CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

At CES 2025, the showcase of new gaming monitors was nothing short of spectacular. I had the pleasure of exploring the latest offerings from top vendors, and the advancements in display and graphics technology were truly thrilling, making this one of the most exciting years for gaming monitors we've seen in recent memory.

QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible

The dominant theme at CES for gaming monitors was the continued rise of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG were all showcasing their latest models, with a strong emphasis on burn-in warranties and protective features. This trend is set to continue throughout the year, building on the momentum from 2024.

The new displays are more impressive than ever, with multiple companies unveiling 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors featuring high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI, for instance, introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor with an astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also showcased their unique takes on these panels, promising a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.

I was particularly impressed with the advancements in protection features. A notable example is the Neo Proximity Sensor integrated into Asus's upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This sensor, part of their OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when you're away from your PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This feature is a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off your monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible. While the initial launch prices are high, opting for models from a previous generation could offer significant savings without sacrificing quality.

Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For

Although Mini-LED technology didn't dominate the show, it was still present and noteworthy. MSI plans to market its dual-mode AI mini-LED monitor, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach makes sense, and I'm hopeful that it will help revive interest in this technology.

The MPG 274URDFW E16M boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, offering excellent contrast in bright environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz for smooth gameplay, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, I remain skeptical about its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature that automatically adjusts resolution based on content.

Despite the limited showcase, I believe Mini-LED technology has a promising future. It offers high brightness, fantastic visuals with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With enough dimming zones, issues like blooming are minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could be a compelling choice for those wary of the higher costs and maintenance of OLED displays.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As mentioned earlier, the evolution of QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards are pushing refresh rates to new heights. We're now seeing 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P is a standout, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights and enhanced HDR performance. Other brands are also offering similar designs, such as the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, providing a range of options for potential buyers.

MSI is also pushing the envelope with TN panels, introducing the MSI MPG 242R X60N with a 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels have limitations in color and viewing angles, their speed is impressive. However, the appeal of such high refresh rates to the average gamer remains uncertain.

CES 2025 marked a significant moment for 5K monitors. Acer unveiled the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz gaming monitor with Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG also introduced two new "5K2K" gaming monitors with a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution in a 21:9 ultrawide 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.

Beyond gaming, Asus showcased the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K mini-LED display aimed at creators, priced competitively at $1,249. Though not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it highlights the industry's continuous push for higher resolutions.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

While I was not impressed with the Samsung G80SD in my previous review, the concept of smart monitors has undeniable appeal for many gamers. The ability to use your monitor as a smart TV with built-in streaming services is particularly advantageous in compact living spaces or for those who enjoy casual viewing.

This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display with pre-loaded streaming apps and the ability to stream to up to four 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, which uses on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can detect and adjust picture settings based on the content displayed, upscale lower resolution content to 4K, and offers a 165Hz refresh rate, making it a solid choice for gaming as well.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, showcasing innovations that push the boundaries of what's possible. Last year was a great, albeit expensive, year for gaming monitors, but 2025 promises even more exciting developments across the board.