There is a category that we are particularly excited about, and it is a category that we think will be very popular at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show.

Although they can achieve better picture quality and a faster response time than their counterparts, the ability to match them in providing high-refresh rates has been lacking. There have been some exceptions, such as the Alienware AW3423DW, a QD-OLED running at 175Hz, but now, the optimal refresh rate for gaming displays has finally been achieved, thanks to the new generation of displays.

We are aware of a number of displays that are being displayed at the conference. One of the more innovative offerings is the Corsair Xeneon Flex, a 45 inch OLED with a $1,999 pricetag. It's ideal for both work and play if you squeeze the screen together.

The rear of Corsair’s Xeneon Flex, showcasing its bending mechanism and video ports.
The Corsair Xeneon Flex needs to be physically squished into position if you want to switch between a flat screen or an 800R curved display.
Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

We were able to get our hands on a pre-release version of the Corsair Xeneon Flex for an early review. There is a variable refresh rate and a 1440p resolution, along with other features.

At the show, the company will be showing off its 45-inch and 27-inch UltraGear monitors, which are already available for pre-order and $1,699 and $299, respectively. The displays have a response time of less than one second. The press release states that the panels will be used in premium monitors from other brands.

LG’s 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor showing off a video demo of a racing game.
LG’s 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor is already available for pre-order, and is expected to ship mid-January after it’s unveiled at CES 2023.
Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

We know that a new ROG gaming monitor will be unveiled at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, though details for that are slim. There is no word on pricing or a release date for the ROG Swift OLED PG 27AQDM, which is said to feature a 1440p resolution and will be running at a rate of 240hertz.

Dough will also be using a glossy version of the above- mentioned panel in its own monitor, though we haven't heard anything about it being showcased at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show. Preorders start at $649 and will be fulfilled around July 2023.

The Dough Spectrum OLED on a white table
At $649, Dough’s 27-inch Spectrum is the most affordable 240Hz OLED on our list. Sadly, there’s no word on it appearing at CES 2023, but it is scheduled for release later next year.
Image: Dough

We are excited to see what the new gaming monitors can do, but we are still going to make a few changes. The Corsair Xeneon Flex has an average brightness level of 150 nits, which is less than the 200 nits claimed by the two of them. If you're used to something like the Odyssey G9 which has a typical brightness of 420 nits, then these displays may feel subdued.

A monitor with a standard brightness of 300 and 350 nits.

The lack of options for 4K resolution could also be a dealbreaker for some, though it's worth bearing in mind that you'd need an extremely powerful gaming PC to run most titles at that resolution and make full use of a 240 Hz refresh rate. A current-gen console won't work well. The best place to get great image quality without sacrificing refresh rate is in 1440p.

The imminent introduction of a new type of display could be a game-changer for people who like to switch between fast paced competitive games and beautiful, graphically demanding titles. It is disappointing that some of the prices are so high, but that is to be expected with new tech. It is possible that I will be able to afford one of the above models by the time the next generation of gaming monitors hits 500hertz.