[Round-up] All the Latest Awesome 2026 Monitors from MSI at CES 2026

January 8, 2026 Simon Baker

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Disclaimer: this article includes sponsored coverage from CES 2026, but all content, opinions and commentary are our own as always

Index

Introduction

MSI displayed several new and exciting monitors at CES this year. We were fortunate to attend MSI’s press event prior to the start of CES which meant we had early access to all of their featured monitors and a chance to see some of these exciting new screens in person. In this article we’ll take you through what MSI had at their booth, which include the latest QD-OLED gaming displays, their new G-Sync Pulsar Monitor, dual-mode 5K IPS displays and the introduction of their PRO MAX series. All the info is included below.

Our Video Coverage from CES 2026

34″ Ultrawide with a new 5th Gen QD-OLED panel arrives!

We start by looking at the most exciting monitor that was showcased at the event which was the MPG 341CQR X36. This is a 34” sized curved screen (1800R), built around Samsung Displays brand new 5^th Gen QD-OLED panel technology with an ultrawide 3440 x 1440 resolution and 360Hz refresh rate.

A new panel improves text clarity and ambient light handling

The 5^th-Gen QD-OLED panel offers for the first time a true RGB-stripe sub-pixel layout (something Samsung Display call “V-stripe”) for improved text and image clarity, whilst the ‘DarkArmor’ Film coating helps deliver deeper and more accurate blacks in brighter room conditions, while eliminating the purple tint you get on previous QD-OLED panels. The panel hardness has also increased from 2H to 3H meaning its 2.5x more scratch resistant and more durable than previous panels.

In other specs this 34” sized screen has a 0.03ms G2G response time spec, 1.5 million:1 contrast ratio, 300 nits brightness (SDR), 178/178 viewing angles, 10-bit colour depth and a wide colour gamut covering 139.1% of the sRGB, 99.3% of the DCI-P3 and 97.8% of the Adobe RGB colour spaces. It also offers a factory calibrated Delta E<2 accuracy too.

The 360Hz refresh rate allows the screen to be certified under the VESA ClearMR 18000 tier and there is support for adaptive-sync for variable refresh rates from compatible systems. There are a number of other features to enhance your gaming experience too, including their Gaming Intelligence app which will allow you to customise your gaming set-up and screen settings.

High end OLED HDR capabilities are aplenty with certification under the VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 500 tier, a step up from earlier 34″ ultrawide QD-OLED monitors which offered TB400 certification. This is also the first QD-OLED panel to offer an updated peak brightness spec of 1300 nits (with 3% APL). MSI’s exclusive HDR customisation tool also allows you to adjust the EOTF curves for the HDR modes if you want to tweak things further.

There are a number of OLED Care features included to help ensure the longevity of the panel including MSI’s A.I. Care Sensor, and the screen will come with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind, including burn-in cover.

There is a whole host of connectivity options too including DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR 13.5), 2x HDMI 2.1 and 1x USB Type-C connection (with DP Alt mode and 98W power delivery). In addition there are 2x USB 5Gbps Type-A and 1x USB 5Gbps Type-B ports and a headphone jack.

Full review available now

We had the pleasure of reviewing this model at the end of last year ahead of the announcement at CES, so if you want to know a lot more about how this monitor measured up in our testing then this can be found here.

Pricing and availability

This is due to be released in Q1 2026 at an expected retail price of $1,099 USD.

The flagship MEG series returns with the “World’s First True A.I. gaming monitor”

Another exciting monitor to debut at CES this week was the launch of the MEG X model (final model name TBC) which saw the return of their flagship MEG series and it is what they are referring to as a “true AI gaming monitor”.

The MEG X features a 34” ultrawide screen built around the same Samsung Display 5^th Gen QD-OLED, which is the same panel used on the MPG 341CQR X36 with its RGB-stripe sub-pixel layout and a ‘DarkArmor’ coating, and therefore has a lot of the same features. The screen also has a subtle 1800R curvature, 3440 x 1440 resolution and an impressive 360Hz refresh rate.

What sets this apart from other monitors is it also integrates a number of AI functions which is supposed to enhance gameplay in various ways. This includes settings like AI Tracker, AI Gauge, AI Vision+, AI Scene, AI Goggle and AI Scope. MSI tell us that these are still being refined and updated, and a more finished version of the product should be showcased at Computex in May, and then it will be released to market.

The MEG X also includes MSI’s exclusive ‘AI Robot Lite’ which allows users to use voice commands when controlling their monitor set-up too allowing you to seamlessly enable key monitor settings.

The screen has a new design with a metal foot and rear enclosure, and some new RGB lighting features on the back as well. For connectivity there are 2x HDMI 2.1 input, 1x DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR20) input, 1x USB Type-C connection (with DP-Alt mode and 98W power delivery), 2x USB Type-A ports, 1x USB Type-B port and 1x headphone jack.

Once the full model name is known, along with the full specs, we will bring you a further update. No word on pricing yet either. Expect more news at Computex in May.

MSI collaborate with NVIDIA to introduce their G-Sync Pulsar gaming monitor

Next to feature was the MPG 272QRF X36 G-Sync Pulsar Gaming Monitor which is a collab between MSI and NVIDIA and will no doubt appeal to esports enthusiasts. This is a 27” sized screen built around a ‘Rapid IPS’ panel, offering a 2560 x 1440 resolution and a 360Hz refresh rate. It delivers the smoothest gameplay and sharpest visuals for competitive gamers seeking an edge thanks to the inclusion of NVIDIA’s long awaited ‘G-Sync Pulsar’ technology.

G-sync Pulsar explained

This technology utilises variable frequency backlight strobing like their earlier ULMB 2 technology to deliver 4x effective motion clarity alongside (for the first time) the smooth, tear-free experience of G-sync Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). This technology sets a new standard for competitive gaming, ensuring precise aiming and crystal-clear motion even during the most fast-paced gameplay. This should offer a motion clarity equivalent to >1000Hz.

More info on Pulsar here for now, but we will also be providing further updates and testing a Pulsar monitor at some point soon.

The monitor also utilises NVIDIA’s new ‘G-sync Ambient Adaptive’ Technology which, via a sensor on the top of the screen, means it can automatically adjust colour temperature and brightness to provide the user with optimal viewing conditions no matter what time of the day it is. Like all G-sync monitors, it offers accurate colours, low-latency HDR, and is rigorously tested for maximum performance and quality consistency.

Other specs include 0.5ms G2G response time spec, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 400 nits SDR brightness (500 nits peak for HDR), 178/178 viewing angles, 8-bit+FRC colour depth and an extended colour gamut covering 90% DCI-P3. The 360Hz refresh rate is supported by the latest MediaTek scaler which incorporates NVIDIA’s G-sync technologies, and is a modern alternative to their earlier G-sync module.

Connectivity options include includes 1x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2x HDMI 2.1 for video. There’s also 3x USB-A data ports, a headphone connection and an additional 1x USB 2.0 Micro-B for Firmware Update only.

Pricing and availability

We are told the MPG 272QRF X36 is due to be released imminently at a retail price of $649 USD. You can find it for pre-order at some retailers here using our affiliate link.

Check pricing and buy the MPG 272QRF X36 here

Two 5K Dual-mode gaming monitors, one with Mini LED!

MSI also unveiled two new displays, both featuring 27″ Rapid IPS panels with 5K resolution (5120 x 2880) and dual-mode functionality for different gaming situations. One even offers a glossy screen coating and 2304-zone Mini LED backlight.

MAG 271KPD7 with 5K dual-mode

First up is the lower-tier MAG 271KPD7, part of their MAG series, which offers a 27” ‘Rapid IPS’ panel with a 5120 x 2880 “5K” resolution and 75Hz refresh rate. A dual-mode function allows the user to increase their speed to 300Hz when dropping to a lower 1440p resolution, which is great if you want to switch between games that require stunning visuals and those that require super fast speeds. MSI are calling this boost a “Quad Boost” because it can reach 4x the native 75Hz refresh rate. It also includes an AI Dual-Mode switch function which automatically adjusts the refresh rate for smooth resolution switching.

Other specs that we are aware of at this time include a 0.5ms G2G response time spec, 218 PPI pixel density (Retina resolution level as Apple would call it), Delta E<2 colour accuracy. It will also offer G-Sync compatibility for VRR.

This model will retail for $499 USD we were told, but release date is TBC.

MPG 271KRAW16 with Mini LED and a glossy coating

Second up was the MPG 271KRAW16, which is part of MSI’s premier MPG range, and offers a lot of similarity to the MAG version but with with some additional top-end features that you would expect to see in an MPG screen. This is a 27” sized ‘Rapid IPS’ panel boasting the same 5120 x 2880 “5K” native resolution, 0.5ms G2G response time spec and 218 PPI pixel density.

Faster refresh rates are on offer with this model too, with the dual-mode function allowing you to double your refresh rate from its native 165Hz in 5K to 330Hz when dropping to a 1440p resolution. Again it features a AI Dual-Mode switch function which automatically adjusts the refresh rate for smooth resolution switching.

Another feature which sets this apart from the MPG model is it includes a 2,304 local dimming zone Mini-LED backlight and comes with VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification to allow for stunning HDR visuals and high peak brightness.

This model even has a glossy screen coating and it also boasts enhanced connectivity options as well which includes DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR13.5) and the others shown above. This model will retail for $899 USD but release date is still TBC.

PRO MAX Series unveiled with an updated QD-OLED Panel and New AGLR Coating

Last but by no means least…it wasn’t just gamers who were catered for as there was also something for professional and creative users to get excited about too, with the introduction of MSI’s new PRO MAX series. This series includes various systems and devices, as well as a new QD-OLED monitor. Packaged around a sleek and modern white aesthetic design, the PRO MAX 271UPXW12G is a 27” sized QD-OLED panel with a 3840 x 2160 “4K” resolution and a 166 PPI pixel density, making this suitable for professionals who demand high performance and colour accurate display.

A new QD-OLED panel

It is also set to feature an updated QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display (a version of their 27″ 4K panel from 2025) now with an added AGLR coating to improve usage in brighter lit rooms and office environments. Its ‘PureBlack’ panel (aka DarkArmor Film) delivers deep blacks and sharp visuals and this is paired with a new AGLR (Anti-Glare Low Reflection) surface will reduce reflections for a better and clearer viewing experience. In addition the upgraded 3H panel hardness means it offers more scratch resistance.

Although this remains a 4th Gen QD-OLED panel with the standard triangular sub-pixel layout, as opposed to the new RGB-stripe layout featured in their new 34″ models discussed earlier, the image clarity will still be excellent thanks to the super high pixel density.

In other specs it offers a Delta E<2 for excellent colour accuracy and M-Colour Mode allowing seamless colour synchronisation with MacBook devices whilst minimising cross-device differences. Brightness and volume can also be adjusted directly via MacBook shortcut keys, and it is full compatible with MSI OLED laptops for consistent colour across all devices.

Another notable highlight is the inclusion of OLED Care 3.0 feature and AI Care Sensor which will help protect the panel from burn in and automatically save power when not in use. For connectivity there is 2x HDMI 2.1 ports, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C connections (with DP Alt Mode and 98W power delivery) 4x USB Type-A ports and a headphone jack. There is also a built in KVM switch function allowing you to control up to 3 devices.

Our Video Coverage from CES 2026

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