CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 showcased an impressive array of new gaming monitors, and I spent considerable time exploring what the major vendors had to offer. The event was filled with genuine surprises and significant advancements in display and graphics technology, making this one of the most exciting years for gaming monitors in recent memory.

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

The dominant trend in gaming monitors at CES 2025 was the enduring presence of QD-OLED technology. Every major brand, including MSI, Gigabyte, and LG, showcased their latest QD-OLED offerings. Representatives emphasized their unique burn-in warranties and protection features, signaling a continued push toward this display technology throughout the year.

Given the surge in QD-OLED popularity in 2024, the new models unveiled at CES 2025 are poised to be even more impressive. Multiple 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 monitor that boasts an astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands presented their own versions of these cutting-edge panels, indicating a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.

I was particularly impressed with the advancements in protection features, such as the Neo Proximity Sensor integrated into Asus's upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This sensor, part of Asus's OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when you're away from your PC, preventing burn-in and reducing pixel wear. This feature eliminates the need to manually turn off your monitor when you step away.

As QD-OLED technology matures over multiple generations, we can expect prices to become more affordable. While the latest models may launch at high prices, looking back a generation or two could offer significant savings on still-excellent monitors throughout the year.

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

Although mini-LED technology wasn't the star of the show, it certainly made its presence known. An MSI representative shared plans to position their dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach makes sense, especially given my experience testing various mini-LED monitors.

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

While the show didn't showcase a plethora of mini-LED options, I anticipate seeing more of this technology in the future. The fear of burn-in associated with OLEDs is a significant concern, as evidenced by our reviews. Mini-LEDs offer exceptional brightness, excellent visual quality with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones (1,152 or more for 27-inch models), blooming becomes less of an issue. If brands can keep prices competitive, mini-LEDs could be a compelling alternative for those wary of spending over $1,000 on an OLED that requires careful handling.

Pricing for this model remains unofficial, but it's expected to be more affordable than its flagship QD-OLED counterparts.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As QD-OLED technology advances and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates and resolutions are reaching new heights. The introduction of 4K at 240Hz and 500Hz at 1440p marks significant milestones. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant display, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, which promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR. While similar designs are available from other brands, such as the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50 mentioned earlier, consumers will have multiple options to choose from.

MSI also brought back TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, pushing refresh rates to an impressive 600Hz. Although TN panels have trade-offs in color accuracy 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 gaming monitor with Nvidia's latest G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced two new "5K2K" gaming monitors with a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160 in an ultrawide 21:9 format. The Ultragear 45GX950A features a fixed 800R curve, while the Ultragear 45GX990A offers a bendable display adjustable from flat to a 900R curve.

Outside gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch 6K (6,016 x 3,384) mini-LED display aimed at creators. Priced at a reasonable $1,249, it's a cost-effective choice compared to other 6K displays, though its 60Hz refresh rate makes it less suitable for gaming.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

Smart monitors are increasingly bridging the gap between TVs and gaming monitors, a trend I noticed at CES 2025. Although I had mixed feelings about the Samsung G80SD in my review, the convenience of having a display that doubles as a smart TV with built-in streaming services is appealing, particularly for those in small living spaces or looking to relax after gaming.

Several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to up to four platforms directly from the monitor. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with a deep 800R curve and similar streaming capabilities.

Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can detect on-screen content and adjust picture settings accordingly, while also upscaling lower resolution content to 4K. With a 165Hz refresh rate, it's a solid choice for gamers seeking a versatile display.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 offered a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with each display pushing boundaries and hinting at where the industry is headed. While 2024 was a strong year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises even more exciting developments.