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.

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, a crucial aspect of OLED technology. The introduction of 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitors with DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, and even a 1440p 500Hz model (MSI MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50), signifies a significant leap forward. Furthermore, advancements in burn-in protection, such as Asus's Neo Proximity Sensor (featured in the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDPG), automatically activates a black screen when the user is away, preventing potential damage. Price reductions are also anticipated as the technology matures.

Mini-LED: A Viable Alternative:

While not as prominent as QD-OLED, mini-LED technology remained a significant presence. MSI's MPG 274URDFW E16M, positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to QD-OLED, boasts 1,152 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, delivering impressive contrast. Its 4K 160Hz (and 1080p 320Hz) capabilities make it a compelling option, despite some reservations about its AI-driven dual-mode functionality. The absence of burn-in risk and the potential for reasonable pricing make mini-LED a strong contender.

Higher Refresh Rates and Resolutions:

The convergence of improved QD-OLED technology and more powerful graphics cards continues to drive higher refresh rates. 4K 240Hz displays are now a reality, along with 1440p 500Hz monitors (like the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P, aiming for VESA TrueBlack 500 certification). MSI even revived TN panels, showcasing a 600Hz model (MSI MPG 242R X60N), although this comes with trade-offs in color accuracy and viewing angles. The emergence of 5K monitors, such as Acer's Predator XB323QX (5K, 144Hz with G-Sync Pulsar) and LG's ultrawide "5K2K" options (Ultragear 45GX950A and 45GX990A), marks another significant advancement. Even a 6K monitor for creators (Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV) was unveiled.

Smart Monitors: Bridging the Gap Between TVs and Gaming Monitors:

Smart monitors, offering integrated streaming services and other smart TV features, are gaining traction. HP's OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor (32-inch 4K) and LG's UltraGear 39GX90SA (ultrawide) provide examples of this trend, offering built-in streaming capabilities. Samsung's M9 Smart Monitor, featuring 4K OLED and neural processing for enhanced picture quality and upscaling, is another notable example.

Conclusion:

CES 2025 highlighted a significant leap forward in gaming monitor technology. While last year saw impressive advancements, 2025 promises even greater innovation, with improved QD-OLED, compelling mini-LED alternatives, significantly higher refresh rates and resolutions, and the growing integration of smart features. The future of gaming displays looks brighter than ever.