CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing the boundaries of display and graphics technology. Several key trends emerged, promising an exciting year for gamers.
QD-OLED's Continued Dominance and Increased Accessibility:
QD-OLED technology remained a central theme, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their advancements. Many featured enhanced burn-in warranties and protection features. The highlight was the proliferation of 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, and even a remarkable 1440p 500Hz option (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50). 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 absent, preventing burn-in. Furthermore, prices are expected to decrease as the technology matures.
Mini-LED: A Viable Contender:
While not as prevalent, Mini-LED technology, exemplified by MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, presented a potentially more affordable alternative to QD-OLED. This model boasts 1,152 local dimming zones, 1,000 nits peak brightness, and a 4K 160Hz (or 1080p 320Hz) refresh rate. Although its AI-driven dual-mode functionality is debatable, Mini-LED's inherent advantages – high brightness, excellent contrast, and no burn-in risk – make it a strong contender, especially if pricing remains competitive.
Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:
The combination of improved QD-OLED and more powerful graphics cards is driving higher refresh rates and resolutions. 4K 240Hz is now a reality, alongside 1440p 500Hz displays (Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P and MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50). MSI even revived TN panels with the MPG 242R X60N, achieving a stunning 600Hz refresh rate, though at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors, such as Acer's Predator XB323QX and LG's UltraGear 45GX950A/45GX990A (with innovative bendable display), further signifies the industry's upward trajectory. Asus even showcased a 6K mini-LED monitor (ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV) aimed at creators.
Smart Monitors Blurring the Lines Between TVs and Gaming Monitors:
Smart monitors, offering built-in streaming services and smart TV functionality, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA, and Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, each with its unique features, demonstrate the growing appeal of this hybrid approach. The Samsung M9, in particular, utilizes neural processing for enhanced picture quality and upscaling.
Conclusion:
CES 2025 demonstrated a significant leap forward in gaming monitor technology. While 2024 offered impressive advancements, 2025 promises even greater innovation, pushing refresh rates, resolutions, and smart features to new heights. The choices for gamers are expanding, offering a diverse range of options to suit various needs and budgets.
