AOC is readying the next generation of their enthusiast-gaming AGON line. The 353 series supersedes the 352 series launched in February last year, and keeps the 35" diagonal of its previous iteration. The specs are up there with the best available for what a VA panel can offer: 4K resolution, 1000 nits peak brightness in HDR mode, 1 ms (MTRT response time, or a rated 4 ms GtG) and a 200 Hz maximum refresh rate with support for AMD's FreeSync 2 or NIDIA's G-Sync HDR. There's also 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, if color accuracy is a must.

The AGON 353-series will be available in two models, for either AMD FreeSync 2 or NVIDIA G-SyncHDR certification. AG353UCG featuring NVIDIA's G-Sync HDR as well as another one supporting AMD's FreeSync 2 HDR. The G-Sync HDR version, however, will be carrying a 512-zone full array local dimming for increased contrast. Connectors include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and a four port USB 3.1 (5 Gbps) HUB. The NVIDIA G-Sync version is expected to launch around June this year; no word on the AMD equivalent. No word on pricing either, but don't expect these (particularly the NVIDIA one, with its full array local dimming) to come cheap.

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.

Acer has added another entry to their Predator line of gaming monitors. The Z35P comes in to replace the company's now aging Z35, which boasted of a 2560x1080 resolution (which while relatively low for today's standards, I have to say I really enjoy.) The Z35P brings the specs up to speed with today's standards, with a higher resolution and a better contrast ratio than its predecessor. Its design reminds me of a running Flood infection form, honestly, but that may be just me.

The Z35P is based on a 35" AMVA panel with a 3440x1440 resolution (2.39:1 aspect ratio and 106 PPI), has a relatively low maximum brightness of 300 nits (no HDR support here I'm afraid), a 2500:1 contrast ratio, a 100 Hz refresh rate, 178°/178° viewing angles, a 4 ms response time, and a 1800R curvature. Reports indicate the refresh rate can be overclocked from 100 Hz to 120 Hz (with G-SYNC to boot), which isn't all that shabby. Connectivity-wise, the Predator Z25P features 1x HDMI 1.4 port, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 4x USB Type-A headers (with 1x USB-B input) and 1x 3.5-mm audio jack which drives the two 9 W integrated speakers. While in operation, the panel consumes up to 65 W of power. The Acer Predator Z35P is expected to be available in the U.S. in the coming weeks for $1099.99.