The Biggest Gaming Monitor Trends of CES 2025

At CES 2025, the showcase of new gaming monitors was nothing short of spectacular. As I navigated through the event, I was eager to discover the latest innovations from top vendors. The display and graphics technologies unveiled this year have elevated the gaming monitor industry to new heights, making 2025 a landmark year for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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

A dominant trend at CES was the unwavering commitment to QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest offerings, emphasizing enhanced burn-in warranties and advanced protection features. This push is set to continue throughout 2025, building on the momentum gained in 2024.

The showcased monitors were not just impressive but groundbreaking. Several companies introduced 4K 240Hz QD-OLEDs with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI's MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50 stood out with its 1440p QD-OLED panel capable of reaching a staggering 500Hz. With each brand putting its unique spin on these panels, the future looks bright for fast, visually stunning gaming monitors.

I was particularly impressed with the advancements in protection features. Asus introduced the Neo Proximity Sensor in its upcoming ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG models. This feature, part of the OLED Care suite, intelligently switches to a black screen when you're away from your PC, reducing the risk of burn-in and pixel degradation. This is a significant improvement over the need to manually turn off the monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures through multiple generations, we can anticipate a decline in prices. While the launch prices of the latest models remain high, savvy buyers can find excellent deals on previous generations throughout the year.

Mini-LED Isn’t Dead, But It Is Tech To Keep an Eye Out For

Although not as prominent, Mini-LED technology was still present at the show. MSI's representative highlighted their dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. This monitor boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of about 1,000 nits, offering impressive contrast in bright settings. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p, although its AI-driven dual-mode feature left me skeptical.

Despite the limited options showcased, Mini-LED's potential is undeniable. Its high brightness, excellent contrast with the right settings, and immunity to burn-in make it a compelling choice. With sufficient dimming zones, the issue of blooming is minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LED could be a strong contender for those hesitant to invest in expensive, high-maintenance OLEDs.

Pricing details for the MPG 274URDFW E16M are yet to be announced, but it's expected to be more affordable than its QD-OLED counterparts.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

The trend of increasing refresh rates and resolutions is particularly evident with QD-OLED technology. The arrival of 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz showcases the rapid advancement in display technology. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P is a standout with its VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, promising brighter highlights for enhanced HDR.

MSI also surprised with the revival of TN panels, pushing refresh rates even higher. The MSI MPG 242R X60N boasts a 600Hz refresh rate, catering to gamers who prioritize speed over color accuracy and viewing angles. While its market may be niche, the performance is undeniably impressive.

CES 2025 also marked the rise of 5K monitors. Acer's Predator XB323QX, a 5K, 144Hz monitor with Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar technology, and LG's new "5K2K" gaming monitors with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio and options for adjustable curvature (Ultragear 45GX950A and Ultragear 45GX990A) were notable highlights. Additionally, Asus showcased the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 6K monitor aimed at creators, priced competitively at $1,249, though not ideal for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

Smart monitors continue to blur the lines between TVs and gaming monitors. While my review of the Samsung G80SD wasn't overly positive, the appeal of a monitor that doubles as a smart TV is clear, especially for those in smaller living spaces or those who enjoy streaming content.

This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. HP introduced the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display with built-in streaming apps and the ability to stream to multiple platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide alternative with similar streaming capabilities and an 800R curve.

Samsung unveiled the M9 Smart Monitor, which uses on-device neural processing to optimize its 4K OLED panel's settings and upscale content. With a 165Hz refresh rate, it's also a viable option for gaming.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 provided a thrilling glimpse into the future of gaming monitors. Each showcased product pushed the envelope in some way, hinting at exciting developments ahead. While last year was exceptional, 2025 promises to be even more remarkable for gaming monitor enthusiasts.