How to Choose a Gaming Monitor

The most important point to avoid regrets when choosing a gaming monitor is to have the knowledge to identify the product that suits you best.

In this article, I, Mr. Gadget, will thoroughly explain everything from basic knowledge about gaming monitors to professional specs like refresh rate and response time, as well as the concrete steps to select the optimal unit for the game genres you play and your budget.

What is a gaming monitor?

A gaming monitor is a display device specially designed to optimize the gaming experience.
Compared to standard monitors, they excel in their ability to display fast-moving video smoothly and in their response speed to player inputs.

As the “first step to choosing a gaming monitor without regrets,” I will introduce the basic mindset and an “overview of the main criteria for selecting a gaming monitor.”
Acquiring this knowledge will help you find the best unit for your needs.

Fundamental differences from standard monitors

The biggest difference between a gaming monitor and a standard monitor lies in two performance metrics: “refresh rate” and “response time.”

While the refresh rate of standard monitors intended for office work or web browsing is around 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, and even 240Hz or higher models are common for gaming monitors.
Regarding response time, while a standard monitor is around 5ms (milliseconds), it is not rare for gaming monitors to be 1ms or even faster.

This difference in performance is directly linked to the smoothness of the video, visibility of enemies, and the speed at which your operations are reflected, which can affect your advantage in play, especially in fast-paced shooting or fighting games.

The role of a gaming monitor in transforming gameplay

The role of a gaming monitor is not just to display beautiful images.
It is to maximize the player’s performance and provide a deep sense of immersion in the game.

A high refresh rate increases the number of frames displayed per second, making it possible to perceive character movements and fine changes in the background more smoothly and clearly.
Additionally, a low response time minimizes the delay until mouse or controller inputs are reflected on the screen, enabling the quick operations exactly as the player intended.

Feature	Standard Monitor Benchmark	Gaming Monitor Benchmark
Refresh Rate	60Hz	144Hz or higher (Some reach 360Hz or over 500Hz)
Response Time	5ms or more	1ms (GTG) or less (Some TN panels are even faster)
Synchronization Tech	Often not included	Many products include VRR tech like G-SYNC, FreeSync
Display Functions	None specifically	Some have game-specific functions like shadow visibility enhancement or crosshair display

Through the combined effect of these features, players can grasp the situation in the game world more accurately, enabling swifter judgment and action.

How to choose a gaming monitor

The most important thing in choosing a gaming monitor is identifying the balance between your own play style, environment, and budget.
In this section, I will explain 9 checkpoints to avoid regrets, from the game genre you play to stand adjustment functions.
By checking these points one by one, you will find the perfect one for you.

Game genre to be played

“Game genre to be played” refers to the types of games you mainly play, such as FPS, MOBA, RPG, or racing games.
For example, in FPS or fighting games where split-second timing matters, response time and refresh rate tend to be prioritized, while in RPGs where you enjoy beautiful graphics, resolution and HDR support tend to be prioritized.

Clarifying which elements you value most is the first step in choosing a monitor.

Check the performance of connected devices

“Performance of connected devices” refers to the processing power of the graphics board (GPU) installed in your PC, or the quality of video output by home game consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch.

For example, unless you have a PC equipped with a high-performance graphics board, maintaining a high refresh rate at 4K resolution is difficult. While the PlayStation 5 supports up to 4K/120Hz output, not every monitor can bring out that performance.

Connected Device Example	Main Output Performance Benchmark	Considerations when selecting a monitor
High-end PC	4K/144Hz+, WQHD/240Hz+ in view	Specs to maximize GPU performance
Mid-range PC	Full HD/144-240Hz, WQHD/120-165Hz range	Balanced specs, consider GPU load
PlayStation 5	Max 4K/120Hz (Requires HDMI 2.1 compatible software/monitor)	HDMI 2.1 support, VRR support
Xbox Series X/S	Max 4K/120Hz (Requires HDMI 2.1 compatible software/monitor)	HDMI 2.1 support, FreeSync support
Nintendo Switch	Max Full HD/60Hz (TV mode)	Full HD/60Hz or higher is sufficient, consider response time

Even if the monitor is high-performance, if the performance of the connected device cannot keep up, it will be a waste, so consider the balance.

Refresh rate: Selection based on desired visual smoothness and compatible device performance

“Refresh rate” is a numerical value indicating how many times per second the screen is updated, measured in Hz (Hertz).
Standard monitors are 60Hz, but for gaming monitors, there are models with 144Hz, 240Hz, and even 360Hz or higher.
The higher the number, the smoother the video, which improves visibility, especially in fast-moving scenes.

However, since high refresh rates require high PC graphics performance, choose a good one within the range that your environment can stably output.

Response time: Degree of acceptable motion blur and importance in competitive games

“Response time” indicates the time it takes for a pixel on the monitor to switch from one color to another, measured in ms (milliseconds).
The smaller this number, the less motion blur there is in fast-moving video, maintaining a clear field of view.

Typical gaming monitors advertise specs like 1ms (GTG) or 0.5ms (MPRT), and TN panels and OLED panels tend to have excellent response times.

Especially if you play competitive games where a split-second decision determines victory or defeat, response time is one point you cannot compromise on.

Resolution: Whether or not you seek high image quality

“Resolution” is the total number of dots (pixels) displayed on the screen; the higher this number, the more detailed and high-definition the displayed image becomes.

Resolution	Pros	Cons
Full HD (1920 x 1080)	・Standard resolution ・Basically compatible with all games and hardware	・Pixels are noticeable on large monitors
WQHD (2560 x 1440)	・High image quality between Full HD and 4K	・Requires some performance from the PC and hardware
4K (3840 x 2160)	・Ultra-high image quality	・Requires significant performance from the PC and hardware

“Screen size” indicates the diagonal length of the monitor screen in inches.
The mainstream is Full HD (1920×1080), and around 24 inches is popular.
The higher-quality WQHD (2560×1440) is for 27 inches, and the even more detailed 4K (3840×2160) shows its true value at 27 inches or larger, but it also increases the load on the PC.

Considering the depth of your desk, viewing distance, and PC graphics processing power comprehensively, choose a good combination of resolution and screen size.

Don’t forget to check the supported HDMI version

HDMI is a digital communication standard for transmitting video and audio signals together via a single cable.
It is installed in many modern AV devices such as PCs, TVs, Blu-ray recorders, and game consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5 and the next-generation game console, switch2.
Even if you have these high-performance devices, if you use an unsupported HDMI cable, you may not be able to unleash the device’s original capabilities.

For example, if you connect a latest game console that supports 120Hz at 4K resolution to an old-standard HDMI cable, the cable performance might be insufficient and it won’t be able to display at 4K/120Hz. To enjoy the HDR (High Dynamic Range) supported by the latest TVs and high-quality 3D sound, choosing a cable that matches the device’s supported features is important.

Panel type: Selection based on prioritized characteristics like image quality, response speed, and viewing angle

“Panel type” refers to the drive method of the LCD panel used in the display part of the monitor, mainly including IPS, VA, TN, and OLED.

Panel	IPS	VA	TN	OLED
Response Speed	Standard to Fast	Slightly Slow	Very Fast	Very Fast
Color Reproduction / Viewing Angle	Wide angle, vivid	Good	Narrow, color shift	Very Good
Contrast Ratio	Sufficiently High	Very High	Slightly Low	Perfect Black
Main Features	Balanced / Color Reproduction ◎	High Contrast / Immersion	Affordable / Response Speed Focused	Top-class Image Quality & Speed
Recommended Usage	RPG / Video Editing / General	Movies / Dark environment games	FPS / Competitive games	HDR / High-quality games
Price Trend	Moderate	Moderate	Affordable	Expensive

It is essential to understand the characteristics of each panel and choose according to the points you prioritize most (image quality, response speed, viewing angle, price, etc.).

Budget: Selecting a product in an affordable price range that meets required performance

The price range of gaming monitors is wide; it is not rare for entry-level models to start from the 20,000 yen range, while high-performance high-end models can exceed 100,000 yen.

Identify the balance between the specs you seek and your budget, and choose a good unit within a reasonable range.
Aiming for sale periods is also one strategy.

Screen: Shape and aspect ratio

When choosing the screen shape of a gaming monitor, please pay particular attention to the aspect ratio and the presence of curvature.

The basic aspect ratio of 16:9 and the ultra-wide 21:9 are common for gaming monitors.
For those who want to enjoy powerful graphics or play racing games that require a wide field of view, I think you should try ultra-wide.

Aspect Ratio	Details
16:9	Same aspect ratio as standard monitors. Basically compatible with all games.
21:9 (Ultra-wide)	You can enjoy powerful video,  suitable for RPGs and simulation games. However, some games may not support it.

Also, flat panels are common and have a wide range of sizes.
On the other hand, curved panels have both edges of the screen curved towards the viewer; they are often used for large screens of 27 inches or more and 21:9 ultra-wide monitors, resulting in less eye movement and an immersive feeling of being wrapped around.

If you value immersion like in racing games or RPGs, curved; if you also use it for FPS or work, flat—it’s good to consider according to your play style and usage.

Additional features: Game assistance functions like shadow visibility enhancement or crosshair display

“Additional features” refers to special functions to make game play more comfortable or advantageous, in addition to basic display performance.

Representative ones include “Black Equalizer” (shadow correction) to brighten dark areas in games to make it easier to discover enemies, a function to display a crosshair in the center of the screen, and a function to adjust color vibrancy to increase visibility.
These functions are especially effective for competitive shooting games like FPS/TPS.

They are not essential for all players, but they are attractive options for those who play specific genres often or want to stand at an advantage even a little.

Stand adjustment functions: Confirming height and angle adjustment for a comfortable playing posture

“Stand adjustment functions” refers to adjustment mechanisms held by the stand supporting the monitor, such as screen height, vertical angle (tilt), horizontal rotation (swivel), and vertical rotation (pivot).

For long-time play, the height adjustment (lift) function to match the screen to your eye level, and the tilt function to incline it to an easy-to-see angle are especially important.
This allows you to play in a comfortable posture and reduce the burden on your neck and shoulders.
At the very least, I want to choose a model that allows tilt adjustment, and preferably height adjustment.

Terminology and specifications to keep in mind

To further delve into choosing a gaming monitor, I will explain convenient terminology and specifications that are useful to know.
By understanding the meanings of words like VESA mount, Flicker-Free, and color gamut, it will become easier to find the one that suits you best.
This knowledge is an important point for using a monitor more comfortably and for a long time.

What is a VESA mount?

A VESA mount is an international standard regarding the positions and intervals of screw holes for attaching monitor arms or wall-mount brackets to the back of a monitor.

If it complies with this standard, you can use compatible products together, even if the monitor and mounting tool manufacturers are different.
General standards include 75mm x 75mm and 100mm x 100mm, and the supported standard differs depending on the monitor size and weight.

VESA Standard	General Screw Interval	Main Supported Monitor Size Benchmark
VESA MIS-D	75x75mm, 100x100mm	~23 inches
VESA MIS-E	200x100mm	23-30 inches
VESA MIS-F	200x200mm or more	31 inches or more

※The above is just a benchmark.
Please check the product specifications for actual support.

By using a monitor arm, you can effectively utilize desk space or finely adjust the screen position to build a more comfortable viewing environment.

What is Flicker-Free?

Flicker-Free is a technology that suppresses screen flickering.

Conventional monitors adjusted backlight brightness by blinking (flickering) at high speed, which could be a cause of eye strain and headaches.
Flicker-Free technology reduces this flickering to a level imperceptible to humans, which is expected to have the effect of reducing eye strain during long gaming sessions or work.

For gamers who concentrate and keep looking at the screen, Flicker-Free can be said to be one of the important functions for considering eye health.

What is Blue Light Cut?

Blue Light Cut refers to a function that reduces blue light, a type of visible light emitted from LCD displays.

Blue light has strong energy and is said to have properties that easily reach the retina at the back of the eye, so long-term exposure is said to be related to eye strain and reduced sleep quality.
When this function is enabled, the screen color tends to look yellowish or shift toward warm colors, but it is useful when you want to soften the stimulation to your eyes, such as when using it before going to sleep.

There are cases where it is unsuitable for work requiring color accuracy, but it is a function worth considering if you want to prioritize reducing the burden on your eyes.

Color gamuts like sRGB and DCI-P3

Color gamut is an index indicating the range of colors a monitor can display.
Representative standards include “sRGB,” which is the benchmark for web content and general PC applications, and “DCI-P3,” which has a wider color gamut formulated for digital cinema.

The wider this color gamut, the more colors can be expressed, enabling rich and deep color display.
For example, an sRGB 100% coverage monitor can express all colors defined in sRGB, and a monitor with high DCI-P3 coverage can enjoy vivid video in HDR content.

Especially if you also value games with beautiful graphics or watching video content, the width of the color gamut is an important point in choosing a monitor.

What is contrast ratio?

Contrast ratio is the ratio of the brightness of the brightest white and the darkest black that can be displayed on the screen.

The higher this number, the more white is expressed as white and black as black, resulting in video with clear contrast.
For example, if the contrast ratio is “1000:1,” it means the brightest white is 1000 times brighter than the darkest black.
VA panels generally tend to have a higher contrast ratio.

For those who want to enjoy immersive video like a movie, or those who play games with many dark scenes, a high contrast ratio can be said to be an attractive spec.

What is brightness?

Brightness is a unit indicating the screen brightness, expressed in candela per square meter (cd/m²) or nits.
(1cd/m² = 1nit)

The higher this number, the more brightly the monitor screen can be displayed.
For standard monitors for office work, 250cd/m² to 300cd/m² is standard, but when used in a bright room during the day or to display HDR (High Dynamic Range) content clearly, higher brightness (e.g., 400cd/m² or more) may be required.

It is important to choose a monitor with appropriate brightness by considering the brightness of the room where it will be used and whether you want to enjoy HDR content.

What is input lag?

Input lag refers to the time delay between the input operation performed via mouse, keyboard, or game controller and the actual display on the monitor screen.

If this lag is large, the screen’s reaction to operations feels sluggish, and especially in severe games where a split-second decision determines victory or defeat, it can become a disadvantage.
Many gaming monitors are designed to minimize this input lag.

For users who play competitive games or rhythm games where timing is important, low input lag is a very important selection criterion.

What is HDMI VRR?

HDMI VRR is a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function supported by the HDMI 2.1 standard.

When you connect a game console that supports this function (e.g., PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, etc.) to a monitor, the monitor’s refresh rate (number of screen updates per second) can be synchronized in real-time with the fluctuations in the game’s frame rate (number of frames drawn per second).
This suppresses screen flickering (tearing) and stuttering, achieving smoother and more comfortable video display.

If you want to unleash the best rendering performance with the latest console game machines, HDMI VRR support is a feature to keep an eye on.

What is ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)?

ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) is a function where, when a connected game console or AV amplifier detects game content, the TV or monitor automatically switches to low-latency mode (generally called a “game mode” setting).

Usually, high-image-quality processing, etc., can cause delay in video display, but if it supports ALLM, it automatically transitions to the optimal low-latency state for game play without the trouble of the user manually changing settings.
This function is also specified in HDMI 2.1.

For users who want to enjoy games in the optimal environment easily, ALLM can be said to be a very convenient function.

What is GTG (Grey to Grey)?

GTG (Grey to Grey) is one of the indices indicating the response speed of a monitor, measured as the time it takes for the screen to switch from one color (grey) to another (grey).
This represents the response speed in intermediate gradations.

Many monitor manufacturers adopt this GTG value as the response speed spec, and it is indicated as response speed 1ms (GTG).
GTG is considered one of the measurement methods that easily produce numerical values close to the motion blur actually experienced by users, but the measurement standards may differ depending on the manufacturer.

When comparing products, it is good to focus on the response speed numerical value indicated by this GTG.

What is MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time)?

MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) is one of the indices indicating response performance during video playback.
This refers to the time the LCD pixel is lit, and it relates to how much motion blur can be reduced in moving video.

MPRT is a numerical value of visual motion blur when combined with black frame insertion technology (a technology that reduces motion blur by sandwiching a black frame between frames of the screen).

Summary

In this article, I explained in detail the knowledge to find the perfect unit for you to avoid regrets when choosing a gaming monitor.
The following 3 points are especially important when choosing a gaming monitor.

Based on the points explained in this article, please find the optimal gaming monitor for you and get the best game experience.

Thank you for reading until the end!

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This article was originally written in Japanese and has been translated.