Playing online games can be the next best thing you want to dive into on your to-do list, specifically as a die-hard gamer. And even if you happen to be just someone “who does that” at leisure, there are the chances that you’ve had those moments when you couldn’t let go of the PlayStation Controller. 

So, right now, just take a flashback to the past and answer these questions; does my monitor affect my gaming experience in any way? What feature of my monitor effects or affects an immersive gaming experience? Brightness? Resolution and panel size? Refresh rate and pixel response? Panel technology? Video inputs?

Okay, enough of the imaginations. As I am here to help, I will show you how to choose the right gaming monitor, taking the features that affect an immersive gaming experience as a guide. Spoilers; I prefer a 144hz monitor. Don’t take why.

SIZE, RESOLUTION AND PANEL

Selecting a monitor with the best panel size and resolution may be tasking on you but it shouldn’t be so. Here is the rule of thumb. Practically, bigger monitors are generally known to work better for gaming activities. But it doesn’t end there. You don’t have to disturb or deceive yourself in scouting for a big monitor which may be lacking in the required resolution and panel. 

SIZE AND RESOLUTION

First thing you must consider when choosing your gaming monitor is the size of your gaming space. It is always a deciding factor when choosing a monitor as you wouldn’t want to be cramped in a tiny space with an uncomfortable monitor staring big at you. Ah!

The Resolution is the Monitor’s ability to process the graphics of the game in a clearer and sharper view but this varies from size to size as the resolution found in a 24 inches monitor is quite different from a 30 inches monitor and they all have their importance and features, the size of the monitor must not be too big for your desk nor should it take a larger space on the desk as this may impede the free flow of your gaming experience.

The resolution is always higher proportionate to the size of your monitor, so it is always the bigger the monitor the better the resolution but you can still enjoy your game better in some smaller size monitors. 

PANEL 

There are three different types of panels which are Twisted Nematic, Vertical Alignment and In-Plane Switching. You may be wondering; what are the unique specialisations of all? These three types of panels are different from each other based on the area they have been designed to excel best in. You may want to do some further findings on that though but see below for my briefs on each.

TWISTED NEMATIC

This type of panel has the lowest quality in color reproduction and viewing angles. But it replaces that lack of high color quality with a fast response time speed. In my own previous experience, a fast response time speed is a better choice in the case of some racing games and action games because it allows fast image-rendering on the screen. Yay! You no longer have to take your eyes off the screen! But here’s the kicker;  Twisted Nematic monitors are also the cheapest (lucky are all ye who are budget-conscious).

VERTICAL ALIGNMENT

Vertical alignment panels are known for their high contrast ratio; ability to display deep black and penchant for robust color.  But when it comes to playing a game that requires responsive and fast action,  a vertical alignment panel can be quite daunting. 

IN-PLANE SWITCHING

In-Plane Switching panels excel in both speed and image display quality. In fact, they are the best in these two areas. Unfortunately, there is another type of panel (VN) which is superior to In-plane switching in the terms of Response Speed Time. What’s more ridiculous? In-plane costs more than VN.