CES 2025 was a showcase for the latest in gaming monitors, and I was there to explore what the top vendors had in store. The event highlighted a range of innovations, making 2025 an exciting year for gaming monitor enthusiasts as display and graphics technologies continue to evolve.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
The dominant theme at CES for gaming monitors was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Leading brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG all showcased new QD-OLED models, emphasizing enhanced burn-in warranties and protection features. This trend is set to persist throughout the year, building on the momentum from 2024.
The new displays are not just more of the same; they're better than ever. Multiple companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLEDs with higher-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI's MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50 stands out with a 1440p resolution and an astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also introduced their own versions of these high-performance panels, promising a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.
I was particularly impressed by the advancements in protection features, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor integrated into the upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This feature, part of the OLED Care suite, detects when you're away from your PC and displays a black screen to prevent burn-in and pixel wear. It's a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off monitors.As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to drop. While the initial pricing on the latest models remains high, opting for slightly older generations could offer substantial savings without sacrificing much in terms of performance.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
Mini-LED technology, while not as prominent at the show, still made its presence known. MSI's representative highlighted their 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, delivering excellent contrast, especially in well-lit environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though the AI-driven resolution switching feature left me skeptical.
Despite the limited showcase, I anticipate more mini-LED options in the future. The technology offers high brightness and fantastic visuals without the risk of burn-in, making it an attractive choice for those wary of OLED's maintenance needs. If priced competitively, mini-LED could become a compelling alternative to QD-OLED.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
The advancements in QD-OLED and graphics cards have driven refresh rates to new heights. 4K at 240Hz is now a reality, and 1440p at 500Hz is also here. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P caught my eye with its sleek design and vibrant display, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR. Other brands, including the aforementioned MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options.
MSI also brought back TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting an impressive 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels have trade-offs in color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether this will appeal to the average gamer remains to be seen.
5K monitors made a significant impact at CES 2025. Acer's Predator XB323QX offers a 5K, 144Hz display with Nvidia's latest G-Sync Pulsar tech. LG introduced two new "5K2K" gaming monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A with a fixed 800R curve, and the Ultragear 45GX990A with a bendable display adjustable from flat to a 900R curve.Beyond gaming, Asus showcased the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch mini-LED display aimed at creators, priced competitively at $1,249. Although not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it's a testament to the industry's push towards higher resolutions.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
Smart monitors, while not my favorite when I reviewed the Samsung G80SD, offer undeniable benefits, especially for those in smaller living spaces. They combine the functionality of a smart TV with a gaming monitor, providing access to streaming services.
This year, several new smart monitor options were introduced. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor is a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to up to four platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with a deep 800R curve and similar streaming capabilities.
Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel, 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, showcasing advancements that push the boundaries of technology. While 2024 was a notable year, 2025 promises even more exciting developments in display technology, offering gamers more choices than ever before.
