CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

The CES 2025 event was brimming with exciting new gaming monitors, and I had the privilege of touring the show to uncover the latest innovations from top vendors. This year has been marked by genuine surprises and significant advancements in display and graphics technology, making 2025 a standout year for gaming monitors.

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

The dominant trend in gaming monitors at CES was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest offerings, emphasizing improved burn-in warranties and advanced protection features. This trend is set to continue as display technology evolves throughout the year.

The surge in QD-OLED popularity seen in 2024 is only set to grow, with new models promising even better performance. Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors equipped with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor that reaches an impressive 500Hz. Other brands presented their unique interpretations of these high-performance panels, suggesting a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.

Protection features are also advancing, with a notable example being the Neo Proximity Sensor integrated into Asus's upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This feature, part of Asus's OLED Care suite, detects when you're away from your PC and displays a black screen to prevent burn-in and pixel wear. This advancement is a welcome change from having to manually turn off your monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more affordable. While launch prices for the latest models remain high, looking at older generations can provide access to quality monitors at a significant discount 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 introduce its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach aligns well with my experience testing various Mini-LED monitors, and I hope MSI's efforts will bring this technology back into the spotlight.

The MPG 274URDFW E16M boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast in brightly lit environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz for smooth, high-resolution 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 displayed content.

While Mini-LED options were limited at the show, I anticipate seeing more of this technology. It offers high brightness, excellent visuals with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones (1,152 or more for 27 inches), blooming is minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LED monitors could be an attractive alternative for those wary of the high costs and maintenance required by OLED displays.

Official pricing for this model is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be more affordable than its flagship QD-OLED counterparts.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As mentioned earlier, advancements in QD-OLED and graphics card technology are pushing refresh rates to new heights. 4K at 240Hz is now a reality, and 500Hz at 1440p is also available. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P impressed with its sleek design and vibrant visuals, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification 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, which boasts a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate. Although TN panels come with trade-offs in color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. The market for these monitors may be niche, but their performance is impressive.

CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer showcased the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz monitor with Nvidia's latest G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced two new "5K2K" gaming monitors with a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution and an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio. The Ultragear 45GX950A features a fixed 800R curve, while the Ultragear 45GX990A offers a bendable display that can adjust from flat to a 900R curve.

Beyond gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K (6,016 x 3,384) mini-LED display for creators, priced at a competitive $1,249. While not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it highlights the industry's ongoing push toward higher resolutions.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

Although my review of the Samsung G80SD wasn't favorable, the concept of smart monitors holds undeniable appeal for many gamers. These devices serve dual purposes as both gaming monitors and smart TVs, offering access to streaming services—a significant advantage for those in compact living spaces or seeking a break from gaming.

This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. While not all are directly targeted at gamers, the trend is clearly growing. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K model with pre-loaded streaming apps and the ability to stream to up to four platforms directly from the monitor. The LG UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with streaming features and an 800R curve.

Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor features on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can detect displayed content and adjust settings accordingly, upscale lower-resolution content to 4K, and supports a 165Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for gaming.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 offered a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, showcasing innovations that push the boundaries of technology. While last year was impressive, 2025 promises even greater advancements and more accessible options for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.