The Biggest Gaming Monitor Trends of CES 2025

CES 2025 showcased a plethora of new gaming monitors, pushing display and graphics technology to new heights. QD-OLED remains a dominant force, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing advancements. Multiple companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with DisplayPort 2.1, and MSI even revealed a 1440p QD-OLED with a stunning 500Hz refresh rate, the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50. Burn-in protection features are also improving, with Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor in the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG automatically detecting when you're away and displaying a black screen to prevent damage. As the technology matures, prices are expected to decrease, making QD-OLED more accessible.

Mini-LED technology, while less prevalent, remains a viable option. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, with 1,152 local dimming zones and 1,000 nits peak brightness, offers a potentially more affordable alternative to QD-OLED, boasting 4K at 160Hz and a questionable AI-driven dual-mode that switches resolution automatically. Its high brightness and lack of burn-in risk make it a compelling alternative, especially with sufficient dimming zones to minimize blooming.

The race for higher refresh rates and resolutions continues. 4K at 240Hz is now a reality, alongside 1440p at 500Hz, exemplified by Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P, achieving VESA TrueBlack 500 certification for brighter highlights and improved HDR. MSI's MPG 242R X60N pushes the boundaries even further with a 600Hz refresh rate using a TN panel, though at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. 5K monitors are also emerging, with Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K, 144Hz with G-Sync Pulsar) and LG's pair of "5K2K" ultrawide monitors (5120 x 2160) featuring either a fixed or bendable display. Asus even showcased a 6K (6016 x 3384) monitor, the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, aimed at creators.

Smart monitors are gaining traction, blurring the lines between TVs and gaming monitors. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor offers a 32-inch 4K display with built-in streaming apps and multi-platform streaming capabilities. LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA provides an ultrawide option, and Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor boasts a 4K OLED panel with neural processing for enhanced picture quality and upscaling, along with a 165Hz refresh rate.

CES 2025 demonstrated significant advancements in gaming monitor technology, promising an even better year for gamers in 2025.