CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

CES 2025 was brimming with exciting developments in the realm of gaming monitors. As I navigated through the bustling show floor, I was on the lookout for the latest innovations from top vendors, and the array of new features and technologies did not disappoint. With advancements in display and graphics technology, 2025 stands out as a pivotal year for gaming monitors.

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

The dominant narrative at CES 2025 for gaming monitors was the steadfast presence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands such as MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest offerings, emphasizing burn-in warranties and enhanced protection features. The industry's focus on QD-OLED is set to intensify throughout the year.

Building on the momentum from 2024, the new QD-OLED displays are pushing boundaries with their performance. Notable unveilings included 4K 240Hz QD-OLEDs with higher-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI's MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50 boasted an impressive 1440p QD-OLED with a 500Hz refresh rate. The variety in panel technology across brands suggests a bright future for fast, visually stunning monitors.

Advancements in protection features were also a highlight. Asus introduced the Neo Proximity Sensor in their upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG models. This innovative feature within the OLED Care suite detects user absence and switches to a black screen to mitigate burn-in and pixel wear. This is a significant step forward from the traditional requirement of manually turning off the monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more consumer-friendly. While launch prices remain high, opting for models from previous generations could offer significant savings without sacrificing quality.

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

Though Mini-LED technology took a backseat at the show, it's still worth watching. MSI's representative highlighted their dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This model boasts 1,152 local dimming zones, a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, and a contrast ratio that was impressive even in the brightly lit showroom. It's a 4K monitor with a 160Hz refresh rate, capable of switching to 320Hz at 1080p, though the effectiveness of its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature remains to be seen.

Mini-LED's absence of burn-in risk and potential for high brightness and contrast make it an attractive option for those wary of OLED's drawbacks. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming can be minimized, making Mini-LED a compelling choice if priced competitively against QD-OLED.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

The trend of escalating refresh rates and resolutions was evident at CES 2025. With QD-OLED technology refining and graphics cards advancing, we're seeing 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P impressed with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for enhanced HDR performance. Other brands, including the aforementioned MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options.

MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, pushing refresh rates to 600Hz for those seeking ultimate speed. While TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether this will resonate with the average gamer remains to be seen.

5K monitors also made a significant impact at CES 2025. Acer's Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz monitor with Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar tech, and LG's debuted a pair of new “5K2K” gaming monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A with an 800R curve and the adjustable Ultragear 45GX990A, showcased the industry's push towards higher resolutions. Asus also introduced the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K mini-LED display for creators, priced competitively at $1,249.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

The convergence of smart TVs and gaming monitors was evident with the rise of smart monitors. While my review of the Samsung G80SD was not overly positive, the convenience of having a display that can double as a smart TV with streaming services is undeniable, especially for those in smaller living spaces.

HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K monitor with pre-loaded streaming apps and the ability to stream to multiple platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with a deep 800R curve and similar streaming capabilities. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor enhances its 4K OLED panel with on-device neural processing, adjusting settings and upscaling content, making it a versatile choice with a 165Hz refresh rate suitable for gaming.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 offered a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, showcasing innovations that push the envelope in performance and technology. While 2024 was a remarkable year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises even more exciting developments, making it an eagerly anticipated time for gaming enthusiasts.