CES 2025 showcased a plethora of innovative gaming monitors, pushing technological boundaries and setting the stage for an exciting year in display technology. Key trends included the continued dominance of QD-OLED, advancements in mini-LED, escalating refresh rates and resolutions, and the rise of smart monitors blurring the lines between gaming and entertainment.

QD-OLED's Enduring Appeal and Increased Accessibility:

QD-OLED technology solidified its position as a leading contender, with major brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and LG showcasing their latest offerings. Many emphasized enhanced burn-in protection features, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor (integrated into the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG), which automatically activates a black screen when the user is away. The availability of 4K 240Hz and even 1440p 500Hz (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50) QD-OLED monitors signals a push towards higher performance. Furthermore, prices are expected to decrease as the technology matures.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

While not as prevalent as QD-OLED, mini-LED technology remains a strong contender, particularly as a more budget-friendly option. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, with its 1,152 local dimming zones and 1000-nit peak brightness, offers impressive contrast and a 4K 160Hz (or 1080p 320Hz) experience. The absence of burn-in risk and potentially lower pricing makes it an attractive alternative to QD-OLED.

Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The combination of improved QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates. 4K 240Hz is now a reality, with 500Hz at 1440p also emerging (Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P). MSI even revived TN panels for extreme refresh rates (600Hz in the MSI MPG 242R X60N), although at the cost of color accuracy and viewing angles. The arrival of 5K monitors (Acer Predator XB323QX and LG's "5K2K" ultrawide options) marks another significant leap forward in resolution. Asus even showcased a 6K mini-LED monitor (ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV) aimed at creators.

Smart Monitors Bridge the Gap Between TVs and Gaming:

Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services and other smart features, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA, and Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor exemplify this trend, providing convenient all-in-one entertainment solutions. The M9, in particular, stands out with its 4K OLED panel and neural processing for enhanced picture quality and upscaling.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 demonstrated a significant advancement in gaming monitor technology. While QD-OLED remains a premium choice, mini-LED offers a compelling alternative. Higher refresh rates and resolutions are becoming increasingly common, and smart monitors are gaining popularity. The year 2025 promises to be a remarkable year for gaming monitors, offering a diverse range of options to cater to various needs and budgets.