Racing into the Future: Playing Nintendo Switch 2 with AR Glasses — An Immersive Mario Kart World Experience
July 2025
The Next Evolution of Gaming
The world of gaming is changing faster than ever, with every new console generation promising fresh possibilities and more immersive experiences. With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025, Nintendo has not just delivered a more powerful handheld-console hybrid, but also opened the door for new ways to play. One of the most exciting—and futuristic—ways to experience the Switch 2 is by pairing it with augmented reality (AR) glasses. Imagine playing Mario Kart World on a screen that feels 135 inches wide, floating right in front of your eyes, all while sitting comfortably anywhere you like.
Recently, Tom’s Guide got the chance to go hands-on with this setup, using the Viture Pro Mobile Dock and AR glasses, bringing Mario Kart World to life in a way that must be seen to be believed. Here’s what it was like, what works, what doesn’t, and what this might mean for the future of gaming.
Setting Up the Dream: Switch 2 Meets AR Glasses
Out of the box, the Nintendo Switch 2 continues Nintendo’s tradition of portability and ease of use. Its larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display, new magnetic Joy-Cons, 4K/120Hz docked support, and 256GB of storage make it a worthy successor to the beloved original. However, one of its less-advertised features is its support for video output over USB-C—not just through the official Nintendo dock, but also to select third-party devices.
That’s where the Viture Pro Mobile Dock comes in. Updated to firmware version 1.03.0.02 in June 2025, this compact device bridges the gap between the Switch 2 and the world of AR glasses. With this setup, there’s no need for a bulky TV or monitor—just plug in the dock, connect your AR glasses (like the Viture Pro XR), and you’re ready to go.
The result? A virtual display that’s equivalent to watching a 135-inch screen, just half an inch away from your face, delivering a crisp 1080p picture at 120Hz. Thanks to the pass-through mode on the glasses, you can still see your surroundings, meaning you get immersion without total isolation.
The Experience: Mario Kart World Like Never Before
As soon as Mario Kart World boots up on the AR glasses, it’s clear this isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a legitimate game-changer. The huge virtual screen dominates your field of vision, but because it’s projected by the glasses, it feels weightless and easy on the eyes. No more hunching over a tiny screen or fighting for the best seat in front of a crowded TV. Now, every seat is the best seat.
Mario Kart World itself is a launch title that reimagines the franchise for the open world, supporting up to 24 players in massive races packed with surprises. Playing it in AR makes every race feel intense and cinematic. The electrochromatic dimming feature on the glasses lets you choose between a blackout mode (fully immersive) or a transparent frame (blending the game with real life), depending on your preference.
Whether drifting around a corner, dodging a barrage of shells, or catching air off a jump, every moment pops on this virtual big screen. The AR experience also encourages better posture and more relaxed gameplay, since you don’t have to crane your neck or strain your eyes.
Battery Life, Portability, and Practical Considerations
Portability is at the heart of the Switch’s appeal, and this AR setup takes it even further. The Viture Pro Mobile Dock packs a hefty 13,000mAh battery, designed to keep the Switch 2 running for hours away from a wall outlet. However, there’s a trade-off: while the original Switch could go about four hours on the dock’s power, the more powerful Switch 2 saps that battery faster—expect closer to two hours for an intense Mario Kart session.
Still, this is a minor sacrifice for what you gain. The whole setup—Switch 2, dock, AR glasses, and Joy-Cons—fits easily into a backpack. It’s a portable home theater for gaming that’s perfect for planes, trains, hotels, or anywhere you crave a big-screen experience without the big hardware.
Compatibility and Quirks
While the Viture Pro XR glasses provided the ideal experience, the Tom’s Guide team also tested the Xreal One glasses. These worked, but displayed a persistent red-tinted background, suggesting that not all AR glasses are fully compatible yet, and that further firmware updates may be needed for other brands.
Setup isn’t entirely plug-and-play either. It involves a few minutes of connecting devices, ensuring firmware is up to date, and sometimes tweaking settings. But compared to lugging around a full TV or dealing with HDMI cables, it’s still remarkably convenient.
The Pros and Cons of AR Gaming with Switch 2
Pros:
- Truly portable “giant screen” experience
- Immersive and cinematic, especially for high-action games like Mario Kart World
- Encourages better posture and comfortable play sessions
- Private and discreet—no need to share the screen or fight for TV time
- Great for travel and tight spaces
Cons:
- Battery life could be better, especially with more powerful Switch 2 hardware
- Not all AR glasses are fully compatible yet
- Requires a third-party dock—no official Nintendo support (yet)
- Initial setup and firmware updates may be confusing for some
Is This the Future of Portable Gaming?
Nintendo has always excelled at delivering unexpected experiences—sometimes quirky, sometimes revolutionary. The Switch 2’s quiet embrace of USB-C video output, combined with the innovation from companies like Viture, points to an exciting future for how and where we play games.
If Nintendo ever decides to build native AR glass support into the Switch 2, or releases an official “Switch 2 OLED/Pro” version designed for AR compatibility, this kind of big-screen-on-the-go experience could quickly become mainstream. Even now, adventurous gamers who want to experiment can get a taste of what’s next.
For now, playing Mario Kart World on a floating 135-inch screen is as futuristic—and fun—as gaming gets in 2025. And if you ask us, it’s a glimpse of where the entire industry is headed.
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