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 prominent feature, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized enhanced burn-in protection, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor in the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG, which automatically dims the screen when the user is away. The availability of 4K 240Hz and even 1440p 500Hz (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50) QD-OLED monitors signals a significant leap forward. Furthermore, price reductions are anticipated as the technology matures.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

While not as prevalent as QD-OLED, mini-LED technology made an appearance, notably MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, positioned as a more affordable alternative. This model boasts 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 a strong contender, although its AI-driven dual-mode feature remains questionable. Mini-LED's inherent advantages—high brightness, excellent contrast, and the absence of burn-in risk—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 has driven a surge in refresh rates. 4K 240Hz displays are now a reality, alongside 1440p 500Hz monitors (like the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P, boasting VESA TrueBlack 500 certification). MSI even reintroduced TN panels with the MPG 242R X60N, achieving a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate, though at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors (Acer Predator XB323QX and LG's "5K2K" ultrawide models) further underscores the industry's relentless pursuit of higher resolutions. Asus even showcased a 6K mini-LED monitor (ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV) aimed at creators.

Smart Monitors Bridge the Gap Between TVs and Gaming Monitors:

Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services and smart TV functionalities, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor and LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA provide ultrawide options with streaming capabilities. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, featuring 4K OLED and neural processing for enhanced picture quality and upscaling, also stands out. This trend suggests a growing convergence between gaming monitors and smart TVs.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 showcased a remarkable evolution in gaming monitor technology. While last year saw significant advancements, 2025 promises even greater improvements across the board, offering consumers a wider array of high-performance displays catering to diverse needs and budgets.