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, looking at previous generations could offer great deals 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 affordable alternative to QD-OLED. This approach makes sense, and I'm hopeful they'll succeed in revitalizing this technology.
The MPG 274URDFW E16M features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast, especially in the brightly lit showroom. It's a 4K monitor with a 160Hz refresh rate for smooth, high-resolution gameplay. It can also switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though I remain skeptical about its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature that automatically adjusts resolution based on content.
Despite fewer options at the show, I anticipate more Mini-LED monitors in the future. The fear of burn-in with OLEDs is a real concern, and Mini-LED offers high brightness, excellent visuals with the right settings, and no burn-in risk. With sufficient dimming zones (1,152 or more for 27-inch models), blooming is minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could be a compelling alternative for those hesitant to invest in high-cost, high-maintenance OLED displays.
Pricing for this model is yet to be announced, but it's expected to be less than its flagship QD-OLED counterparts.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
As mentioned earlier, the evolution of QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards are driving higher refresh rates. We now see 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P is a standout, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR. Other brands offer similar designs, like the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, providing various options for consumers.
MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate for those seeking the ultimate speed. 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.Outside gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K mini-LED monitor for creators, priced at a competitive $1,249. 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 model with pre-loaded streaming apps and the ability to stream to up to four platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar streaming capabilities and an 800R curve.
Samsung unveiled the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can detect on-screen content and adjust settings accordingly, upscale lower resolution 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 impressive, but 2025 promises even more exciting developments for gaming enthusiasts.
