CES 2025: Gaming Monitors Evolve

CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing the boundaries of display and graphics technology. Several key trends emerged, promising an exciting year for gamers.

QD-OLED's Continued Dominance and Increased Accessibility:

QD-OLED technology remains a prominent force, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their advancements. The focus is on enhanced burn-in protection features and warranties. High-performance models, such as 4K 240Hz and even 1440p 500Hz (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50) options, are becoming increasingly available. Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, included in the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG, automatically activates a black screen when the user is away, further mitigating burn-in concerns. As the technology matures, price reductions are anticipated.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

While not as prevalent as QD-OLED, Mini-LED technology remains a strong contender. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, with its 1,152 local dimming zones and 1,000-nit peak brightness, offers a potentially more affordable alternative to QD-OLED, boasting impressive contrast and a 4K 160Hz (or 1080p 320Hz) refresh rate. The absence of burn-in risk and the potential for excellent picture quality with sufficient dimming zones make it a compelling option.

Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The convergence of advanced display technology and powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates and resolutions. 4K 240Hz monitors are now a reality, alongside 1440p 500Hz displays (like the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P, boasting VESA TrueBlack 500 certification). MSI even revived TN panels with the MPG 242R X60N, achieving a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate, albeit with trade-offs in color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors, such as Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K, 144Hz) and LG's UltraGear 45GX950A and 45GX990A (5120 x 2160, ultrawide), signals a significant leap in resolution capabilities. Asus even showcased a 6K (6016 x 3384) monitor, the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, aimed at creative professionals.

Smart Monitors Bridge the Gap Between TVs and Gaming Displays:

Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services and other smart TV features, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor (32-inch 4K) and LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA (ultrawide) provide examples of this trend, offering built-in streaming capabilities. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, featuring 4K OLED and neural processing for enhanced picture quality and upscaling, further blurs the lines between gaming monitors and smart TVs.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 highlighted a significant evolution in gaming monitor technology. The year promises a diverse range of high-performance displays catering to various needs and budgets, with QD-OLED leading the charge, while Mini-LED and smart monitor functionalities offer compelling alternatives. The advancements in refresh rates and resolutions point towards an even more immersive gaming experience in the future.