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 to grow, 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 also presented their unique takes on these high-performance panels, signaling a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.
Protection features have also seen notable improvements. A highlight was the Neo Proximity Sensor integrated into Asus's upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This feature, part of the OLED Care suite, automatically displays a black screen when you're away from your PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This advancement is a significant step forward from the need to manually turn off monitors.As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible. While the latest models may still carry a premium, 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 budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach is promising, especially given the technology's potential.
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, the AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature, which automatically adjusts resolution, left me skeptical.
Despite the limited showcase, Mini-LED technology is worth watching. 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.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
As QD-OLED technology advances and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates are reaching new heights. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is a testament to this progress. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR. Other brands, including the previously mentioned MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options.
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 difference 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 showcases the industry's push towards higher resolutions.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
Smart monitors continue to blur the lines between TVs and gaming monitors. While my review of the Samsung G80SD was not overly positive, the convenience of having a monitor that doubles as a smart TV with streaming services is undeniable, especially for those in smaller living spaces.
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 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 intelligently adjust picture settings and upscale content to 4K, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and entertainment with its 165Hz refresh rate.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with each showcased model pushing the boundaries of technology. While 2024 was a remarkable year, 2025 promises even more exciting developments in the world of gaming displays.
