CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

CES 2025 showcased an impressive array of new gaming monitors, and I had the privilege of exploring the latest offerings from leading manufacturers. The event unveiled several innovative features 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 prevailing trend at CES for gaming monitors was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands such as MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest models, emphasizing their burn-in warranties and advanced protection features. This year, we can expect a significant push in display technology.

Given the surge in QD-OLED popularity in 2024, it's no surprise that 2025's models are even more impressive. Several companies introduced 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI unveiled the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED monitor that boasts 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.

I was particularly impressed with the advancements in protection features. A notable innovation was 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, automatically displays a black screen when you step away from your PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This is a significant improvement over having to manually turn off the monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, we can anticipate a decline in prices. While launch prices remain high, opting for models from previous generations can offer substantial savings 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. An MSI representative shared plans to market their dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This approach makes sense, and I'm hopeful they can bring this technology back into the spotlight.

The MPG 274URDFW E16M features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast, especially in well-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 content.

While the show didn't feature many Mini-LED options, I expect to see more of this technology in the future. Mini-LED 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-inch models), blooming is minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could be a compelling alternative for those hesitant to invest over $1,000 in a high-maintenance OLED display.

Pricing for this model hasn't been finalized, but it's expected to be more affordable than its QD-OLED counterparts.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As mentioned earlier, advancements in QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards are driving higher refresh rates. We now have 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P caught my attention with its sleek design and vibrant display, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification. This certification promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR, surpassing the 400-level certification of most current QD-OLED monitors. Other brands offer similar designs, such as the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, providing a variety of options for potential buyers.

MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, which boasts an impressive 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels have trade-offs in color and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether the average gamer will notice the improvements in clarity and latency remains to be seen.

CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer showcased the Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz gaming monitor with Nvidia's latest G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced two new "5K2K" gaming monitors with a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution in an ultrawide 21:9 format. 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 6K (6,016 x 3,384) monitor aimed at creators. This 31.5-inch mini-LED display is priced at a competitive $1,249, making it an attractive option compared to other 6K displays that can exceed $2,000. Although its 60Hz refresh rate isn't ideal for gaming, it's a testament to the industry's ongoing push for higher resolutions.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

While I had mixed feelings about the Samsung G80SD in my review, the appeal of smart monitors for gamers is undeniable. These displays, which double as smart TVs with built-in streaming services, are perfect for small spaces or those looking to relax after gaming.

This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. Although not all were specifically targeted at gamers, the trend is clearly growing. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to up to four platforms. The LG UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar streaming capabilities and an 800R curve.

Samsung unveiled the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. This monitor can detect on-screen content and adjust picture settings accordingly, upscaling lower resolution content to 4K. With a 165Hz refresh rate, it's also a viable choice for gaming.

Wrapping Up

CES is always about looking to the future, and the gaming monitors showcased this year pushed the boundaries in exciting ways. While 2024 was a great year for gaming monitors, 2025 promises even more innovation and accessibility.