CES 2026: You Can Finally Use XREAL’s AR Glasses With the Nintendo Switch 2

At CES 2026, I was able to play the Nintendo Switch 2 in AR. This is something I’ve never done before, and that’s because so far only one company has had an AR dock that works with Nintendo’s latest console, which doesn’t like playing with AR glasses plugged directly into it. Viture’s solution is good, if a bit bulky, but Lifehacker has long praised competitor XREAL’s AR glasses, and finally, you can use the XREAL glasses with the Nintendo Switch 2.

XREAL previously had an accessory for playing on the original Nintendo Switch, but it has since been discontinued, and even if you buy it used, it won’t work with the Switch 2. Now the XREAL NEO changes that.

Smaller than Viture’s dock, the NEO is essentially a portable battery and AR adapter combination that lets you use your XREAL glasses while powering them and charging/converting the device you’re viewing at the same time. It has a capacity of 10,000 mAh and a power output of 20 W on its own, which is enough for fast charging, but you can also plug it into a wall while using it, which will allow your devices to charge at over 65 W. This should be especially handy if you primarily use the Neo as an adapter, and yes, it will allow your glasses to also display the original Switch, not just the Switch 2. XREAL also notes that you can use the Neo on other handhelds like the Steam Deck, although it’s a bit less necessary there, as the Steam Deck can directly transmit video to the XREAL glasses.

Credit: XREAL

In a confusing move, the Neo also has a magnetic ring to attach directly to your device, but it can’t charge wirelessly. It looks like the magnet is more present for easy storage, and so you can use a flip-up kickstand on the back of the Neo to prop up your device.

Using the Neo with the Switch 2, it worked like a dream. The console immediately went into docked mode and began playing on a pair of connected XREAL glasses as if it were on a TV, giving me a virtual 171-inch screen and 1200p graphics. Oh, and those charts? They were in 3D.

The XREAL 1S converts 2D video to 3D

Indeed, alongside the Neo, I was able to test the new AR XREAL 1S glasses. These increase the resolution up to 1200p and increase the field of view from 50 degrees of the base XREAL One to 52 degrees. The refresh rate is still 120Hz, but the glasses are brighter (at 700 nits) and the aspect ratio is taller, at 16:10. More importantly, they offer the ability to add 3D depth to 2D images from the start.

Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt

I tried it with Mario Kart Worldand if you had told me that the game was designed with this 3D natively, I would have believed you. It was impeccable, just the right amount of subtlety, and I never saw any revealing blur around the characters. According to XREAL, however, the 2D to 3D conversion is done entirely within the glasses using the built-in spatial chip and AI.

This has the advantage of working with any content you plug into the XREAL 1S, although XREAL warned me that the effect might not be as effective for flat content as it is for content using CGI. For example, the AI ​​just didn’t know what to do with the original. Super Mario Bros.. for NES, which leads to some elements becoming deeper and others being ignored.

However, you can turn off the effect in these cases, and I think this comes in very handy if you’re a big fan of 3D movies, as they can be quite difficult to find on streaming. Now you can turn any movie into 3D, although your mileage may vary from movie to movie.

But the best part of the XREAL 1S? Despite the upgrades, they’re actually cheaper than the base XREAL ONE, at $449 versus $499. And they’re available now, with estimated delivery windows around this weekend. Additionally, if you don’t want to buy a new pair of AR glasses, 2D to 3D conversion technology, called Real 3D, is also now available for the XREAL ONE Pro and can be downloaded in an update.

The XREAL NEO, meanwhile, is currently only available for pre-order, with shipments expected to begin in February. The Neo is also available for $99 until February 4, but the price will then increase to $119.

Even with the cheaper NEO price, the total package for the dock and glasses will cost you $548. But if you really miss the 3DS, here’s another easy way to play your Nintendo games in 3D, without sacrificing portability, but still keeping a big screen at the same time.