At CES 2025, the gaming monitor landscape was brimming with innovation and excitement. As I navigated through the show, I was on a mission to uncover the latest offerings from major vendors, and the experience did not disappoint. This year has emerged as a landmark period for gaming monitors, with technological advancements pushing the boundaries of what's possible in display and graphics technology.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
A clear trend at CES 2025 was the continued dominance of QD-OLED technology in gaming monitors. Industry giants like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG were all showcasing their latest QD-OLED models, emphasizing improved burn-in warranties and enhanced protection features. The push for QD-OLED technology is set to intensify throughout the year, building on the significant growth seen in 2024.
The new wave of QD-OLED displays is more impressive than ever, with several companies unveiling 4K monitors boasting 240Hz refresh rates and utilizing high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI's standout was the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p monitor that reaches an astonishing 500Hz. Each brand offered unique takes on the technology, promising a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.
Additionally, the advancements in protection features were notable. Asus introduced the Neo Proximity Sensor in its upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG models. This sensor, part of Asus's OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when you step away from your PC, preventing burn-in and extending the life of the pixels.
As QD-OLED technology matures, we can anticipate a decline in prices. While the initial cost of new models remains high, opting for slightly older generations could offer significant savings while still providing top-tier performance.
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 certainly made its presence felt. MSI highlighted its plans to market the MPG 274URDFW E16M, a dual-mode AI mini-LED monitor, as a cost-effective alternative to QD-OLED. This model features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast, especially in well-lit environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though the AI-driven resolution switching remains a point of skepticism for me.
Despite the limited showcase, Mini-LED's potential cannot be overlooked. It offers exceptional brightness, excellent contrast with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. If manufacturers can keep prices competitive, Mini-LED could become a viable option for those hesitant to invest heavily in OLED monitors that require careful handling.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
The advancements in QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards have led to higher refresh rates and resolutions. The introduction of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is a testament to this progress. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P impressed with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights and enhanced HDR performance.
MSI also reintroduced TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate for the ultimate in speed, albeit with trade-offs in color quality and viewing angles. The market for such high-speed monitors may be niche, but their performance is undeniably impressive.
CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer's Predator XB323QX offers a 5K resolution at 144Hz, complete with Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG unveiled two new "5K2K" monitors in an ultrawide 21:9 format: the Ultragear 45GX950A with an 800R curve and the Ultragear 45GX990A with a bendable display that can adjust from flat to a 900R curve.
Outside of gaming, Asus introduced the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch mini-LED monitor for creators, priced at a competitive $1,249, despite its 60Hz refresh rate.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
Smart monitors continue to blur the lines between TVs and gaming displays. While my review of the Samsung G80SD was less than enthusiastic, the convenience of having a monitor that doubles as a smart TV with built-in streaming services is undeniable, especially for those in smaller living spaces.
New options are on the horizon for 2025. 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 different platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with video streaming capabilities and an 800R curve. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel, adjusting picture settings and upscaling content to 4K, while also supporting a 165Hz refresh rate for gaming.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 showcased a future where gaming monitors continue to evolve and push the boundaries of technology. From the enduring popularity of QD-OLED to the promising developments in Mini-LED and the rise of high-resolution and high-refresh-rate displays, 2025 is poised to be an exceptional year for gaming monitors. Whether you're a competitive gamer, a content creator, or someone looking for a versatile smart monitor, there's something exciting on the horizon for everyone.
