At CES 2025, the showcase of new gaming monitors was nothing short of spectacular. I explored the latest innovations from major vendors, uncovering a range of exciting features and technologies that promise to elevate the gaming experience. With advancements in display and graphics technology, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for gaming monitors.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
The dominant trend at CES for gaming monitors was the undeniable presence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest models, emphasizing their enhanced burn-in warranties and protection features. This focus indicates a strong industry push towards QD-OLED throughout the year.
Given the significant adoption seen in 2024, the new QD-OLED displays are poised to be even more impressive. Multiple companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models with higher-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor with a staggering 500Hz refresh rate. Other manufacturers also presented their unique versions of these high-performance panels, suggesting a future filled with fast, visually stunning monitors.
Protection features have also seen significant advancements. A notable innovation was Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, integrated into the upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This feature, part of Asus's OLED Care suite, detects when you're away from your PC and displays a black screen to prevent burn-in and pixel wear. This is a step up from having to manually turn off your monitor when away.As QD-OLED technology matures, we can anticipate a decline in prices. While the initial launch prices of these models remain high, looking back a generation or two could offer gamers a chance to purchase a still-excellent monitor at a significant discount throughout the year.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
Although Mini-LED technology didn't dominate the show, it was certainly present. MSI shared plans to market its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach makes sense, and as someone who has tested various Mini-LED monitors, I'm hopeful for its success in bringing this technology back to prominence.
The MPG 274URDFW E16M boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast, particularly in the brightly lit showroom. It's also a 4K, 160Hz monitor for smooth, high-resolution gameplay. Interestingly, it can switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though I'm skeptical about its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature that automatically adjusts resolution based on content. Personally, I'm not convinced by this feature.
While options were limited at the show, Mini-LED technology is one to watch. The fear of burn-in associated with OLEDs remains a concern. Mini-LEDs can achieve high brightness, offer excellent visuals with the right settings, and have no risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones (1,152 or more for 27-inch monitors), blooming is less of an issue. If brands can keep prices competitive, Mini-LEDs could be an attractive alternative for those hesitant to spend over $1,000 on a delicate OLED display.
Pricing for this model hasn't been finalized, but it's expected to be more affordable than flagship QD-OLED counterparts.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
As QD-OLED technology improves and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates are reaching new heights. We now see 4K at 240Hz and 500Hz at 1440p. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant colors. It's set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, offering brighter highlights for enhanced HDR. While other brands offer similar designs, like the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50 mentioned earlier, there are multiple options for gamers to choose from.
MSI also brought back TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting an impressive 600Hz refresh rate for those seeking the fastest possible speeds. Although TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether the average gamer will notice the difference in clarity or latency remains to be seen.
CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer introduced the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz gaming monitor with Nvidia’s latest G-Sync Pulsar tech. LG debuted a pair of new “5K2K” gaming monitors – the Ultragear 45GX950A with an 800R curve, and the Ultragear 45GX990A with a bendable display adjustable from flat to a 900R curve.Beyond gaming, Asus showcased the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K mini-LED display aimed at creators, priced at a surprisingly reasonable $1,249. While its 60Hz refresh rate isn't ideal for gaming, it reflects the industry's ongoing push for higher resolutions.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
While I wasn't impressed with the Samsung G80SD upon review, smart monitors offer undeniable appeal for many gamers. These devices serve as both gaming monitors and smart TVs, providing access to streaming services, which is particularly beneficial in smaller living spaces or for those seeking a versatile entertainment setup.
This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. Although not specifically targeted at gamers, these monitors hint at a growing trend. HP unveiled the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K model pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to up to four platforms directly from the monitor. The LG UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar streaming capabilities and an 800R curve.
Samsung introduced the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. This monitor can detect displayed content, adjust picture settings, and upscale lower-resolution content to 4K, all while supporting a 165Hz refresh rate, making it a solid choice for gaming as well.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with each showcased model pushing technological boundaries. While 2024 was a strong year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises even greater advancements and innovations.
