Gaming Monitors Unleash Cutting-Edge Innovations at CES '25

CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing the boundaries of 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 remained a prominent feature, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized enhanced burn-in protection features, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor (integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG), which automatically dims the screen when the user is away. The availability of 4K 240Hz and even 1440p 500Hz (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50) QD-OLED monitors signals a move towards faster, higher-resolution displays. Price reductions are also anticipated as the technology matures.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

While not as dominant, mini-LED technology, exemplified by MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, presented a potentially more affordable alternative to QD-OLED. With 1,152 local dimming zones and 1000 nits peak brightness, it offers impressive contrast and a 4K 160Hz (or 1080p 320Hz) experience. However, the AI-driven dual-mode resolution switching remains questionable. Mini-LED's advantages—high brightness, excellent contrast, and no burn-in risk—make it a strong contender, especially if pricing remains competitive.

The Race to Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The convergence of improved QD-OLED and more powerful graphics cards has driven refresh rates higher. 4K 240Hz is now a reality, alongside 1440p 500Hz displays (like the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P, boasting VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for brighter highlights). MSI even revived TN panels with the MPG 242R X60N, achieving a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate, albeit at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors, such as Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K 144Hz) and LG's UltraGear 45GX950A/45GX990A (5120 x 2160 ultrawide with curved/bendable displays), further underscores this trend. Even a 6K monitor for creators, the Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, was unveiled.

Smart Monitors Blur the Lines Between TVs and Gaming Monitors:

Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor (32-inch 4K) and LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA (ultrawide) provide examples of this trend. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, a 4K OLED with neural processing for upscaling and picture enhancement, even caters to gamers with its 165Hz refresh rate.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 showcased a significant leap forward in gaming monitor technology. While QD-OLED continues to lead, mini-LED offers a compelling alternative. Higher refresh rates and resolutions are becoming increasingly common, and smart monitors are gaining popularity. The year promises exciting advancements and diverse options for gamers.