The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 was a playground for gaming monitor enthusiasts, showcasing a plethora of cutting-edge models from the industry's leading vendors. My tour of the event revealed not just an impressive lineup but also groundbreaking advancements in display and graphics technology, making this year particularly thrilling for those in the market for a new gaming monitor.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
One clear trend at CES 2025 was the continued dominance of QD-OLED technology in gaming monitors. Major players like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG were all eager to showcase their latest offerings, emphasizing their advanced burn-in warranties and protection features. The push toward this display technology is set to intensify throughout the year.
Following the surge of interest in 2024, 2025's QD-OLED models are poised to be even more impressive. Notable releases included 4K monitors with a 240Hz refresh rate and higher-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI's standout was the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, boasting a remarkable 1440p resolution at a staggering 500Hz. Other brands presented their unique takes on these panels, ensuring a diverse selection of high-performance monitors for consumers.
Innovative protection features also caught my eye, with Asus introducing the Neo Proximity Sensor in their upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG models. This sensor, part of their OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when the user steps away, helping to prevent burn-in and prolong pixel life. This advancement is a significant step forward, as it eliminates the need to manually turn off the monitor when not in use.
As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible. While launch prices remain high, savvy shoppers can find great deals on slightly older models throughout the year.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It *Is* Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
While Mini-LED technology didn't dominate the show floor, it was still present and noteworthy. MSI's representative highlighted their plans to offer the MPG 274URDFW E16M as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This dual-mode AI mini-LED monitor features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of approximately 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast, especially in well-lit environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p, although the AI-driven resolution switching feature raised some skepticism.
Despite the limited showcase, Mini-LED technology holds promise, particularly due to its immunity to burn-in and its ability to achieve high brightness levels. With enough dimming zones, the issue of blooming is minimized, making it an attractive option for those wary of the higher costs and maintenance of OLED monitors. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could offer a compelling alternative.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
The trend of increasing refresh rates and resolutions was evident at CES 2025. With the refinement of QD-OLED technology and advancements in graphics cards, we're seeing monitors like the 4K 240Hz and the 1440p 500Hz models. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out for its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises even brighter highlights for enhanced HDR performance.
MSI also revived the TN panel with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, offering an astonishing 600Hz refresh rate for those seeking the ultimate in speed. While TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is unmatched, though the benefits may be subtle for the average gamer.
CES 2025 also marked the emergence of 5K monitors. Acer's Predator XB323QX, a 5K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar technology, was a highlight. LG introduced two "5K2K" gaming monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A with an 800R curve, and the Ultragear 45GX990A with a bendable display that can adjust from flat to a 900R curve.
Beyond gaming, Asus showcased the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K monitor aimed at creators, with a mini-LED panel and a surprisingly affordable price of $1,249, despite its 60Hz refresh rate.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
Smart monitors continue to blur the lines between TVs and gaming displays. While I had mixed feelings about the Samsung G80SD, the convenience of having a monitor that can also serve as a smart TV with access to streaming services is undeniable, especially in compact living spaces.
New smart monitor options are on the horizon for 2025. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor offers a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and the ability to stream to up to four platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA provides an ultrawide option with similar streaming capabilities and an 800R curve.
Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel, adjusting picture settings and upscaling content to 4K, all while maintaining a 165Hz refresh rate suitable for gaming.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with each showcased model pushing the envelope in some way. While last year was notable for its high-end offerings, 2025 promises even more exciting developments and greater accessibility for consumers.
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