The title already says most of it, but here it is: the Acer EI491CR Amy be one of the most impressive monitors to grace this side of 2019, ticking most boxes considered relevant for a great gaming experience. The 49" monitor features a DFHD aspect ratio of 32:9. Those 40" of real-estate are populated by 38440 x 1080 pixels, in a VA panel with 8-bit color reproduction and 4ms gray-to-gray response time. A 1800R curvature keeps all parts of the screen within the same pupillary distance, enveloping your field of vision with what could otherwise be cropped screen edges.

The 144 Hz refresh rate (overclocked from a reference 120 Hz for the base panel this monitor employs) will enable ultra fluid gaming, especially when paired with FreeSync 2. FreeSync 2 that also makes an appearance in the monitor's display of HDR content, through its VESA HDR 400 certification. Typical contrast stands at 3000:1, and typical brightness at 400 cd/m² with color coverage hitting an impressive 90% DCI-P3 rating. 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI 2.0 and 2x HDMI 1.4 round out the inputs. The Acer EI491CR will be available, however, for a not-for-all-budgets $1199.

ASUS today unveiled the obscenely wide ROG Strix XG49VQ 49-inch curved gaming monitor, with an aspect ratio of 32:9, or what you'd get if you put two 16:9 monitors side-by-side. With a resolution of 3840 x 1080, or half the pixels of 4K UHD, the monitor features an 1800R curvature. There are two notable branded features associated with this display: VESA DisplayHDR 400, and AMD FreeSync HDR. There are some impressive display specifications on tap, too, such as 144 Hz maximum refresh-rate, 178°/178° viewing-angles thanks to its VA panel, 4 ms (GTG) response time, and 450 cd/m² maximum brightness. Display inputs include DisplayPort 1.2a, and two HDMI 2.0 ports. The monitor features the full suite of ASUS GameFirst OSD utilities. You also get 5 W stereo speakers a 2-port USB 2.0 hub. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Display specialist AOC is proud to announce the arrival of the curved AG273QCG (Nvidia G-SYNC) and AG273QCX (AMD FreeSync 2 HDR) monitors of the third AGON generation. AOC's revamped and redesigned premium gaming monitor series is available starting from January 2019.

Designed for hardcore gamers, the AGON 3 models carry on with features of the past AGON displays such as refresh rates of up to 165 Hz, a high responsiveness of 1 ms, and now includes latest technologies such as AMD FreeSync 2 HDR and a refreshed sleek design, which in case of the AG273QCG has contributed to winning the "Red Dot Design Award 2018". Thanks to very high refresh rates of 165 Hz (AG273QCG) and 144 Hz (AG273QCX), very fast response times and variable refresh rate technologies both monitors are suited for fast-paced games.

Lenovo also showed off their Legion Y44w 3840x1200 ultra-wide monitor at CES and quite honestly it is vast measuring in at the 43.4 inches. The display makes use of a WVA borderless 1800R curved panel which offers a crisp image as it covers 99% of the sRGB, BT.709 and DCI-P3 color gamuts. Max brightness was listed as 450 cd/m2 with support for the HDR 400 (Vesa) standard. Naturally, in today's market, no gaming monitor would be caught dead at 60 Hz as such the Legion Y44w supports a maximum refresh rate of 144 Hz with a gray to gray response time of 4 ms with Overdrive enabled. Oh, and it supports AMD FreeSync 2 technology just for good measure.

Creature comforts include a stand that offers lift, tilt and swivel functionality alongside detachable Harmon Kardon powered speakers. There is no shortage of input options either which consist of 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen2), 1x USB 3.1 Type-C(Gen1), Audio out, 4x USB 3.0 port Hub (1 with BC1.2). General availability is expected in April 2019. No information on pricing was available during our visit.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of display solutions, unveils the launch of a new sub-brand of professional gaming monitors. ViewSonic ELITE gaming products are specifically designed with a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic, while boasting practical gamer-centric designs. With decades of display technology experience and heritage, ViewSonic ELITE will deliver next-level gaming products that fit the needs of today's multifaceted gaming community.

ViewSonic ELITE launches with a pair of new gaming monitors: XG240R and XG350R-C. The XG240R and XG350R-C are the first monitors aligned with partnered software programs that enable customizable RGB lighting capabilities. Through partnerships with the industry's top PC peripheral manufacturers, ViewSonic ELITE products allow gamers to take full control over their RGB ecosystems when using these partners' software. When running the software, the RGB lighting harmoniously syncs with other RGB-equipped gaming peripherals and hardware.

ASUS showcased their XG49VQ, a behemoth of a monitor with a 49" diagonal across a 32:9 aspect ratio panel. This aspect ratio and the panels' size are married to a 3840 x 1080 resolution (2x 1080p) with a 144 Hz refresh rate. There's a 1800R curvature (which is likely essential in such wide panels), support for Freesync 2, 125% RGB coverage, and ASUS' Shadow Boost feature which makes it easier to spot anything in darker corners of any given game. There's HDR support via VESA's HDR400 certification.

With those features, ASUS is catering to two markets at once: professional and gamer. The added resolution and screen real-estate will feel right at home with users that do much horizontal work (my 2560 x 1080 panel is already plenty enough for two pages to sit comfortably side to side). The increased frequency response won't do much for professional work, but does tick one of those gaming checklists of late. With the specs and exotic streak on this monitor, though, don't expect pricing to come cheap.

AOC, a worldwide leader in monitor display technology, today announces the new G1 Series of curved gaming monitors. This affordable line of gaming monitors packs powerful gaming specifications in an understated design with incredibly thin bezels, making them a perfect fit for the ultimate battle station. The G1 series is made up of four monitors - a 32-inch QHD (CQ32G1), 32-inch (C32G1), 27-inch (C27G1) and 24-inch (C24G1). The G1 series is available now starting at $229.99.

The G1 series provides an immersive gaming experience with its Full HD (QHD for the CQ32G1) resolution and 1800R (1500R for the C24G1) curved design. Additionally, it provides smooth and fluid gameplay with a 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync and a 1ms MPRT response time. With a 144Hz frame rate, every frame is rendered sharply and in smooth succession, so users can line up their shots accurately and can appreciate high-speed races in all their glory.

MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips monitors, is releasing the 278E9, the latest addition to the E9 line of consumer displays. Featuring the stylish design and high-quality image performance for which the E9 line is known, the 278E9 offers a curved 27-inch narrow-border Ultra-Wide Color Full HD display for realistic visuals and extra wide viewing angles in addition to features such as AMD FreeSync for a smooth and more fully immersive user experience.

Display specialist AOC announces the G1 Series, with three new curved models C24G1, C27G1 and C32G1 ranging from 23.6" to 27" and 31.5" screen sizes. The red-accented design and aggressive curvatures (1500R to 1800R) assure an excellent, immersive gaming experience. The new series is equipped with VA panels and supports Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution. Aimed at competitive gamers, these monitors deliver high contrast images with deep blacks and vivid colors with 144 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) response time, and wide viewing angles of 178°/178°.

For the smoothest gaming experience, these monitors boast AMD FreeSync support for stutter and tear-free gaming, Low Input Lag for the fastest visual feedback, AOC Game Color for on-the-fly adjustment of saturation and picture detail as well as the brand new "Dial Point" for a crosshair overlay, helping gamers to aim accurately in FPS games. Gamers no longer need to choose between elegant designs, fast panels, accurate colors and curvature for better immersion. With the new AOC G1 Series, all these features and design come together.

The new MSI Optix AG32CQ probably sparks déjà vu because a monitor with a near-identical name and design was launched last October. That is, until you pay close attention to the "Q" in its name. The new Optix AG32CQ has a similar feature-set to the AG32C, but with increased resolution to 2560 x 1440 pixels, hence the "Q," denoting quad-HD. The 32-inch monitor with 1800R curvature still offers the goodness of a VA panel with 178°/178° viewing angles, 144 Hz refresh-rate (slightly lower than the 165 Hz of its Full HD predecessor), 1 ms (GTG) response-time, 3000:1 static contrast ratio, and support for AMD FreeSync technology. The company didn't reveal pricing.

BenQ announced a new entry to its monitor lineup under the model name EX3203R. It sports a 31.5" VA panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, and can display frames at up to 144 Hz refresh rates. The slight 1800R curvature is expected to keep all points of the monitor at the same distance from users' eyes. AMD's FreeSync 2 technology is also being employed here, making this a more attractive proposition for gaming scenarios. Since this is FreeSync 2 we're talking about, the effective FreeSync range should be quite high, since support for LFC (Low Frame-Rate Compensation) is an essential part of the certification.

Like most BenQ (and other brands') monitors, BenQ is touting this panel as HDR-compatible, and sporting a HDR-specific luminance mode that achieves a top 400 cd/m² luminance - the basest of the base values allowed by AMD for HDR compatibility. Non-HDR content, however, will default to a top 300 cd/m² luminance. BenQ is quoting 90% DCI-P3 coverage. Connectivity options include 2x HDMI 1.4 ports, 1x DisplayPort 1.2a, 2x USB 3.1 ports, and 1x USB Type-C port. Pricing hasn't been announced at time of writing.

MSI and SteelSeries are proud to announce that thanks to their long-standing technology partnership, the newly launched Optix MPG series curved gaming monitors are now supported by SteelSeries Engine. Using the five RGB zones on the front of the monitor, gamers can easily program lighting effects in the SteelSeries Engine to notify them of in-game timers, stats, cooldowns or even Discord notifications.

Joseph Hsu MSI President said: "The integration of SteelSeries Engine with the Optix MPG Series Curved Gaming Monitors brings PrismSync Illumination and real-time game alerts which offer an even greater level of immersive gameplay." "MSI and SteelSeries are delivering a truly immersive experience to gamers," said SteelSeries CEO, Ehtisham Rabbani said, "SteelSeries is proud of the strong partnership that we continue to build with MSI and we are excited to bring the gaming community new types of immersive technology like this."

MSI has added another monitor to its OPTIX lineup, in the form of the OPTIX MPG27CQ monitor. This one sports a VA-type 27" panel, which delivers its images in a crisp, WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. The usage of a VA panel means this monitor is able to deliver up to 144 Hz refresh rates with a 1 ms response time and 178/178 viewing angles, while sRGB and NTSC coverage stand at 115% and 100%, respectively.

Another thing to note is the monitor's rated brightness: at 400 cd/m², it isn't the best we've seen, but at least it holds its maximum brightness honorably, without adding any HDR-capable gimmicks, even though it's much more capable of that than some other monitors that have been recently announced. One of the more interesting thinks about this monitor, however, is the inclusion of SteelSeries' Game Sense technology, which should allow the bottom bezel led strips to react to your gaming conditions, such as ammo count, health, and other factors. Additionally for gamers, there's support for Adaptive Sync tech to smooth out the frame-rate and avoid tearing.

MSI, world's leading manufacturer of true gaming hardware is proudly expanding the hardware possibilities for gamers. Dedicated to providing gamers the most immersive gaming experience, MSI has prepared a strong line-up of new, curved gaming monitors. Introducing the MSI Optix MAG series, loaded with three models in two different screen sizes, the MSI Optix MAG24C, MSI Optix MAG27C and its flagship model, the MSI Optix MAG27CQ together mark MSI's definitive entry into the gaming monitor market. The Optix MAG27CQ is equipped with the latest gaming features to ensure great immersion when playing games. With a curved VA panel with a 1800R curve, a 1440p WQHD resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this gaming monitor is built for speed and stunning visuals.

Together with a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees, less blue light and anti-flicker this gaming monitor is tailored for a perfect gaming day or night. The monitors can be swiveled, adjusted in height and tilted. Moreover, if you need a little help when playing games, the monitors even have a built-in FPS sight toggle on screen, so gamers can perfectly hit all of their targets.

MSI today introduced the Optix MAG24C, a 24-inch curved gaming-grade monitor, which could be the company's most affordable. Its Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution may not be much to write home about in 2017, but bolstering it gaming-grade credentials are its 144 Hz refresh-rate, and 1 ms (GTG) response-time, and support for AMD FreeSync technology. It also features OSD crosshairs, FPS counters, and display presets specific to game genres.

The Optix MAG24C is based on a VA (vertical-alignment) display panel, with 1800R curvature, 178°/178° viewing-angles, 110% sRGB coverage, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, and 3,000:1 static contrast-ratio (with dynamic mega-contrast). A blue-light reduction mechanism, and flicker-free brightness control, complete its panel-specific features. The monitor takes input from DisplayPort 1.2a (needed for 144 Hz and FreeSync), HDMI 1.4a, and DVI. Its stand allows tilt and height adjustments. The company didn't reveal pricing.

ASUS has introduced a new ROG Strix monitor to its lineup, the XG35VQ, which brings with it UWQHD resolution (3440 x 1440) in a 21:9 aspect ratio and a 35" diagonal. It's a curved affair - 1800R at that - and ASUS says the VA panel offers 100% sRGB coverage, plus 2500:1 contrast and 300 cd/m2 brightness. Viewing angles stand at an almost perfect 178° - a standard spec in recent times.

The most interesting selling point for this monitor, however, is that it can deliver a 100 Hz refresh rate, with FreeSync support up to that frequency. A 4 ms response time means reduced ghosting, and the panel also applies ASUS' version of Extreme Low Motion Blur mode, which strobes the LED backlight to lower persistence, much like a VR display. This mode uses a fixed refresh rate, so ASUS recommends it for fast-paced games where users can comfortably maintain high frame rates.

MSI today rolled out the Optix AG32C, a gaming-grade 32-inch (31.5-inch viewing area) monitor, with an 1800R curvature. Despite its colossal panel size, the monitor only puts out Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution. Lending to its gaming-grade credentials are 165 Hz maximum refresh-rate, 1 ms response time, and support for AMD FreeSync technology. Other vital specs include 178°/178° viewing angles, 3000:1 static contrast-ratio, and 250 cd/m² maximum brightness. Display inputs include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, and dual-link DVI. Other features include an anti-flicker brightness adjustment, OSD crosshairs, etc. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Acer has introduced a new monitor to its line of offerings which brings a particular attention to design. The ED273 monitor features an eye-catching white and silver design, which looks at one time bold and elegant, and offers an interesting mix of features for the average user. The panel is a 27" VA, 1800R curved panel, which offers 1080p resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate and a 4 ms response time. Pair this with support for AMD's FreeSync (which every monitor should carry nowadays anyway), and the ED273 materializes as an interesting option for users that don't require higher resolutions nor breakneck-speed frames.

Being a VA panel, viewing angles stay at the usual 178 °, while brightness is a paltry 250 cd/m2, which means that users who expect to use this monitor in bright environments should be wary. Contrast ratio is being touted as a 1,000,000:1, and display interfaces include 1x DVI-D, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, and audio jacks. The Acer ED273 monitor is available from Newegg for $199.

ASUS today rolled out the Republic of Gamers (ROG) Swift PG27VQ curved gaming monitor. This 27-inch monitor with an 1800R curved TN-film panel, offers a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Bolstering its gaming credentials are a high refresh-rate of 165 Hz, response time as low as 1 ms (GTG), and support for NVIDIA G-SYNC technology. If the 16.8 million colors put out from the display panel itself aren't "RGB lit" enough for you, the monitor features RGB LED elements illuminating a motif behind the panel, and below the monitor stand's pivot; which can be controlled using ASUS Aura Sync RGB software.

Besides putting up a show, the RGB LED elements can be made to work as ambient lighting, which adapts to the display. The GamePlus technology lets you draw OSD crosshairs and frame-rate counter; and GameVisual, which are display presets for various genres of games (FPS, RTS, RPG, etc.). Other key panel specifications include 400 cd/m² maximum brightness, 170°/160° viewing angles, and dynamic mega-contrast ratio. Display inputs include DisplayPort 1.2 (needed for G-SYNC), and HDMI 1.4 (lower than standard refresh rate). The stand offers basic tilt adjustments. The company didn't reveal pricing.

AOC, a worldwide leader in monitor display technology, today announces the newest member of the Agon monitor collection, the premium line of AOC gaming monitors. The AG322QCX is a curved 32-inch, QHD gaming monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz, 4ms response time and AMD FreeSync technology. This monitor is made for enthusiast and competitive esports gamers, like AOC partner, Team Liquid, allowing them to race through games without stutter, screen tearing and motion blur. The AG322QCX will be available at Microcenter for $429.99 MSRP.

The 32-inch monitor features a 2560x1440 QHD screen with a 1800R curve. The curved VA panel offers vibrant colors for a more exciting and immersive visual experience to be enjoyed while gaming. The AG322QCX's curve conforms to the way the eye sees and helps reduce eye fatigue. Team Liquid, winners of The International Dota 2 Tournament, use AOC monitors to prepare for competitions, as they compete at the highest level of esports.

Philips is following in ASUS' footsteps in introducing an uber-wide 32:9 monitor with a 49" VA panel diagonal. Philips is picking up the same panel that Samsung is using on their CH90, DFHD (Double Full HD) monitor. Philips, however, is shaving some of the technologies that make its Samsung counterpart more expensive - but also much more interesting for the gamer inside you. While Samsung is including their QLED technology in the CH90, as well as support for AMD's FreeSync 2 technology, Philips shaves those, which will allow the company to reach a sub $1,100 price-tag. It keeps the 1800R curvature, however, which really, is likely mandatory in such a wide panel.

The panel offers an ultra-wide aspect ratio with its 32:9 ratio (good luck on finding many games that support that out-of-the-box), but it features a somewhat low vertical resolution of just 1080 pixels. Brightness is being reported at a maximum 600 cd/m², and contrast at up to 5000:1. Connectivity-wise, the Philips 492P8 features 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x USB Type-C input, 1x D-Sub connector, as well as built-in dual-port USB 3.0 and an Ethernet hub (the USB-C acts like an upstream port). 2x 3.5-mm audio connectors for headphones and a microphone. Philips plans to bring the 492P8 to the market sometime in Q2 next year and intends to sell the unit for about €899 ($1077). However, considering the time interval between now and launch, MSRP and specifications may be subject to change in the meantime.

Alienware has introduced a pair of ultra-large monitors to their lineup at IFA, which boast of Curved, ultrawide displays with a 34" diagonal. Refresh rates are above 100 Hz - especially after these have been overclocked - and both feature NVIDIA's G-Sync tech alongside Alienware's AlienFX lighting and cable management features.

While the AW3418DW will be Alienware's flagship, packing a 3440x1440 resolution on its 4 ms GtG IPS panel, the AW3418HW is much more of a budget option, offering a much more common 2560x1080 IPS, G-Sync panel with the same 4 ms GtG, a 160 Hz refresh rate (when overclocked), G-SYNC, and a less enveloping 3900R curvature. Both displays offer the same 1000:1 contrast ratio, and while we don't know the brightness rating of the AW3418HW (2560x1080) panel, the flagship AW3418DW only offers 300 nits of brightness, effectively leaving HDR out of the picture. Pricing on these is what seems to be a little off, if you were to ask this particular editor. The AW3418DW is an interesting panel (who needs 144 Hz or higher refresh rates at this resolution) but at this point, giving up $1,499 for a non-HDR panel seems wrong. There are other options out there with the same or equivalent specifications at a much lower price tag. And the $1,199 Alienware is asking for their 34", 2650x1080 W3418HW also seems too excessive. But your mileage may, of course, vary. The flagship AW3418DW is available now, while the AW3418HW should be available around the holiday season. I've put a useful guide for screen curvatures below, if you need a reminder of how curvature ratings work.

MSI unveiled some of its first gaming monitors, under the MSI OPTIX brand. These include two models, the 27-inch OPTIX G27C, and the 24-inch OPTIX G24C. Both models feature Samsung-made TN-film display panels with 1800R curvature, Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, 144 Hz refresh-rate, 4 ms (GTG) response time, 178°/178° viewing-angles, and support for AMD FreeSync technology. Display inputs on both include DisplayPort 1.2a, HDMI 1.4a, and DVI. The 24-incher features a simpler design with a stand that allows basic height adjustment, while the 27-incher allows tilt adjustments. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Remember that post on Samsung's investment on 32:9 aspect ratio monitors? The company has just materialized them, with the announcement of their 2017 flagship FreeSync 2 supporting monitors, which come in two different models and three different sizes. Samsung announced a world's first, the CHG90 QLED monitor, which leverages its alien 49" towards displaying a 32:9 presentation. That's what Samsung is calling a DFHD (Dual Full HD) screen, with a 3840x1080 resolution. This panel supports FreeSync 2, HDR, wide 178-degree viewing angles, and the now usual 1800R curvature, with blazingly-fast 144 Hz refresh rates and 1 ms response times.

At the same time, Samsung also announced the somewhat more mundane CHG70 QLED monitor, which comes in at either 27" or 31,5". Whatever your choice of panel size, these are essentially the same specs-wise, and differ little from the CHG90: they offer WQHD resolution (2560x1440), HDR, FreeSync 2, wide 178-degree viewing angles, and the now usual 1800R curvature, along with blazing-fast 144 Hz refresh rates and 1 ms response times.

ASUS is looking to have two distinct monitor product lines catering to either AMD or NVIDIA enthusiasts. Adding to their Swift line-up of NVIDIA G-Sync monitors, ASUS seems to be building up a Strix line as well, which features AMD's FreeSync technology to deliver the same fundamental variable refresh rate technology at a lower price-point (or so we hope.)

Starting with the flagship Strix monitor, the ASUS Strix XG32V has a 31.5" IPS panel with a WQHD resolution of 2560 x 1440. It's curved, so it envelops your FOV better, with the usual 1800R curve. This model can handle refresh rates of up to 144Hz, though readers looking to jump at this panel as we speak should wait for both Freesync range and pricing announcements. Connectivity-wise, we're looking at 2x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 2.0, and an os yet unknown amount of USB 3.0 ports. ASUS has also added the inevitable Aura Sync lighting to the XG32V, materialized on both a ROG logo that shines down onto the desk, as well as an RGB LED suite on the back of the unit that can be synchronized with other Aura Sync-enabled PC components and peripherals.