates to bigger screen and 70 is essentially like an imax experience. The Rokid fov at 50 is still super big but it's not quite imax. Even then it's significantly better than VR thanks to the brightness, higher detail, and better comfort.

I just had to gush about this. This is definitely going to blow up once people realize how great the tech is. It's the way to go to play flat games for sure.

 

[Soodanim]

Never heard of this tech, interesting. The Rokid Max 2 is currently $309 on the brand's site, which means nothing to me as I know nothing about VR.

For everyone else like me who has no idea, here is the product page and a picture: https://global.rokid.com/products/rokid-max-2-ar-glasses

How's the latency?

 

[Mownoc]

I literally just bought an old pair of xreal airs for £110 today. Just to check then out. Primarily for use with an ROG Ally. Laying down while holding up an ally can get uncomfortable after a while for long, lazy, gaming sessions.

Won't have them for a few days but heard good things. Some people get the edges of the images blurry. Think it depends on your IPD (distance between your eyes).

But hopefully they're a good fit for me!

 

[Zathalus]

Still has some limitations. Resolution is still low, contrast and HDR are lacking a bit as well. FOV and eye strain can be a problem. But very promising.

 

[Sinozen]

Never heard of this tech, interesting. The Rokid Max 2 is currently $309 on the brand's site, which means nothing to me as I know nothing about VR.

For everyone else like me who has no idea, here is the product page and a picture: https://global.rokid.com/products/rokid-max-2-ar-glasses

How's the latency?

Try it on Amazon, same price. If you don't like it you can easily get it returned and they have extensions for returns till the end of January.

Since it's wired the latency is very low. Im able to play Hollow Knight and Elden Ring with no noticeable delay. I honestly play better IMO.

 

[Evolved1]

I have the previous pair of Airs... they're clunky and I don't really use it, but like where the tech is heading. Just imo still needs improvement / iteration.

What I'm most looking forward to is the high-end VR headsets that will hopefully eventually be able to display flat content in true high resolutions... and even force a 3D / VR effect like some of these glasses are doing now.

 

[Sethbacca]

Never heard of this tech, interesting. The Rokid Max 2 is currently $309 on the brand's site, which means nothing to me as I know nothing about VR.

For everyone else like me who has no idea, here is the product page and a picture: https://global.rokid.com/products/rokid-max-2-ar-glasses

How's the latency?

You can find a bunch of reviews on these from a lot of the same reviewers that cover the retro handhelds. I seem to remember ETA Prime and Techdweeb and a few others getting review units of these. They're worth a watch if you're considering jumping in.

 

[Sinozen]

I literally just bought an old pair of xreal airs for £110 today. Just to check then out. Primarily for use with an ROG Ally. Laying down while holding up an ally can get uncomfortable after a while for long, lazy, gaming sessions.

Won't have them for a few days but heard good things. Some people get the edges of the images blurry. Think it depends on your IPD (distance between your eyes).

But hopefully they're a good fit for me!

From my understanding the blurry edges come from the birdbath display where it reflects in a way that causes that. XReal uses a different tech. IPD can be a cause too but I have about 63-65IPD and the rokid right up to my face is super clear all around. It was blurry as heck before I changed the nose piece.

Still has some limitations. Resolution is still low, contrast and HDR are lacking a bit as well. FOV and eye strain can be a problem. But very promising.

What's the last version you tried? The Max 2 is what I started with and I'm not using the puck. Although it shines when youre able to project on a distant wall (to give the illusion of a big screen) instead of keeping the glasses cap on IMO. Still feels big and immersive either way but it's more fun when the screen feels huge.

You can mess with the screen size via software when you buy the puck that makes them true AR glassses but without it, it simply projects a display and that's it. The rokid has a built in hardware adjuster to prevent eye strain as well. I've played for days no problem. My eyes do need to adjust a little when first playing but my brain quickly figured it out. I can play for days no problem.

 

[Setsuna Mudou]

you might prefer them to VR for some particular use case, but saying the display and resolution somehow is better then VR (blurry?? wtf) is ridiculous, unless you've been using Nintendo cardboard VR or some shit for all this time and didn't notice it

 

[Zacfoldor]

I'm the only Chad vote so far. Let's see where this goes.

 

[Sinozen]

I have the previous pair of Airs... they're clunky and I don't really use it, but like where the tech is heading. Just imo still needs improvement / iteration.

What I'm most looking forward to is the high-end VR headsets that will hopefully eventually be able to display flat content in true high resolutions... and even force a 3D / VR effect like some of these glasses are doing now.

Those are about 46 fov compared to the Max 2s 50. Not a huge difference but they've gotten better. The Max 2 is really simple to use for me no fuss. The clarity is outstanding.

If this tech appeals to you I'd keep an eye on the Xreal Aurora which is 70fov. It's gonna be spectacular. I was gonna go with the Xreal pro at 57fov but when 70fov is around the corner I'll stick with a 300 dollar Max 2 and start saving.

I have a quest 3 with wifi 6 and the steam frame is just underwhelming. It's a little lighter, a little better in resolution, and is 100% a streaming device. They can say it has low latency but streaming isn't perfect and who knows how it'll work with flat games. I think VR is good for VR. AR is going to be the future of playing flat games. AR is really progessing fast and next year will be game changing. Once it's affordable and people are aware it'll change everything.

 

[Sinozen]

you might prefer them to VR for some particular use case, but saying the display and resolution somehow is better then VR (blurry?? wtf) is ridiculous, unless you've been using Nintendo cardboard VR or some shit for all this time and didn't notice it

I have a Quest 3 and even with pancake lenses it's not perfect on the edges, but birdbath displays have similar issues. Other AR displays don't have that edge blur. But the real reason I say it's blurry is because streaming sucks and the displays aren't high resolution enough. I can still see the pixels on my Quest 3. These AR glasses are just clearer for me. Idk what to say, it just is.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

I'm still using my OG Nreal pair now named Xreal, The display and update to unlock 120hz is nice but the comfort on the OG is dog water so they only used when on Steam Deck in bed. I would love a pair of the updated xreal air pro's for better comfort on the back of the skull and nose bridge but I'm not looking to drop another 500+ on this tech.

I have high hopes for this tech but it's still very early days given the price tag and slow adoption.

It's a shame Nintendo aren't allowing folks to utilize these on the Switch 2 with an update *Lets hope when and if they ever release the DS add-on it also adds glasses support*

 

[Mownoc]

you might prefer them to VR for some particular use case, but saying the display and resolution somehow is better then VR (blurry?? wtf) is ridiculous, unless you've been using Nintendo cardboard VR or some shit for all this time and didn't notice it

These glasses have higher PPD (pixels per degree) than VR headsets.

Meta Quest 3 for example has 25 pixels per degree. Whereas these glasses, even though they're only 1080p, can be double that giving a much sharper image.

This is because VR headsets are using their 4k displays to give you a massive FOV. These glasses just give you a floating screen Infront of you with a much smaller FOV. So they have higher pixel density.

 

[Setsuna Mudou]

I have a Quest 3 and even with pancake lenses it's not perfect on the edges, but birdbath displays have similar issues. Other AR displays don't have that edge blur. But the real reason I say it's blurry is because streaming sucks and the displays aren't high resolution enough. I can still see the pixels on my Quest 3. These AR glasses are just clearer for me. Idk what to say, it just is.

you can literally connect a usb c connector to the vr headset, so why use wireless if you don't like wifi? In any case, the best resolution and clarity will be on a native display for flatscreen. If you're using a steam deck oled, why pass the game to some glasses? I'm not hating, just don't get it

 

[Sinozen]

I'm still using my OG Nreal pair now named Xreal, The display and update to unlock 120hz is nice but the comfort on the OG is dog water so they only used when on Steam Deck in bed. I would love a pair of the updated xreal air pro's for better comfort on the back of the skull and nose bridge but I'm not looking to drop another 500+ on this tech.

I have high hopes for this tech but it's still very early days given the price tag and slow adoption.

It's a shame Nintendo aren't allowing folks to utilize these on the Switch 2 with an update *Lets hope when and if they ever release the DS add-on it also adds glasses support*

You got in early! The rokids are lighter (75g vs 106g) but if you got the og the fov is pretty similar at 50.

I'd keep an eye on the Xreal Aurora next year with 70fov. That looks like the major step foward that's going to change everything for this tech.

 

[Bry0]

I've only tried the rayneo air 3s. I thought they were alright, but the fixed screen made me kinda dizzy as soon as I moved my head. I have a dedicated router for VR, and it still doesn't hold a candle to just using my Apple vision. So much more versatile being able to move and resize the screen.

 

[Mownoc]

I'm still using my OG Nreal pair now named Xreal, The display and update to unlock 120hz is nice but the comfort on the OG is dog water so they only used when on Steam Deck in bed. I would love a pair of the updated xreal air pro's for better comfort on the back of the skull and nose bridge but I'm not looking to drop another 500+ on this tech.

I have high hopes for this tech but it's still very early days given the price tag and slow adoption.

It's a shame Nintendo aren't allowing folks to utilize these on the Switch 2 with an update *Lets hope when and if they ever release the DS add-on it also adds glasses support*

This is the pair I ordered. Only £110. I almost went for the Air 2's at £200 but without having tried the tech before I cheaped out. I can always send them back and get a newer model if I like it but it's really too uncomfortable for me lol.

 

[buenoblue]

I have a pair of the original nreal glasses. I use them.with my rog ally and.my z fold phone. This is legit the future I think. Oled picture is awesome.

 

[falconhoof]

Not really clear to me what these things are.

I did a quick Youtube search but most of the results looked like shill tech sites with that goofy shocked thumbnail face.

 

[Sinozen]

you can literally connect a usb c connector to the vr headset, so why use wireless if you don't like wifi? In any case, the best resolution and clarity will be on a native display for flatscreen. If you're using a steam deck oled, why pass the game to some glasses? I'm not hating, just don't get it

Because that's still compressing the image, it's not perfect, and I have to use my PC to do it. It's just a chore booting up the PC, quest, starting up all this software. I can't just connect to my steam deck wired and that's got all of my games on it. I'm a Steam Deck handheld fanboy. Even my laptop doesn't cut it in terms of form factor for me.

I got my Deck before the OLED so having these glasses let's me enjoy OLED with a massive screen. Really can't beat it. I mean you could get a 215 inch OLED HD screen but that's gonna be thousands of dollars and you can't stick the display in your pocket.

 

[Zannegan]

I haven't tried them yet, but I'm super interested. IOver Black Friday I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Rayneo 3s displays and a splitter dock, but the price jumped back up while I was hemming and hawwing.

This is the sort of thing I could see Nintendo or Sony getting into with a future handheld if the tech gets cheap/widespread enough. There is a limit to screen size with pocketable (or backpackable) tech, and folding screens are both too expensive and too fragile to be practical. With these you're looking at a TV or monitor-sized screen, and the console itself could shrink down considerably.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

This is the pair I ordered. Only £110. I almost went for the Air 2's at £200 but without having tried the tech before I cheaped out. I can always send them back and get a newer model if I like it but it's really too uncomfortable for me lol.

Ye it's the hard plastic they used putting pressure against the skull and piss poor nose pads that was a let down. The OLED display and optics are bloody amazing though so somewhat still usable for short amount of time.

Not really clear to me what these things are.

I did a quick Youtube search but most of the results looked like shill tech sites with that goofy shocked thumbnail face.

Basically updated Sony Glasstron.

 

[StereoVsn]

Still has some limitations. Resolution is still low, contrast and HDR are lacking a bit as well. FOV and eye strain can be a problem. But very promising.

Yeah, I have the OG Xreal when it was called Nreal and the red and FOV hasn't changed that much.

I think what helps here is some head tracking so if you turn your head the screen doesn't turn with you. As your head is getting tracked.

 

[Sinozen]

Not really clear to me what these things are.

I did a quick Youtube search but most of the results looked like shill tech sites with that goofy shocked thumbnail face.

They're private personal displays that give the illusion of having a massive theater. Rokid has spent a lot of money paying people to review them on Youtube which is how I figured out about them.

This guy named Deck Ready did a good one that's not too long:

And Cass and Chary which did an in depth review:

I've only tried the rayneo air 3s. I thought they were alright, but the fixed screen made me kinda dizzy as soon as I moved my head. I have a dedicated router for VR, and it still doesn't hold a candle to just using my Apple vision. So much more versatile being able to move and resize the screen.

The rokids give that fixed screen unless you use the puck. The Xreal I believe don't need the puck and are true AR glasses where you can stick the screen anywhere like a real display. They're the largest fov at 57 while those rayneos are about 46.

 

[StereoVsn]

They're private personal displays that give the illusion of having a massive theater. Rokid has spent a lot of money paying people to review them on Youtube which is how I figured out about them.

This guy named Deck Ready did a good one that's not too long:

And Cass and Chary which did an in depth review:




The rokids give that fixed screen unless you use the puck. The Xreal I believe don't need the puck and are true AR glasses where you can stick the screen anywhere like a real display. They're the largest fov at 57 while those rayneos are about 46.

I think Xreal also requires a separate add-on for head tracking.

 

[Bry0]

They're private personal displays that give the illusion of having a massive theater. Rokid has spent a lot of money paying people to review them on Youtube which is how I figured out about them.

This guy named Deck Ready did a good one that's not too long:

And Cass and Chary which did an in depth review:




The rokids give that fixed screen unless you use the puck. The Xreal I believe don't need the puck and are true AR glasses where you can stick the screen anywhere like a real display. They're the largest fov at 57 while those rayneos are about 46.

I might have to try the true AR versions sometime in the future. I could see that being really good.

 

[Sinozen]

I might have to try the true AR versions sometime in the future. I could see that being really good.

You could try with Amazon and return like I did, but then I liked them and couldnt return lol. Lookout for the Xreal Aurora's which have a confirmed 70+fov coming next year. It will have a direct connection for the steam deck, switch, etc. and all of the AR features with AI when you're not doing that because they partnered with Google. That's next gen stuff when it comes to this tech.

 

[Magic Carpet]

Waiting for handheld PC's to just be a controller that comes with a pair of AR glasses.

 

[StereoVsn]

Waiting for handheld PC's to just be a controller that comes with a pair of AR glasses.

I think someone had this, maybe Lenovo?

 

[StereoVsn]

You could try with Amazon and return like I did, but then I liked them and couldnt return lol. Lookout for the Xreal Aurora's which have a confirmed 70+fov coming next year. It will have a direct connection for the steam deck, switch, etc. and all of the AR features with AI when you're not doing that because they partnered with Google. That's next gen stuff when it comes to this tech.

Aurora looks quite expensive.

First Look: Project Aura — The Next Step in XR for Android XR and Gemini

Introducing Project Aura —XREAL's first tethered XR glasses built with Google for Android XR. Featuring the X1S chip, 70° FOV optical see-through display, and a lightweight split-compute design — with developer tools live now and dev kits coming ahead of its 2026 launch.

www.xreal.com

 

[Mownoc]

Waiting for handheld PC's to just be a controller that comes with a pair of AR glasses.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

I think Xreal also requires a separate add-on for head tracking.

this true, though if using steamdeck someone made custom driver to allow basic tracking and resize. i think its part of the decky plugins if you want to save shelling out more cash.

 

[th4tguy]

We have glasses coming out in 2026 called the Xreal Aurora (Xreal partnered with Google), that will give us a 70 degree field of view.

Ah there it is. Another post that is secretly ad?

 

[Sinozen]

Aurora looks quite expensive.

First Look: Project Aura — The Next Step in XR for Android XR and Gemini

Introducing Project Aura —XREAL's first tethered XR glasses built with Google for Android XR. Featuring the X1S chip, 70° FOV optical see-through display, and a lightweight split-compute design — with developer tools live now and dev kits coming ahead of its 2026 launch.

www.xreal.com

I know, but we got time to save hopefully

 

[CamHostage]

I literally just bought an old pair of xreal airs for £110 today. Just to check then out. Primarily for use with an ROG Ally. Laying down while holding up an ally can get uncomfortable after a while for long, lazy, gaming sessions.

Oh, the worst is when you're laying down playing a portable and you fall asleep.... I still have memories of the pain from getting face-smashed by GBA or PSP, I imagine a ROG Ally would cave a skull in.

These glasses, I'd only be worried about rolling over in an impromptu nap, but I wear prescription glasses, so either way, if I fall asleep playing handheld games, it's a potential paycheck hit. This would save me a trip to the optha.

 

[Sinozen]

Ah there it is. Another post that is secretly ad?

No, I'm just a guy that likes playing games on massive fake screens. Did it for years with VR and recently discovered this tech. As far as I'm aware Aurora is going to be the biggest fov that has ever existed for AR. That's why I keep brining it up. It's going to fundamentally level up this tech if it delivers and it's just going to be the best way to play games.

Maybe I can land a deal with one of these companies though. Rokid has been paying everyone and their mom to do reviews. I'm down.

 

[CamHostage]

You could try with Amazon and return like I did, but then I liked them and couldnt return lol.

I have found a couple demo stations at Best Buy, and from my tests, the demos are pretty convincing, if the nosepiece fits (they usually have swappable demo nosepieces even.) It was probably an Xreel headset I tried (the Rokid name doesn't sound familiar, but maybe?)

They are light to wear and clear to see with a lot of settings for how much ambiance of your room you want to let in (go full blackout or leave the room visible in case your kid is bound to start a fire or something....)

I'd be worried about long-term impact on your eyesight, similar to concerns about VR, but they seemed like an affordable utility for small homes or busy/noisy families or other lifestyles. Check out a demo and see if they're right for you.

 

[StereoVsn]

I have found a couple demo stations at Best Buy, and from my tests, the demos are pretty convincing, if the nosepiece fits (they usually have swappable demo nosepieces even.) It was probably an Xreel headset I tried (the Rokid name doesn't sound familiar, but maybe?)

They are light to wear and clear to see with a lot of settings for how much ambiance of your room you want to let in (go full blackout or leave the room visible in case your kid is bound to start a fire or something....)

I'd be worried about long-term impact on your eyesight, similar to concerns about VR, but they seemed like an affordable utility for small homes or busy/noisy families or other lifestyles. Check out a demo and see if they're right for you.

BestBuy is sold out from Xreal Pro unfortunately. Was going to try it out.

 

[Sinozen]

I'd be worried about long-term impact on your eyesight, similar to concerns about VR, but they seemed like an affordable utility for small homes or busy/noisy families or other lifestyles. Check out a demo and see if they're right for you.

Well I've been using VR since 2016 and still have rock solid 20/20. I exchanged like 12 quest 3s because I could see all the dead pixels.

 

[Evolved1]

Those are about 46 fov compared to the Max 2s 50. Not a huge difference but they've gotten better. The Max 2 is really simple to use for me no fuss. The clarity is outstanding.

If this tech appeals to you I'd keep an eye on the Xreal Aurora which is 70fov. It's gonna be spectacular. I was gonna go with the Xreal pro at 57fov but when 70fov is around the corner I'll stick with a 300 dollar Max 2 and start saving.

I have a quest 3 with wifi 6 and the steam frame is just underwhelming. It's a little lighter, a little better in resolution, and is 100% a streaming device. They can say it has low latency but streaming isn't perfect and who knows how it'll work with flat games. I think VR is good for VR. AR is going to be the future of playing flat games. AR is really progessing fast and next year will be game changing. Once it's affordable and people are aware it'll change everything.

Have you messed around with any of these glasses that can force a 3D effect on flat games/content? Early days, but seems pretty cool.

 

[Dzab]

How do these work with people with prescription glasses? Would I just be out of luck? lol

It's one of the biggest things stopping me from using my VR regularly, never feels comfortable with glasses on

 

[RoadHazard]

I'm not saying you're lying, but I simply don't believe you're getting more detail etc using those than I am on my 77" 4K OLED. Like, my TV is showing all the pixels the game has to offer, how could there be more detail?

 

[Imtjnotu]

Had the cereal air 2s and returned them after a few days...screen didn't seem huge to me when using them on my phone or on my PS5.

Couldn't stand the fact that the corners of the screen weren't visible too well also.

I wish it had AR tracking too cause having the screen follow you and not stay in place so you look around was bad for me.

 

[Sinozen]

Have you messed around with any of these glasses that can force a 3D effect on flat games/content? Early days, but seems pretty cool.

No, but that sounds amazing. I'll have to look into that.

How do these work with people with prescription glasses? Would I just be out of luck? lol

It's one of the biggest things stopping me from using my VR regularly, never feels comfortable with glasses on

Rokid Max 2 has the leg up over others if you're near sighted because it has a built in diopter where you can adjust things potentially making it clear enough to where you don't need the glasses. Otherwise you'd need prescription inserts they sell.

I'm not saying you're lying, but I simply don't believe you're getting more detail etc using those than I am on my 77" 4K OLED. Like, my TV is showing all the pixels the game has to offer, how could there be more detail?

Well I don't have OLED TVs myself, they're just 4K. You might be better off idk. It's the viewing distance that's the killer. If you're 10ft+ from the screen it loses a lot of immersion and your eyes won't pick up all the detail. You got a nice big TV, the biggest benefit would be having a comparable screen that's portable.

Had the cereal air 2s and returned them after a few days...screen didn't seem huge to me when using them on my phone or on my PS5.

Couldn't stand the fact that the corners of the screen weren't visible too well also.

I wish it had AR tracking too cause having the screen follow you and not stay in place so you look around was bad for me.

Can't speak much on xreal but I know those have a 46fov. In 2026 we'll have glasses at 70fov.