The Biggest Gaming Monitor Trends of CES 2025

At CES 2025, the world of gaming monitors was buzzing with innovation and excitement. As I toured the show, I was on the lookout for the latest offerings from major vendors, and I wasn't disappointed. The event showcased a variety of cutting-edge technologies that promise to make 2025 a landmark year for gaming monitors.

QD-OLED Isn’t Going Anywhere and Should Become More Accessible

A clear trend at CES was the continued dominance of QD-OLED technology in gaming monitors. Leading brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG were all showcasing their latest QD-OLED models, emphasizing their burn-in warranties and advanced protection features. This focus on QD-OLED is not surprising given its popularity surge in 2024, but the new displays are set to be even more impressive.

Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p QD-OLED with a staggering 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands presented their unique versions of these high-performance panels, indicating that fast and visually stunning monitors will be increasingly common.

I was particularly impressed by the advancements in protection features, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor in the upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. This sensor, part of the OLED Care suite, automatically switches to a black screen when you're away from your PC, preventing burn-in and pixel wear. This is a significant improvement over manually turning off the monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, we can expect prices to become more accessible. While launch prices remain high, opting for slightly older models could 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 steal the spotlight at CES, it was still present. MSI, for instance, plans to position its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more affordable alternative to QD-OLED. This monitor boasts 1,152 local dimming zones, a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, and impressive contrast, particularly in bright settings. It supports 4K at 160Hz, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though the AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature that adjusts resolution automatically left me skeptical.

Despite the limited showcase, I believe Mini-LED technology will continue to grow. It offers high brightness, excellent contrast with the right settings, and no risk of burn-in. With enough dimming zones, blooming is minimized, making it an attractive option for those wary of the high costs and maintenance of OLED monitors.

While pricing for the MPG 274URDFW E16M is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to be more affordable than its QD-OLED counterparts.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As QD-OLED technology advances and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates are reaching new heights. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 500Hz at 1440p is a testament to this trend. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant display, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for superior HDR performance. Other brands, like MSI with its MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options.

MSI also reintroduced TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate for those seeking the ultimate speed. While TN panels have trade-offs in color accuracy and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether the average gamer will notice the difference 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 monitor with Nvidia's G-Sync Pulsar technology. LG introduced two new "5K2K" gaming monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A with a fixed 800R curve and the Ultragear 45GX990A with a bendable display ranging from flat to a 900R curve.

Outside of gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K mini-LED monitor aimed at creators, priced at a competitive $1,249. Though not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it highlights the industry's push towards higher resolutions.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

While my review of the Samsung G80SD wasn't overly positive, the concept of smart monitors has its merits, especially for those in compact living spaces or looking for a versatile entertainment solution. CES 2025 showcased several new smart monitor options, many of which, while not specifically targeted at gamers, indicate a growing trend.

HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K monitor with built-in streaming apps and the ability to stream to up to four platforms directly from the monitor. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide option with similar features and an 800R curve.

Samsung debuted the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. This monitor can intelligently adjust picture settings and upscale content to 4K, while also offering a 165Hz refresh rate suitable for gaming.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors, with each display pushing the boundaries of technology. While last year was impressive, 2025 promises even more exciting developments for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.