CES 2025 Unveils Top Gaming Monitor Trends

The CES 2025 event was a treasure trove for gamers looking for the latest in gaming monitors. I scoured the show floor to bring you the highlights from the top manufacturers, and let me tell you, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for gaming display technology.

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

One of the major trends at CES was the continued dominance of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcased their latest models, emphasizing their burn-in warranties and protection features. This year promises significant advancements in display tech, building on the surge we saw in 2024.

The new displays are impressive, with multiple companies launching 4K 240Hz QD-OLEDs equipped with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI unveiled the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a 1440p model that boasts a stunning 500Hz refresh rate. Other brands introduced their unique takes on these panels, ensuring a variety of high-performance, visually stunning monitors will be available soon.

Protection features are also advancing, with Asus introducing the Neo Proximity Sensor in their ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG models. This sensor, part of the OLED Care suite, automatically displays a black screen when you're away, preventing burn-in and preserving pixel life. This is a welcome improvement over manually turning off your monitor.

As QD-OLED technology matures, prices are expected to become more affordable. While new models still carry a premium, looking back a generation or two could land you a great monitor at a significant discount throughout the year.

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

Although Mini-LED didn't dominate the show, it was present and noteworthy. MSI plans to market its dual-mode AI mini-LED, the MPG 274URDFW E16M, as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED. With 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of about 1,000 nits, this 4K 160Hz monitor offers impressive contrast, especially in well-lit environments. It can even switch to 320Hz at 1080p, though the AI-driven dual-mode feature raised some skepticism.

While Mini-LED options were limited, I anticipate seeing more of this technology. It's incredibly bright, offers fantastic visuals with the right settings, and eliminates the risk of burn-in. With sufficient dimming zones, blooming is minimized, making it an attractive option for those not willing to spend over $1,000 on a high-maintenance OLED display.

Pricing for the MPG 274URDFW E16M hasn't been set yet, but it's expected to be more affordable than its flagship QD-OLED counterparts.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions Continue to Climb

As QD-OLED technology refines and graphics cards become more powerful, refresh rates are reaching new heights. 4K at 240Hz is now a reality, and 500Hz at 1440p is on the horizon. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P impressed with its sleek design and vibrant display, set to achieve VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for superior HDR. Other brands, including MSI with the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, offer similar high-performance options.

MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, which boasts an astonishing 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels sacrifice color and viewing angles, their speed is unparalleled. 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 tech. LG introduced two "5K2K" monitors, the Ultragear 45GX950A with a fixed 800R curve, and the Ultragear 45GX990A, which features a bendable display adjustable from flat to a 900R curve.

Beyond gaming, Asus unveiled the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K monitor using mini-LED technology for creators. Priced at a competitive $1,249, it's a testament to the industry's push towards higher resolutions, despite its 60Hz refresh rate making it less suitable for gaming.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

Smart monitors are bridging the gap between TVs and gaming monitors. While my review of the Samsung G80SD wasn't overly positive, the appeal of having a smart TV and gaming monitor in one device is undeniable, especially for those in small living spaces.

This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor is a 32-inch 4K model pre-loaded with streaming apps and the capability to stream to up to four platforms. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA offers an ultrawide 800R curved display with similar streaming features.

Samsung introduced the M9 Smart Monitor, featuring on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can intelligently adjust picture settings and upscale content to 4K, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and entertainment, thanks to its 165Hz refresh rate.

Wrapping Up

CES 2025 showcased the future of gaming monitors, with innovations across the board. Last year was impressive, but 2025 promises even more exciting developments. Whether you're looking for high refresh rates, stunning resolutions, or versatile smart features, the upcoming year is set to deliver some of the best gaming monitors we've seen yet.