CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

At CES 2025, the showcase of new gaming monitors was nothing short of impressive. My tour through the exhibition halls revealed the latest innovations from top vendors, highlighting a year that promises to be one of the most thrilling for gaming monitor enthusiasts.

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

The undeniable trend at CES was the continued dominance of QD-OLED technology in gaming monitors. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG were all showcasing their latest offerings, emphasizing their advanced burn-in protection features and warranties. This trend is set to continue into 2025, building on the momentum from last year.

The new QD-OLED displays are pushing the boundaries further than ever before. Several companies unveiled 4K monitors with a 240Hz refresh rate, equipped with the latest DisplayPort 2.1 for higher bandwidth. MSI's standout was the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p monitor with an astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands introduced their own versions, ensuring a diverse range of options for consumers eager for fast, visually stunning monitors.

As QD-OLED technology matures, prices are expected to become more accessible. While new models may still carry a premium, looking at older generations could offer significant savings on high-quality monitors throughout the year.

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

Although Mini-LED didn't dominate the show, it was still present and worth noting. MSI's representative highlighted their dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more affordable alternative to QD-OLED. This monitor boasts 1,152 local dimming zones, a peak brightness of about 1,000 nits, and a 4K resolution with a 160Hz refresh rate. It can even switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though the AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature, which automatically adjusts resolution, raised some skepticism.

Despite fewer options at CES, Mini-LED technology's potential is undeniable. It offers high brightness, excellent contrast with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in, making it an attractive option for those wary of OLED's maintenance needs. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming issues are minimized, and if priced competitively, Mini-LED could become a strong contender in the market.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

The evolution of QD-OLED and more powerful graphics cards is driving higher refresh rates and resolutions. 4K at 240Hz is now a reality, and 1440p at 500Hz is making waves. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR.

MSI's revival of TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate, was particularly striking. While TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is unmatched. Whether the average gamer will notice the improvements in clarity and latency remains to be seen.

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

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

Smart monitors, which combine the functionality of TVs and gaming monitors, are gaining traction. While my review of the Samsung G80SD was not overly positive, the convenience of having streaming services built-in is appealing for those in compact living spaces or seeking a versatile display.

New options are on the horizon. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor offers a 32-inch 4K display with pre-loaded streaming apps and the ability to stream to four platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA provides an ultrawide option with similar features and an 800R curve. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel, with the ability to adjust settings and upscale content, making it a viable option for gaming with its 165Hz refresh rate.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with innovations that push the envelope in terms of technology and functionality. While 2024 was a great year, 2025 is poised to offer even more exciting developments for gaming enthusiasts.