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 remained a central theme, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized enhanced burn-in warranties and protective features. The emergence of 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models with DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity signifies a significant leap forward. MSI's MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p 500Hz marvel, exemplifies this trend. Furthermore, innovative features like Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, automatically activating a black screen to prevent burn-in when the user is away, are enhancing user experience. While initial prices remain high, future price reductions are anticipated as the technology matures.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

Mini-LED technology, though less prominent than QD-OLED, remains a strong contender. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, positioned as a more affordable alternative to QD-OLED, features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast. Its 4K 160Hz (and 1080p 320Hz) capabilities make it attractive, despite some skepticism surrounding its AI-driven dual-mode resolution switching. The absence of burn-in risk and potential for high brightness with sufficient dimming zones make it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.

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, with 1440p 500Hz monitors also emerging. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P, targeting VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, showcases superior HDR capabilities. MSI's MPG 242R X60N, utilizing a 600Hz TN panel, caters to gamers prioritizing speed, although at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. The arrival of 5K monitors, exemplified by Acer's Predator XB323QX and LG's UltraGear 45GX950A/45GX990A (5120 x 2160 ultrawide options with varying curvature), marks another significant milestone. Asus even unveiled a 6K mini-LED display (ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV) aimed at creators.

Smart Monitors Bridge the Gap Between TVs and Gaming Monitors:

Smart monitors, offering built-in streaming services and other smart TV features, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA, and Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, with its neural processing and 4K OLED panel, are examples of this growing trend, blurring the lines between gaming and entertainment.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 demonstrated a significant advancement in gaming monitor technology. While last year's offerings were impressive, 2025 promises even greater innovation, offering consumers a wider array of choices with enhanced features and performance at various price points. The future of gaming displays looks brighter than ever.