The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 was a treasure trove of innovation in the realm of gaming monitors. My journey through the event was filled with discoveries and insights into the latest offerings from leading manufacturers. The advancements in display and graphics technology have made 2025 a landmark year for gaming monitors, with numerous surprises and cutting-edge features on display.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
The dominant trend at CES for gaming monitors was the unwavering commitment to QD-OLED technology. Major players like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest QD-OLED models, emphasizing their enhanced burn-in warranties and advanced protection features. The push towards this display technology is set to continue throughout the year.
The enthusiasm for QD-OLED is understandable, especially after the significant growth we saw in 2024. The new displays introduced at CES 2025 are even more impressive. Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with higher-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. Notably, MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor boasting a remarkable 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also presented their unique takes on these high-performance panels, signaling a bright future for fast and visually stunning monitors.
Another highlight was the advancement in protection features. Asus impressed with the Neo Proximity Sensor in its upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG models. This feature, part of their OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when the user steps away from the PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This is a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off monitors when not in use.As QD-OLED technology matures through multiple generations, we can expect prices to become more accessible. While initial launch prices remain high, savvy shoppers can find great deals on slightly older models throughout the year.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
While Mini-LED technology wasn't the star of the show, it still made its presence known. MSI, in particular, is positioning its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a cost-effective 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 for smooth gameplay, and can even switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, the AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature, which automatically adjusts resolution, remains a point of skepticism for me.
Although Mini-LED options were limited at CES, the technology's ability to achieve high brightness, excellent contrast, and zero risk of burn-in makes it a compelling choice. If manufacturers can keep prices competitive, Mini-LED could be an attractive option for gamers wary of the high cost and maintenance of OLED monitors.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
The advancements in QD-OLED technology and the increasing power of graphics cards have driven refresh rates to new heights. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is a testament to this progress. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P caught my eye with its sleek design and vibrant display, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for superior HDR performance. Other brands, like MSI with its MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options, providing a range of choices for discerning gamers.
MSI also brought back TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, pushing refresh rates to an impressive 600Hz. While TN panels come with trade-offs in color accuracy 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 gaming monitor with Nvidia’s latest 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 the gaming sector, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch 6K monitor with a mini-LED display, 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
Smart monitors are blurring the lines between TVs and gaming monitors, offering versatile solutions for gamers. While my review of the Samsung G80SD wasn't entirely positive, the appeal of smart monitors is undeniable, especially for those in compact living spaces or looking to unwind with streaming services.
This year, several new smart monitor options were unveiled. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display with built-in streaming apps and the ability to stream to multiple platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with an 800R curve and similar streaming capabilities.
Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel, adjusting picture settings and upscaling content to 4K. With a 165Hz refresh rate, it's also suitable for gaming.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, showcasing innovations that push the boundaries of technology. While 2024 was a significant year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises even greater advancements, making it an exciting time for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
