There was no shortage of innovation in the world of gaming monitors at CES 2025. As I walked through the exhibit halls, it became clear that display technology is advancing faster than ever before. From stunning visual upgrades to smarter features and ultra-fast refresh rates, this year promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
QD-OLED Continues Its Dominance and Looks to Become More Accessible
If there’s one trend that stood out at CES 2025, it’s the continued rise of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest QD-OLED offerings, each with impressive specs and enhanced burn-in protection features. With many vendors emphasizing improved warranties and pixel longevity, confidence in the technology continues to grow.
This year saw a number of high-end models pushing the boundaries of performance. For instance, multiple companies unveiled 4K QD-OLED displays capable of running at an astonishing 240Hz via DisplayPort 2.1. MSI even introduced its MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p monitor with a blistering 500Hz refresh rate—ideal for competitive players seeking every millisecond advantage.
Another highlight was Asus’ introduction of the Neo Proximity Sensor in its upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This smart feature detects when you’re away from your PC and automatically blanks the screen to prevent burn-in and preserve pixel life. It's a thoughtful upgrade that eliminates the need to manually turn off the monitor during idle periods.
As QD-OLED matures, prices are expected to become more approachable. While new models remain premium-priced, older generations will likely drop significantly in cost throughout the year—making now a great time to consider future-proofing or budget-friendly shopping.
Mini-LED Stays Relevant as a Burn-In-Free Alternative
Though not as dominant as QD-OLED on the show floor, Mini-LED remains a compelling option for those wary of potential OLED issues like burn-in. MSI’s dual-mode AI Mini-LED model, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, stood out as a more affordable alternative. Featuring 1,152 local dimming zones and peak brightness around 1,000 nits, it delivers strong contrast and vibrant visuals—especially noticeable in well-lit environments.
The monitor also supports 4K resolution at 160Hz, and can boost up to 320Hz at 1080p. However, its AI-driven “dual-mode” functionality—which automatically switches resolutions based on content—remains a questionable feature for some users.
Despite limited representation at CES, Mini-LED remains a technology worth watching. With no risk of burn-in and blooming minimized by high zone counts, it offers a viable alternative for budget-conscious buyers who still want top-tier image quality. If pricing stays competitive, expect to see a resurgence of interest in the coming months.
Pushing the Limits of Refresh Rates and Resolutions
With advancements in both graphics hardware and panel technology, 2025 is shaping up to be the year where extreme performance becomes mainstream. The ceiling for refresh rates has been lifted even higher, with 4K 240Hz and 1440p 500Hz displays now available.
Gigabyte impressed with its Aorus FO27Q5P, which is set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification—offering brighter highlights and better HDR performance than many current QD-OLED panels. Meanwhile, MSI revisited TN technology with the MPG 242R X60N, a 24-inch monitor boasting a staggering 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels come with trade-offs in color accuracy and viewing angles, they continue to appeal to hardcore esports players chasing the lowest possible latency.
CES 2025 also marked a turning point for ultra-high-resolution monitors. Acer introduced the Predator XB323QX, a 5K 144Hz display featuring Nvidia G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG debuted two ultrawide "5K2K" (5,120 x 2,160) monitors—the Ultragear 45GX950A with a fixed 800R curve and the flexible 45GX990A, which can shift between flat and a deep 900R bend.
Outside of gaming, Asus showcased the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6,016 x 3,384 resolution monitor aimed at creators. At $1,249, it’s competitively priced compared to similar professional displays, though its 60Hz refresh rate makes it unsuitable for gaming.
Smart Monitors Blur the Line Between Gaming and Entertainment
Smart monitors are becoming increasingly popular, especially among users who value versatility. Samsung’s G80SD may not have won me over completely, but the idea of combining gaming performance with smart TV-like streaming capabilities clearly resonates with a growing audience—particularly those in compact living spaces.
HP joined the trend with the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display packed with built-in streaming apps and multi-platform game streaming support. LG countered with the UltraGear 39GX90SA, an ultrawide monitor featuring a deep 800R curvature and robust entertainment features.
Samsung also introduced the M9 Smart Monitor, a sleek 4K OLED display with onboard neural processing to enhance visuals and upscale lower-resolution content. Despite being designed for general use, it still holds its own in gaming thanks to a 165Hz refresh rate.
Final Thoughts
CES 2025 gave us a glimpse into the next evolution of gaming displays. Whether you're chasing cutting-edge performance, immersive visuals, or multifunctional flexibility, there’s something new and exciting on the horizon. While some innovations remain premium-priced today, history suggests that these features will trickle down to more affordable options over time. So whether you're upgrading now or just keeping tabs, 2025 looks to be a landmark year for gaming monitors.
