CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

At CES 2025, the landscape of gaming monitors was nothing short of spectacular, with a plethora of innovative offerings from the industry's biggest players. My tour through the show floor revealed an exciting array of monitors that showcase the latest advancements in display and graphics technology, marking 2025 as a pivotal year for gaming enthusiasts.

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

The clear trend at CES was the dominance of QD-OLED technology, which continues to solidify its place in the gaming world. Leading brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG all showcased their QD-OLED innovations, with a strong emphasis on burn-in prevention and warranty assurances. This focus on display technology is set to intensify throughout the year.

The momentum from 2024's surge in QD-OLED adoption is evident, with 2025's models boasting significant improvements. Notable highlights include 4K 240Hz QD-OLEDs equipped with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1, and MSI's introduction of the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor that reaches a staggering 500Hz. The variety in panel technology suggests we're on the cusp of a new era of ultra-fast, visually stunning monitors.

Advancements in protection features were also a highlight, with Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor in the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG standing out. This sensor, part of the OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when you're away, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible, especially for models from previous generations.

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

While Mini-LED didn't steal the spotlight, it remains a technology worth watching. MSI's dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, aims to offer a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. With 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, it promises impressive contrast and 4K resolution at 160Hz, with the ability to switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, the AI-driven resolution switching feature raised some skepticism.

Despite fewer options at the show, Mini-LED's potential to deliver high brightness and contrast without the risk of burn-in makes it an attractive choice for those wary of OLED's maintenance needs. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could become a strong contender in the gaming monitor market.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

The push for higher refresh rates and resolutions is relentless, driven by advancements in QD-OLED and more powerful graphics cards. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz is testament to this trend. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P impressed with its pursuit of VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, promising brighter highlights for enhanced HDR experiences.

MSI's revival of TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate, caters to those seeking the ultimate in speed, though at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. Meanwhile, 5K monitors are gaining traction, with Acer's Predator XB323QX and LG's new “5K2K” gaming monitors like the Ultragear 45GX950A and the bendable Ultragear 45GX990A showcasing the future of high-resolution gaming.

Outside gaming, Asus's ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K mini-LED monitor, targets creators with a competitive price point, though its 60Hz refresh rate limits its gaming appeal.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

The concept of smart monitors, blending the functionality of TVs and gaming monitors, continues to gain traction. While my experience with the Samsung G80SD was mixed, the convenience of having streaming services built into a monitor is undeniable, especially for those in compact living spaces.

New entries like HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor and LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offer streaming capabilities alongside gaming features. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor takes it a step further with on-device neural processing to optimize its 4K OLED panel, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and entertainment.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with innovations that push the boundaries of what's possible. From the continued rise of QD-OLED to the potential of Mini-LED and the integration of smart features, 2025 promises to be an exceptional year for gamers looking to upgrade their setups.