The Biggest Gaming Monitor Trends of CES 2025

CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing the boundaries of display technology. Key trends included the continued dominance of QD-OLED, advancements in mini-LED, escalating refresh rates and resolutions, and the rise of smart monitors.

QD-OLED's Enduring Appeal and Increased Accessibility:

QD-OLED technology solidified its position as a leading contender, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized enhanced burn-in warranties and protective features. The year saw the debut of several 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors featuring DisplayPort 2.1, and MSI even unveiled a groundbreaking 1440p 500Hz QD-OLED, the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50. Furthermore, advancements in protective features, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor (integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG), automatically activates a black screen when the user is away, mitigating burn-in. As the technology matures, price reductions are anticipated.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

While not as prevalent as QD-OLED, mini-LED technology remained a significant presence. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, a dual-mode AI mini-LED monitor, aims to offer a more affordable alternative to QD-OLED. Boasting 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, it delivers impressive contrast and a 4K 160Hz (or 1080p 320Hz) experience. Despite some reservations about its AI-driven dual-mode, mini-LED's inherent advantages—high brightness, excellent contrast, and no burn-in risk—make it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.

The Race to Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The convergence of improved QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates. 4K 240Hz displays are now a reality, alongside 1440p 500Hz monitors like Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P (VESA TrueBlack 500 certified) and MSI's MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50. MSI also resurrected TN panels with the MPG 242R X60N, boasting a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate, although at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors, such as Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K, 144Hz with G-Sync Pulsar) and LG's ultrawide "5K2K" Ultragear 45GX950A and 45GX990A (with a bendable display), signifies a significant leap in resolution. Even a 6K monitor, the Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, targeted at creators, was unveiled.

Smart Monitors Blurring the Lines Between TVs and Gaming Monitors:

Smart monitors are gaining traction, offering integrated streaming services and smart TV functionality. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor (32-inch 4K) and LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA (ultrawide) provide examples of this trend, offering built-in streaming apps and multi-platform streaming capabilities. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, featuring 4K OLED, neural processing for picture enhancement, and a 165Hz refresh rate, further blurs the lines between gaming and smart TV functionality.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 demonstrated a significant advancement in gaming monitor technology, with QD-OLED solidifying its place, mini-LED offering a competitive alternative, and refresh rates and resolutions reaching unprecedented heights. The rise of smart monitors adds another layer of functionality, suggesting a future where gaming displays seamlessly integrate with entertainment and productivity needs. 2025 promises to be an exceptional year for gaming monitor enthusiasts.