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 Continued Reign 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 warranties and protective features. The emergence of 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity highlights significant advancements. MSI's MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p 500Hz model, exemplifies this leap forward. Innovative features like Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor, automatically activating a black screen to prevent burn-in when the user is away, further enhance the user experience. While initial pricing remains high, future price reductions are anticipated as the technology matures.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

Mini-LED technology, while not as prevalent, remains a strong contender. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, positioned as a more affordable QD-OLED alternative, boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a 1,000-nit peak brightness, delivering impressive contrast. Its 4K 160Hz (and 1080p 320Hz) capabilities, despite some skepticism surrounding its AI-driven dual-mode functionality, make it a compelling option. The absence of burn-in risk and potential for high brightness with minimal blooming, if pricing remains competitive, could make it a popular choice.

Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The convergence of improved QD-OLED and more powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates. 4K 240Hz and 1440p 500Hz monitors are now a reality. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P, with its VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, promises brighter highlights and enhanced HDR. MSI's MPG 242R X60N, utilizing a 600Hz TN panel, caters to gamers prioritizing speed, though at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. The arrival of 5K monitors, exemplified by Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K 144Hz) and LG's UltraGear 45GX950A/45GX990A (5120 x 2160 ultrawide with curved/adjustable displays), marks another significant milestone. 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, are gaining traction. 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, neural processing for picture enhancement, and a 165Hz refresh rate, blurs the lines further.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 demonstrated a significant leap forward in gaming monitor technology. The year promises even more impressive advancements than 2024, offering gamers a wider array of choices with enhanced features and performance. The future of gaming displays looks brighter than ever.