At CES 2025, the showcase of new gaming monitors was nothing short of spectacular. I had the privilege of touring the event, exploring the latest offerings from the industry's leading vendors. The advancements in display and graphics technology made this year particularly thrilling for gaming enthusiasts, with numerous surprises and significant enhancements in monitor features.

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

The dominant theme at CES for gaming monitors was the continued prominence of QD-OLED technology. Major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG were all showcasing their latest innovations, with a strong emphasis on burn-in warranties and protection features. The push towards QD-OLED technology is set to intensify throughout the year.

This trend isn't surprising, given the surge we witnessed in 2024, but the new displays are poised to be even more impressive. Several companies unveiled 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors equipped with high-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 connections. MSI introduced the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50, a groundbreaking 1440p QD-OLED monitor that boasts a 500Hz refresh rate. Other manufacturers presented their unique variations, indicating that we'll soon enjoy a plethora of fast and visually stunning monitors.

As QD-OLED technology matures through successive generations, we can expect prices to become more affordable. While the initial launch prices of these models remain high, looking at slightly older models can 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 dominate the show, it was still present. MSI plans to introduce the MPG 274URDFW E16M as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED monitors. This dual-mode AI mini-LED monitor features 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of approximately 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast, especially in well-lit environments. It supports 4K resolution at 160Hz, and can switch to 320Hz at 1080p. However, I remain skeptical about its AI-driven "dual-mode AI" feature that automatically adjusts resolution based on the content displayed.

While there weren't many Mini-LED options showcased, I anticipate seeing more in the future. The fear of burn-in associated with OLED monitors is a significant concern, and Mini-LEDs offer high brightness, excellent visuals with the right settings, and no burn-in risk. With sufficient dimming zones (1,152 or more for 27-inch monitors), the issue of blooming is minimized. If priced competitively, Mini-LEDs could serve as an attractive alternative for those hesitant to invest over $1,000 in an OLED monitor requiring careful handling.

Pricing for this model hasn't been officially announced, but it's expected to be less than its flagship 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 1440p at 500Hz is a testament to this progress. Gigabyte's Aorus FO27Q5P stood out with its sleek design and vibrant display, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification, surpassing the 400-level certification of most current QD-OLED monitors. This certification promises brighter highlights for enhanced HDR performance. Other brands also offered their interpretations of this technology, ensuring a variety of choices for consumers.

MSI also revived TN panels with the MSI MPG 242R X60N, which boasts an astonishing 600Hz refresh rate. While TN panels have trade-offs in color accuracy and viewing angles, their speed is undeniable. Whether the average gamer will notice the improvements in clarity and latency remains to be seen.

Beyond gaming, Asus displayed the ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV, a 31.5-inch, 6K (6,016 x 3,384) monitor using a bright mini-LED panel, priced at a competitive $1,249. Although its 60Hz refresh rate makes it less suitable for gaming, it exemplifies the industry's push towards higher resolutions and quality.

Smart Monitors Bring TVs and Gaming Monitors Closer Together

While I was not impressed with the Samsung G80SD in my review, the appeal of smart monitors for gamers is undeniable. These monitors, which double as smart TVs with built-in streaming services, are perfect for small spaces or those looking to relax with entertainment.

This year, several new smart monitor options are on the horizon. Although many showcased weren't specifically targeted at gamers, the trend is clearly growing. HP unveiled the OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, a 32-inch 4K display pre-loaded with streaming apps and capable of streaming to up to four platforms. LG introduced the UltraGear 39GX90SA, an ultrawide monitor with similar streaming features and an 800R curve.

Samsung debuted the M9 Smart Monitor, which uses on-device neural processing to enhance its 4K OLED panel. It can detect and adjust picture settings based on the content displayed and upscale lower resolution content to 4K, making it a viable option for gaming with its 165Hz refresh rate.

Wrapping Up

CES is always a glimpse into the future, and the gaming monitors showcased this year pushed the boundaries and hinted at exciting developments ahead. 2024 was a remarkable, albeit pricey, year for gaming monitors, but 2025 promises even more innovation and accessibility.