CES 2025 Forecasts Rise of Immersive Gaming Monitors

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 Growing Accessibility:

QD-OLED technology remained a prominent feature, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized burn-in warranties and protective features. The year saw the debut of several 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, and MSI even unveiled a 1440p 500Hz model, the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50. Furthermore, advancements in protective features, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor (in the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG), automatically activate a black screen when the user is away, mitigating burn-in risk. Price reductions are also anticipated as the technology matures.

Mini-LED: A Viable Contender:

While not as prevalent as QD-OLED, mini-LED technology remained a significant presence. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, positioned as a more affordable alternative to QD-OLED, boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast. Its 4K 160Hz (and 1080p 320Hz) capabilities make it attractive, although its AI-driven dual-mode feature remains questionable. Mini-LED's advantages – high brightness, excellent contrast, and the absence of burn-in risk – make it a compelling option, especially if pricing remains competitive.

Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The convergence of advanced QD-OLED and powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates. 4K 240Hz and 1440p 500Hz monitors are now a reality, exemplified by Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P (with VESA TrueBlack 500 certification) and MSI's MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50. MSI also showcased the MPG 242R X60N, a 600Hz TN panel monitor, though with compromises in color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors, such as Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K, 144Hz with G-Sync Pulsar) and LG's UltraGear 45GX950A and 45GX990A (5120 x 2160 ultrawide with adjustable curvature), marks another significant leap. Asus even introduced a 6K mini-LED monitor, the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, aimed at creative professionals.

Smart Monitors Blurring the Lines:

Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services and smart TV functionalities, 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, featuring 4K OLED, neural processing for upscaling, and a 165Hz refresh rate, further highlights the convergence of gaming and smart TV technologies.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 demonstrated a significant advancement in gaming monitor technology. The year promises even greater innovation and a broader range of choices for gamers, catering to diverse needs and budgets.