CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing technological boundaries and setting the stage for an exciting year in display technology. Key trends included the continued dominance of QD-OLED, advancements in mini-LED, escalating refresh rates and resolutions, and the rise of smart monitors.
QD-OLED's Enduring Appeal and Increased Accessibility:
QD-OLED technology solidified its position as a leading contender, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized enhanced burn-in protection features, a crucial aspect of OLED technology. The introduction of 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, and even a 1440p 500Hz model (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50), signifies a significant leap forward. Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG, automatically activates a black screen when the user is away, further mitigating burn-in risks. Moreover, prices are expected to decrease as the technology matures.
Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:
While not as prevalent as QD-OLED, mini-LED technology remains a strong contender. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, positioned as a more affordable alternative to QD-OLED, boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast. Its 4K 160Hz (and 1080p 320Hz) capabilities make it a compelling option, despite some reservations about its AI-driven dual-mode functionality. The absence of burn-in risk and potentially lower pricing make mini-LED a promising choice for budget-conscious consumers.
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 displays are now a reality, alongside 1440p 500Hz monitors (like the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification). MSI even revived TN panels with the MPG 242R X60N, boasting an impressive 600Hz refresh rate, albeit with compromises in color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors, exemplified by Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K, 144Hz) and LG's ultrawide "5K2K" (5120 x 2160) Ultragear 45GX950A and 45GX990A models (the latter with a bendable display), marks another significant milestone. Asus also showcased a 6K mini-LED display (ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV) targeted at content creators.
Smart Monitors Blurring the Lines:
Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services and smart TV functionality, are gaining traction. While not exclusively gaming-focused, their appeal is undeniable, particularly for space-constrained users. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor (32-inch 4K), LG's ultrawide UltraGear 39GX90SA, and Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor (4K OLED with neural processing and a 165Hz refresh rate) exemplify this trend.
Conclusion:
CES 2025 highlighted a future of gaming monitors characterized by superior image quality, blazing-fast refresh rates, and innovative features. While prices remain high for top-tier models, the advancements across various technologies promise a year of exciting developments and increased accessibility for gamers.
