If you’re setting up your gaming rig and are still undecided if a curved gaming monitor would make a difference, this post can explain the advantages and disadvantages of a curved monitor to your entire gaming experience. Is the extra cost for a curved gaming monitor worth it?
Is Curved Monitor Good for Gaming?
There are 3 factors why these types of monitors are considered better for gaming:
1. Greater Immersion & Wider Field of View
No matter what people say, the screen size of your monitor is always a factor to consider because bigger is always better, but with this kind of display, it doesn’t matter if you go with a 27 inch or 34 inch since the curvature makes it a lot more immersive. Viewing any image with this kind of monitor means the length, width, and height are in three dimensions, looking fully alive with all the details and color accurately presented.
A traditional flat monitor just presents images and videos “flatly” without requiring the use of peripheral vision.
Curved monitors can also have a 21:9 aspect ratio, compared to the standard aspect ratio of 16:9 for TVs and flatscreen displays. This means a 32-inch size curved display would be significantly wider (instead of tall) when compared to a 32-inch flat display.
Plus, manufacturers of curved gaming monitors also consider the contrast ratio (depth of blacks and brightness of whites) when designing every panel model. All of these factors ensure less eye strain on the user, and the best viewing experience.
2. High Refresh Rate and Low Response Time
For standard computing, a refresh rate of 60 Hz is more than enough. However, gamers would require a higher refresh rate and lower response time. Many curved displays have refresh rates of 75Hz and above. Examples of a panel with a 144Hz refresh rate are:
Samsung C27HG70 monitor (with FreeSync support)
AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition Super wide G-Sync monitor
LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch Curved 21: 9 Ultragear Display
Dell LED Curved QHD FreeSync Monitor
Benq EX3203R Ultra wide Curved Gaming Monitor with 20,000,000: 1 contrast ratio
Asus TUF Gaming VG32VQ 32” Curved Screen with FreeSync
Samsung CRG90 Series 49” super ultrawide monitors
For gamers, a high refresh rate means the screen could maintain image accuracy and color, keep pace with the actions in the game and quick-twitch inputs of players, which in turn provides a better gaming experience and zero chance of screen tearing.
Some screen brands incorporate NVIDIA® G-SYNC® technology for great-looking, smooth and tear-free immersion.
3. Supports All Kinds of Resolution
Like any other type of monitor, curved ones can have resolutions ranging from HDR, the full HDR (1920 x 1080) to Wide Quad HD (1440p resolution/2560 x 1440) and even up to 4k or 5k resolutions.
Samsung UR59C 4K Monitor, MSI OPTIX MAG321CURV 4K Monitor with 300 nits brightness, and Acer Predator 34″ Curved UltraWide are examples of great gaming displays with 4k resolution.
Are Curved Monitors Worth it?
Note that if you’ve been using flat screens for a long time, you’ll have to get used to some glare at certain angles. If you read other reviews, this glare is a common side effect of the curvature design of such a screen.
It can be tricky to hang this kind of monitor to the wall because the back has curvature and the sides would need support to level it to the wall. You may need to purchase a good bracket or add a sturdy stand.
A curved screen would have a higher price than a flat screen. However, despite these small disadvantages and the price difference, I recommend you save up more money to buy the best curved gaming monitor. The price of these monitors is definitely worth every dollar.
