CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

The CES 2025 showcased an impressive array of gaming monitors, and I had the opportunity to explore the latest offerings from leading vendors. This year stands out as one of the most exciting for gaming monitors due to the significant advancements in display and graphics technology, featuring some genuine surprises and enhanced features.

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

The predominant theme at CES for gaming monitors was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG all showcased their latest QD-OLED models, emphasizing their burn-in warranties and protection features. This trend is set to continue throughout 2025, driven by the technology's impressive performance in 2024.

The new QD-OLED displays are not only better than ever but also come with higher specifications. Several companies introduced 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors equipped with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. Notably, MSI unveiled the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor boasting a 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also presented their unique takes on these high-performance panels, indicating a bright future for fast and visually stunning monitors.

I was particularly impressed with 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 sensor, part of the OLED Care suite, automatically displays a black screen when you're away from your PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This is a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off your monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures through multiple generations, we can expect prices to become more affordable. While initial launch prices remain high, looking back a generation or two can help you find excellent monitors at significant discounts throughout the year.

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

Although Mini-LED didn't dominate CES 2025, it was still present. MSI highlighted its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This monitor features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, offering impressive contrast and a 4K resolution at 160Hz. It can also switch to 320Hz at 1080p, although its AI-driven dual-mode feature raises some skepticism.

While Mini-LED options were limited at the show, the technology holds promise. It offers high brightness, excellent picture quality with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming is minimized, making Mini-LED a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality display without the high cost and maintenance of OLED.

Pricing for this model is yet to be announced, but it's 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 continue to soar. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 500Hz at 1440p marks significant milestones. Gigabyte’s Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant display, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for brighter HDR highlights. Other brands, like MSI with its MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, also offer similar high-performance options.

MSI also brought back TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, which boasts an astonishing 600Hz refresh rate, catering to gamers seeking the utmost speed. While TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether the average gamer will notice the difference in clarity and latency remains to be seen.

CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer introduced the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz gaming monitor with Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG debuted two new “5K2K” gaming monitors with a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution in an ultrawide 21:9 format. The Ultragear 45GX950A features an 800R curve, while the Ultragear 45GX990A offers a bendable display adjustable from flat to a 900R curve.

Beyond gaming, Asus showcased the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K (6,016 x 3,384) mini-LED monitor for creators, priced at a competitive $1,249. Although not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it exemplifies the industry's push towards higher resolutions.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

While I had mixed feelings about the Samsung G80SD in my review, smart monitors are increasingly appealing to gamers. These devices combine the functionality of a smart TV with streaming services, ideal for smaller living spaces or those looking to relax after gaming.

This year, several new smart monitor options were unveiled. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to up to four platforms directly from the monitor. LG’s UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar streaming features and an 800R curve.

Samsung debuted the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. This monitor can intelligently adjust picture settings and upscale content to 4K, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and entertainment with its 165Hz refresh rate.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with innovations pushing the boundaries of what's possible. While 2024 was a notable year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises even more exciting developments and better value for consumers.