The CES 2025 showcased an impressive array of new gaming monitors, and I had the privilege of exploring the latest innovations from top vendors. The event highlighted significant advancements in display and graphics technology, marking 2025 as a standout year for gaming monitors.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
A clear trend at CES was the continued dominance of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest offerings, emphasizing their enhanced burn-in warranties and protection features. This push towards advanced display technology is set to continue throughout the year.
Given the surge in QD-OLED popularity in 2024, the new models are poised to be even more impressive. Several 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 with a remarkable 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also presented their unique panel technologies, suggesting a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.
Protection features have also seen significant improvements. A notable innovation is the Neo Proximity Sensor from Asus, integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This sensor, part of Asus's OLED Care suite, detects when the user is away from the PC and switches to a black screen to prevent burn-in and pixel wear. This feature eliminates the need to manually turn off the monitor when stepping away.As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more affordable. While launch prices remain high, opting for models from previous generations can offer significant savings throughout the year.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
Although less prominent, Mini-LED technology was also present at CES. MSI plans to market its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a cost-effective alternative to QD-OLED. With 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of approximately 1,000 nits, this monitor promises impressive contrast, especially in bright environments. It supports 4K at 160Hz and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though the AI-driven dual-mode feature raises some skepticism.
While not as widespread, Mini-LED technology is expected to grow in popularity. It offers high brightness and excellent contrast without the risk of burn-in. With enough dimming zones, blooming is minimized, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more affordable, yet high-quality display.
Pricing for the MPG 274URDFW E16M has not been officially announced, but it is anticipated to be less than its QD-OLED counterparts.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
As QD-OLED technology advances and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates and resolutions are reaching new heights. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is a testament to this progress. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for enhanced HDR performance.
MSI has also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate for gamers seeking the ultimate speed. While TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether these improvements will be noticeable to the average gamer remains to be seen.
CES 2025 also marked the emergence of 5K monitors. Acer showcased the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz monitor with Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced two new "5K2K" monitors in an ultrawide 21:9 format. The Ultragear 45GX950A features a fixed 800R curve, while the Ultragear 45GX990A offers a bendable display that can adjust from flat to a 900R curve.Outside gaming, Asus presented the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K (6,016 x 3,384) mini-LED monitor for creators, priced at a competitive $1,249. Although not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it showcases the industry's ongoing push for higher resolutions.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
Smart monitors are blurring the lines between TVs and gaming displays. While my review of the Samsung G80SD was not favorable, the convenience of having a monitor that doubles as a smart TV with streaming services is appealing for many, especially in compact living spaces.
This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and the ability to stream to multiple platforms directly from the monitor. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar features and an 800R curve.
Samsung unveiled the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. This monitor can adjust settings and upscale content to 4K, making it a versatile choice for gaming with its 165Hz refresh rate.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with innovations that push the boundaries of technology. While last year was notable, 2025 promises even more exciting developments for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
