CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

CES 2025 was a showcase of cutting-edge gaming monitors, and I had the privilege of exploring the latest offerings from top vendors. The event was filled with surprises and advancements in display and graphics technology, making 2025 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 showcased their latest models, emphasizing their burn-in warranties and protection features. This year promises significant advancements in display technology.

The surge in QD-OLED popularity from 2024 continues, with new models boasting enhanced features. Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor with an impressive 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also presented their unique takes on these high-performance panels, indicating a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.

I was particularly impressed with the advancements in protection features. Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG, is a standout. 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. This is a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off the monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible. While launch prices remain high, opting for slightly older models can offer substantial savings throughout the year.

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

Although Mini-LED technology didn't dominate the show, it was still present. MSI plans to market its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more affordable alternative to QD-OLED. This approach is promising, especially given my experience with similar technologies.

The MPG 274URDFW E16M features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast in bright environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, I remain skeptical about its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature, which automatically adjusts resolution based on content.

Despite limited options at the show, Mini-LED technology is poised for growth. It offers high brightness, excellent contrast with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming is minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could be a compelling choice for those wary of the high costs and maintenance of OLED monitors.

Pricing for this model is yet to be announced, but it's expected to be more affordable than flagship QD-OLED monitors.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As QD-OLED technology advances and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates are reaching new heights. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 500Hz at 1440p is testament to this trend. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P is a standout, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR. 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. While TN panels compromise on color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether the average gamer will notice the improvements in clarity and latency remains to be seen.

CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer showcased the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz monitor with Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar technology. 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 unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K mini-LED monitor priced at a competitive $1,249. While not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it highlights the industry's push towards higher resolutions.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

Smart monitors, despite my mixed feelings about the Samsung G80SD, offer undeniable benefits for gamers in compact living spaces or those seeking a versatile display. The ability to use a monitor as a smart TV with built-in streaming services is increasingly appealing.

This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. While not all are directly aimed at gamers, the trend is clearly growing. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display with pre-loaded streaming apps and the ability to stream to up to four platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers 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. It 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, showcasing innovations that push the boundaries of technology. While 2024 was a strong year, 2025 promises even more exciting developments in the world of gaming displays.