The Biggest Gaming Monitor Trends of CES 2025

The CES 2025 showcased an impressive array of new gaming monitors, and I had the privilege of exploring what the leading vendors had in store. The event was filled with innovations and 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 predominant theme at CES for gaming monitors was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest offerings, emphasizing their burn-in warranties and protection features. The push towards this display technology is set to continue throughout the year.

Given the significant growth in 2024, the new QD-OLED displays are poised to be even more impressive. Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor with an astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands also presented their unique versions of these cutting-edge panels, promising a future filled with fast and visually stunning monitors.

Advancements in protection features were also notable. A standout was Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor integrated into the upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This feature, part of the OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when you step away from your PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This is a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off the monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more affordable. While current launch prices are high, opting for models from previous generations could offer significant savings while still delivering top-notch performance.

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 market its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a cost-effective alternative to QD-OLED. With 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, this 4K 160Hz monitor offers impressive contrast, especially in well-lit environments. It can also switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though I remain skeptical about its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature that adjusts resolution based on content.

Despite the limited options at the show, I believe Mini-LED technology will gain more traction. Its advantages include high brightness, excellent contrast with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming is minimized, making it an attractive option for those who want a high-performance monitor without the high price tag of QD-OLED.

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

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As mentioned earlier, the 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 is a prime example, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, promising brighter highlights for enhanced HDR. Similar designs from other brands, like the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer a variety of options for consumers.

MSI also reintroduced TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels have trade-offs in color and viewing angles, their speed is unmatched. Whether the average gamer will notice the difference in clarity and latency remains to be seen.

2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer showcased the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz monitor with Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced a pair of new "5K2K" gaming monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A with a fixed 800R curve and the Ultragear 45GX990A with a bendable display that can adjust from flat to a 900R curve.

Outside gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 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 showcases the industry's ongoing push for higher resolutions.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

Smart monitors, which combine the functionality of TVs and gaming monitors, continue to gain traction. While I was not a fan of the Samsung G80SD, the appeal of having a display that can also stream content is undeniable, especially for those in smaller living spaces.

Several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor is a 32-inch 4K model pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to multiple platforms. 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, automatically adjusting picture settings and upscaling content to 4K. With a 165Hz refresh rate, it's also suitable for gaming.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 was a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with each showcased model pushing the envelope in technology and design. While 2024 was a notable year, 2025 promises even more exciting developments and greater accessibility for cutting-edge display technology.