The Biggest Gaming Monitor Trends of CES 2025

CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing the boundaries of display technology. Several key trends emerged:

QD-OLED's Continued Dominance and Increased Accessibility:

QD-OLED technology remained a central theme, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing advancements. Many offered enhanced burn-in warranties. The highlight was the proliferation of 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors utilizing DisplayPort 2.1, and even a groundbreaking 1440p 500Hz option, the MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50. Furthermore, protective features like Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor (featured in the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG) automatically activate a black screen when the user is away, mitigating burn-in. While initial pricing remains high, future generations promise more affordable options.

Mini-LED: A Viable Contender:

Mini-LED technology, while not as prevalent, showed promise. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M aims to be a cost-effective alternative to QD-OLED, boasting 1,152 local dimming zones and 1,000 nits peak brightness. Its 4K 160Hz (and 1080p 320Hz) capabilities, despite some reservations about its AI-driven dual-mode, offer a compelling burn-in-free option with impressive contrast.

Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The convergence of improved QD-OLED and powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates. 4K 240Hz is now a reality, alongside 1440p 500Hz displays like the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P (VESA TrueBlack 500 certified), offering brighter highlights and improved HDR. MSI even revived TN panels with the MPG 242R X60N, boasting a remarkable 600Hz refresh rate, although at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. 5K monitors are also gaining traction, with Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K, 144Hz with G-Sync Pulsar) and LG's pair of "5K2K" ultrawide monitors (Ultragear 45GX950A and 45GX990A) leading the charge. Asus even unveiled a 6K mini-LED monitor, the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, aimed at creators.

Smart Monitors Blurring Lines:

Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services, are gaining popularity. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor (32-inch 4K) and LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA (ultrawide) provide convenient streaming capabilities. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, featuring 4K OLED and neural processing for upscaling and picture enhancement (alongside a 165Hz refresh rate), is a notable example.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 highlighted significant advancements in gaming monitor technology. While last year saw impressive but expensive releases, 2025 promises even better options, with increased accessibility and innovative features across various price points. The future of gaming displays looks brighter than ever.