CES 2025 was a treasure trove of new gaming monitors, and I had the privilege of exploring the latest innovations from top vendors. The event showcased some remarkable surprises and pushed several features to new heights, thanks to the rapid advancements in display and graphics technology. This year, 2025, stands out as one of the most thrilling periods for gaming monitors in recent times.
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, with many emphasizing their robust burn-in warranties and advanced protection features. The push towards this display technology is set to intensify throughout the year.
Given the surge in QD-OLED popularity in 2024, it's no surprise that 2025's models are even more impressive. Multiple companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors equipped with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor that boasts a staggering 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. A standout was the Neo Proximity Sensor from Asus, integrated into the upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This sensor, part of the OLED Care suite, detects when you're away from your PC and switches to a black screen to prevent burn-in and pixel wear. This feature is a significant improvement over manually turning off the monitor when stepping away.As QD-OLED technology matures, we can anticipate price reductions. Although initial prices for these new models remain high, opting for slightly older generations could offer great deals throughout the year.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
While not as prominent, Mini-LED technology was still present at the show. An MSI representative mentioned their plans to market the dual-mode AI mini-LED MPG 274URDFW E16M as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach is promising, especially considering the technology's potential.
The MPG 274URDFW E16M features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of approximately 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast even in the brightly lit showroom. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz for smooth gameplay, with the ability to switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, I remain skeptical about the AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature, which automatically adjusts resolution based on content.
Despite fewer options at the show, I expect Mini-LED technology to gain more traction. The fear of burn-in associated with OLEDs is significant, and Mini-LED offers exceptional brightness and contrast without this risk. With enough dimming zones (1,152 or more for 27-inch models), blooming is minimized. If prices remain competitive, Mini-LED could become a compelling choice for those hesitant to invest in high-maintenance OLED displays.
Pricing for this model is yet to be finalized, but it's expected to be more affordable than flagship QD-OLED monitors.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
As mentioned earlier, QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards are driving higher refresh rates. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is testament to this trend. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P caught my attention with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification. This certification promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR, a step above the current 400-level certified QD-OLED monitors. Other brands offer similar designs, such as the previously mentioned MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, providing various options for consumers.
MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, which boasts an astonishing 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels have trade-offs in 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 marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer showcased the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz gaming monitor with Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced a pair of "5K2K" gaming monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A and Ultragear 45GX990A, both with a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution and an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio. The 45GX950A features a fixed 800R curve, while the 45GX990A offers a bendable display ranging from flat to a 900R curve.Outside gaming, Asus displayed the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K (6,016 x 3,384) mini-LED monitor aimed at creators. Priced at a competitive $1,249, it's a testament to the industry's ongoing push for higher resolutions, albeit with a 60Hz refresh rate unsuitable for gaming.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
While my review of the Samsung G80SD was not entirely positive, the appeal of smart monitors for gamers is undeniable. The ability to use a monitor as a smart TV with built-in streaming services is particularly advantageous in smaller living spaces or for those who enjoy relaxing with entertainment.
This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. Although many weren't specifically aimed at gamers, the trend is clearly growing. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K model with pre-loaded streaming apps and the capability to stream to up to four platforms. The LG UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar streaming features and an 800R curve.
Samsung unveiled the M9 Smart Monitor, which features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can intelligently adjust picture settings and upscale lower resolution content to 4K, making it a versatile choice for both entertainment and gaming with its 165Hz refresh rate.
Wrapping Up
CES always looks to the future, and the gaming monitors at the show did not disappoint. They pushed boundaries and hinted at exciting developments to come. While 2024 was a strong year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises to be even more remarkable.
