At CES 2025, the showcase of new gaming monitors was nothing short of spectacular. I had the privilege of touring the event, exploring the latest innovations from top vendors. The advancements in display and graphics technology have made this year particularly thrilling for gaming monitor enthusiasts.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
The dominant trend at CES for gaming monitors was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest offerings, emphasizing their burn-in warranties and protection features. This year promises significant advancements in display technology.
The surge in QD-OLED popularity from 2024 continues, with new models boasting impressive specs. Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor that reaches an astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands presented their unique takes on these high-performance panels, signaling a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.
I was particularly impressed with the advancements in protection features. Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG, is a standout. This feature, part of the 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 significant improvement over the need to manually turn off the monitor.As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible. While launch prices remain high, opting for slightly older models could offer substantial savings 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 still present. MSI plans to market its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach is promising, especially given my experience with similar technologies.
The MPG 274URDFW E16M features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast in bright environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, I remain skeptical about its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature, which automatically adjusts resolution based on content.
Despite limited options at the show, Mini-LED technology is poised for growth. It offers high brightness, excellent contrast with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming is minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could be an attractive option for those wary of the high costs and maintenance of OLED monitors.
Pricing for this model is yet to be announced, but it's expected to be more affordable than its QD-OLED counterparts.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
As mentioned earlier, the evolution of QD-OLED and more powerful graphics cards are driving higher refresh rates. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is a testament to this trend. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P caught my eye with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification. This certification promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR, setting it apart from most current QD-OLED monitors.
MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether the average gamer will notice the improvements in clarity and latency remains to be seen.
CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer showcased the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz monitor with Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced two new "5K2K" gaming monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A with a fixed 800R curve, and the Ultragear 45GX990A with a bendable display that can adjust from flat to a 900R curve.Beyond gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K (6,016 x 3,384) monitor aimed at creators. Priced at $1,249, it uses a bright mini-LED display, offering a cost-effective alternative to more expensive models. While not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it exemplifies the industry's push towards higher resolutions.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
While I had mixed feelings about the Samsung G80SD in my review, the appeal of smart monitors for gamers is undeniable. These devices, which double as smart TVs with built-in streaming services, are perfect for small spaces or those looking to relax after gaming.
This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to up to four platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar features and an 800R curve.
Samsung unveiled the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can detect and adjust picture settings, upscale content to 4K, and offers a 165Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for gaming.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, showcasing innovations that push the boundaries of technology. Last year was a great, albeit expensive, year for gaming monitors, but 2025 promises even more exciting developments.
