CES 2025 was a spectacle of innovation in the gaming monitor industry, and I had the privilege of exploring the cutting-edge technologies showcased by the top vendors. The event highlighted significant advancements and surprises, marking 2025 as a landmark year for gaming monitors.
QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible
The dominant trend at CES for gaming monitors was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG were all on board, showcasing their latest models. The focus was particularly on enhanced burn-in warranties and protective features, signaling a strong commitment to this display technology throughout the year.
Following the surge in 2024, 2025's QD-OLED displays are even more impressive. Several companies introduced 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI unveiled the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED with a staggering 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also presented their unique versions of these high-performance panels, promising a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.
Protection against burn-in continues to evolve, with Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor in the upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG standing out. This feature, part of the OLED Care suite, automatically displays a black screen when you're away from your PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible, making previous generations of these monitors available at significant discounts.
Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It *Is* Tech To Keep an Eye Out For
While not as prominent, mini-LED technology still made an appearance at CES. MSI's representative highlighted their dual-mode AI mini-LED monitor, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a cost-effective alternative to QD-OLED. With 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, this 4K 160Hz monitor offers impressive contrast and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, the AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature, which automatically adjusts resolution, raised some skepticism.
Despite fewer options, mini-LED technology remains promising due to its high brightness, excellent contrast, and zero risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming is minimized, making it an attractive option for those wary of the maintenance required by OLEDs. If priced competitively, mini-LED could become a strong contender in the market.
Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb
As QD-OLED technology matures and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates are reaching new heights. The introduction of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is a testament to this progress. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P is a standout, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights and improved HDR performance. Other brands, like MSI with the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options.
MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate for those seeking the ultimate speed, albeit with trade-offs in color and viewing angles. Additionally, 2025 marks the rise of 5K monitors, with Acer's Predator XB323QX and LG's new “5K2K” gaming monitors, such as the Ultragear 45GX950A and the bendable Ultragear 45GX990A, showcasing the industry's push towards higher resolutions.
Outside gaming, Asus introduced the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K mini-LED display for creators, priced at a competitive $1,249, though its 60Hz refresh rate limits its gaming appeal.
Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together
Smart monitors continue to blur the lines between TVs and gaming monitors. Despite my initial reservations about the Samsung G80SD, the convenience of having a display that doubles as a smart TV with streaming capabilities is appealing, especially for those in smaller living spaces.
HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor offers a 32-inch 4K display with built-in streaming apps and the ability to stream to multiple platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA provides an ultrawide option with similar features and an 800R curve. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor leverages on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel, offering intelligent picture adjustments and content upscaling, along with a 165Hz refresh rate suitable for gaming.
Wrapping Up
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with innovations that push the boundaries of performance and functionality. The year promises to be even more exciting than the last, with a diverse range of options catering to various needs and preferences in the gaming community.
