CES 2025 was a showcase for the latest in gaming monitors, and my tour through the event revealed an impressive array of new releases from top vendors. The show was filled with innovative features and cutting-edge display technologies, making 2025 a standout year for gaming monitor enthusiasts.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
The dominant trend at CES 2025 was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology in gaming monitors. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG all showcased their latest offerings, emphasizing their advanced burn-in warranties and protective features. This focus on QD-OLED indicates a strong push in display technology for the year ahead.
The surge in QD-OLED popularity seen in 2024 is set to continue, with even more impressive models debuting this year. Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors equipped with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI, for instance, introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p model with a remarkable 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also presented their unique variations, suggesting a future filled with high-performance, visually stunning monitors.
I was particularly impressed by the advancements in protection features, such as the Neo Proximity Sensor integrated into Asus's upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This feature, part of Asus's OLED Care suite, automatically displays a black screen when the user is away from the PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This is a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off monitors.As QD-OLED technology matures, we can anticipate more affordable options. While initial prices for the latest models remain high, looking at previous generations could offer substantial savings without compromising on quality.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
Although not as prominent, Mini-LED technology still made its mark at CES 2025. MSI's representative highlighted their dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a cost-effective alternative to QD-OLED. This monitor boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, delivering excellent contrast, especially in well-lit environments. It supports 4K at 160Hz, and can even reach 320Hz at 1080p, though the AI-driven resolution switching feature remains questionable.
Despite fewer options on display, Mini-LED's potential for high brightness and superior contrast without the risk of burn-in makes it a promising technology. With enough dimming zones, issues like blooming are minimized, offering a viable alternative for those hesitant to invest heavily in OLED displays.
Pricing for this model is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be more affordable 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 are reaching new heights. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 500Hz at 1440p is a testament to this trend. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P impressed with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for enhanced HDR capabilities. Other brands, including the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options.
MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting an astonishing 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels have limitations in color and viewing angles, their speed is unmatched, catering to a niche market of gamers prioritizing performance over visual quality.
CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer's Predator XB323QX offers a 5K, 144Hz display with Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar technology, while LG introduced the “5K2K” gaming monitors with a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution in an ultrawide 21:9 format. The Ultragear 45GX950A features a fixed 800R curve, and the Ultragear 45GX990A offers a bendable display adjustable from flat to a 900R curve.Outside of gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch mini-LED display aimed at creators, priced at a competitive $1,249. Although not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it highlights the industry's push toward higher resolutions.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
Despite my lukewarm reception to the Samsung G80SD in my review, the appeal of smart monitors is undeniable. These devices combine the functionality of a smart TV with a gaming monitor, offering streaming services built-in, which is ideal for space-conscious users or those seeking versatility.
Several new smart monitor options are on the horizon for 2025. While not all were specifically aimed at gamers, the trend is clearly growing. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor is a 32-inch 4K display with pre-loaded streaming apps and the ability to stream to up to four different platforms directly from the monitor. The LG UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with an 800R curve and similar streaming capabilities.
Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel, automatically adjusting picture settings and upscaling content to 4K. With a 165Hz refresh rate, it's also a viable option for gaming.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with innovations pushing the boundaries of technology. While 2024 was a great year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises even more exciting developments, making it an essential year for any gaming enthusiast to keep an eye on.
