Picture this: You're settling into a long-haul flight, or perhaps enjoying a quiet moment at your favorite cafe. You pull out your Nintendo Switch 2, eager to dive into a new world, but the small screen feels restrictive. What if you could instantly transform that experience into a massive, immersive display, all while maintaining portability? This dream is now a reality. At CES 2026, you can finally connect XREAL's cutting-edge AR glasses to your Nintendo Switch 2, unlocking an entirely new dimension of gaming that was previously out of reach.
For too long, Switch 2 owners seeking an augmented reality experience faced limited options. While some third-party docks offered a workaround, they often came with compromises in size and compatibility. Lifehacker has consistently lauded XREAL's AR glasses for their quality, and now, with a pivotal new accessory, their renowned display technology is fully compatible with Nintendo's latest console, delivering an unparalleled portable gaming experience (Augmented Reality Insights, 2026).
The Portable Powerhouse: Unlocking AR Gaming with XREAL NEO
The game-changer for Switch 2 enthusiasts is the new XREAL NEO. Unlike bulkier predecessors, the NEO is a sleek, multi-functional device that acts as both a portable power bank and an AR adapter. Boasting a substantial 10,000 mAh capacity and a 20W output, it's designed to fast-charge your devices while simultaneously powering your XREAL glasses and outputting video. For longer sessions, plugging the NEO into a wall outlet boosts charging speeds to 65W+, ensuring your gaming never stops.
Its compact form factor easily surpasses competing solutions, making it a true companion for on-the-go gaming. While primarily designed for the Switch 2, the NEO's versatility extends to the original Nintendo Switch as well, breathing new life into older hardware. Moreover, it offers enhanced connectivity for other handhelds like the Steam Deck, though these devices often feature direct AR output, making the NEO's adapter function less critical but still convenient (Portable Gaming Innovations, 2026).
A clever design touch is the NEO's magnetic ring and integrated kickstand. Though it doesn't support wireless charging, the magnet provides secure attachment for easy storage alongside your device, while the kickstand allows you to prop up your Switch 2 or other handhelds for optimal viewing or shared experiences. This thoughtful engineering emphasizes portability and convenience, core tenets of the Routinova lifestyle philosophy.
During testing at CES 2026, you can witness firsthand how effortlessly the NEO integrates with the Switch 2. Upon connection, the console seamlessly transitions into docked mode, projecting a stunning virtual 171-inch screen directly into the XREAL glasses. The visuals are crisp, outputting at 1200p, and remarkably, they come alive in full 3D, elevating the gaming experience beyond traditional flat screens.
Beyond 2D: The XREAL 1S and Immersive 3D Gaming
The magic of that 3D experience is largely thanks to the new XREAL 1S AR glasses, which I had the privilege to test alongside the NEO. These glasses represent a significant leap forward, boosting resolution to 1200p and slightly expanding the field of view (FOV) from the base XREAL One's 50 degrees to 52 degrees. They maintain a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and are notably brighter at 700 nits, with a wider 16:10 aspect ratio for an even more expansive display.
Crucially, the XREAL 1S glasses introduce out-of-the-box 2D-to-3D conversion. This innovative feature, powered by an onboard spatial chip and advanced AI, transforms standard 2D content into a surprisingly convincing 3D experience. For instance, playing Mario Kart World with the 1S glasses felt as if the game was natively designed for 3D, with characters and environments gaining subtle, natural depth without any noticeable blur or artifacting. This technology truly redefines what CES 2026: you can expect from portable entertainment.
This Real 3D conversion isn't limited to games. It works with virtually any content you feed into the XREAL 1S, opening up exciting possibilities beyond gaming. Imagine watching classic films like Casablanca or Lawrence of Arabia, now imbued with a new sense of depth, or experiencing a live sports broadcast with a heightened feeling of immersion, placing you closer to the action (Digital Entertainment Hub, 2026). While XREAL notes that the effect is most compelling with CGI-heavy content, the ability to toggle the 3D effect off ensures flexibility for all media, even if some older, flat content like original NES Super Mario Bros. might not translate perfectly.
The Routinova Edge: Transforming Your Daily Play
One of the most appealing aspects of the XREAL 1S is its surprising affordability. Despite its significant upgrades, it launches at $449, making it $50 cheaper than its predecessor, the XREAL ONE. This competitive pricing, coupled with immediate availability, makes the 1S an attractive option for early adopters. For those who already own XREAL ONE Pro glasses, the Real 3D conversion technology is also available as a downloadable update, ensuring existing users aren't left behind.
The XREAL NEO adapter, while currently on pre-order, offers an introductory price of $99 until February 4th, after which it will retail for $119. This makes the combined package of the NEO and 1S glasses a compelling investment at $548, especially for anyone yearning for the nostalgic 3D gaming of the Nintendo 3DS, but on a grand, truly portable scale. At CES 2026, you can elevate your gaming routine without sacrificing convenience.
This innovative duo from XREAL isn't just about playing games; it's about transforming how you engage with digital content on the go. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or simply relaxing at home, the ability to project a massive, high-definition 3D screen from your pocket-sized console is a significant leap forward for portable entertainment. It's a prime example of how thoughtful technology can seamlessly integrate into and enhance your daily routine, making every moment of leisure more engaging and immersive.
