Refresh rate, resolution, and response time are the three major factors that one should consider when buying a gaming monitor for either a console or a PC. Depending on the budget and requirements, one can mix and match these specifications and prioritize one over the other two.
Due to the latest advancements in display technology, one can use literally any modern monitor or television as a gaming monitor. However, a dedicated gaming monitor will be a class apart and could further elevate and even give you an edge over the competition, especially in online multiplayer and first-person shooter-type titles.
Before delving deep into the various options, let’s first understand the fundamentals of a gaming monitor and what one should look for when buying a gaming monitor for a console or a PC.
Most gaming monitors specifically designed for console gaming will typically only have an HDMI port as an input option. In contrast, a typical PC gaming monitor, even budget products, includes both DisplayPort and an HDMI port. Additionally, a PC gaming monitor usually features a slightly higher refresh rate, going up to 540Hz on flagship models, compared to a monitor meant for a console, which leans more towards offering high resolution (4K), with the refresh rate usually capped at 120Hz.
Major brands such as Samsung, LG, Asus, Acer, BenQ, Dell, and many others manufacture these gaming monitors, which can be categorized into three main types: regular monitors with a 16:9 aspect ratio, ultra-wide angle monitors, and curved monitors available in both regular and ultra-wide aspect ratios. Some monitors also support 3D output, though these options haven’t become mainstream yet and are generally more expensive than regular gaming monitors. You can choose a monitor based on the display panel type, with four different options available.
TN panel — Usually found on gaming monitors with higher refresh rate
VA panel — Best known for their contrast and colour reproduction
IPS panel — Great viewing angle and are on the cheaper side
OLED — Expensive and could suffer from screen burn-in issues
On top of that, HDR is also one more thing that’s worth considering, especially if you have the latest consoles or high-end gaming RIGS with flagship graphics cards from NVIDIA or AMD that can handle AAA titles in HDR mode.
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