Gamers know the fun of the game all relies on the right gear. While there are many important components of gaming gear, some would argue the monitor is one of the most essential. Choosing between a flat or curved monitor is not always easy. With this information, gamers will learn if the curve is necessary and what it does and does not do for your gaming experience.
What Is a Curved Monitor?
As the name implies, a curved monitor is one that is slightly curved at the edges. Manufacturers of curved gaming monitors argue this offers a more realistic view. After all, the world is not flat. There are many manufacturers that are producing outstanding curved monitors, but are they really worth it or just a hyped-up version of a needless piece of gear?
Advantages of Curved Monitors
There are certainly some advantages to playing games with a curved monitor, whether it be PC or gaming console games. Before you spend your hard-earned cash, it is important you know everything about curved monitors and the benefits they may offer you as a gamer.
One of the primary reasons gamers purchase curved monitors is because of the viewing experience. Because of the curved screen, the gaming images seem more realistic and immersive. The screen wraps around the eyes, giving a more natural feel.
It might not seem like such a big deal having the monitor curved, but it can make a huge difference, especially with today’s intense graphic-driven games. Here are some of the biggest benefits of choosing a curved monitor for gaming.
- The curved shape of the monitor creates a more intensive gaming experience that seems to bring the gamer deeper into the game.
- This type of monitor perfects the images you see on the screen and spreads them out in a more natural way than a flat panel would.
- When players use a curved monitor, they are able to see more comfortably when they are up close, without feeling as if their eyes are being strained.
- Those who use curved monitors report they do not have to deal with unwanted reflections of sunlight, room light, or other objects distracting them from the images being projected from the game.
Gaming from a curved monitor offers an almost 3D-like viewing experience. No, the images produced are not 3D, but it gives you the same look without the headaches and aggravation 3D viewing brings.
Although there are certainly many benefits to gaming with a curved monitor, there are also a few cons to consider before you jump in and make a purchase. Knowing the pros and cons will help you to make an informed decision you are less likely to regret in the future.
Cons of Curved Gaming Monitors
There are just a few cons you need to be aware of before you make a final decision. Most people do not feel these cons are anything major to worry about, but they are worth mentioning for those who may find them deal-breakers.
- Some who are wary of curved monitors talk about the distortion they experience when looking at the monitor off-center. Many curved monitor owners have disputed this. There are reports of marginalized edges and a bow tie effect when the edges are stretched or a person is viewing from an odd angle. These monitors are meant to be viewed fairly up close, and this problem does not occur when viewing the monitor from a normal level.
- Curved monitors can restrict the viewing ability of the monitor when it is being used as a television screen for viewing movies with a group. This monitor is more for personal use and works best when you are sitting right in front of the screen.
- While some people like to hang their gaming monitor on the wall, this is not ideal when it comes to a curved monitor. Curved monitors can be placed on a wall, but they do not always look aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Although the above cons may not be enough to stop a person from purchasing a curved monitor, they are something to consider. Being aware of the pros and cons of this type of monitor will help you make the best choice for gaming gear.
Tips for Choosing a Curved Game Monitor
Taking time to research the options will help in making a purchase decision. Because these monitors can be pricier than flat screens, it is wise to be careful in making a purchase. Consider the following tips before making any purchase decision.
- Size is especially important when it comes to curved monitors. Gamers will likely find 30 to 35 inches is just about perfect for gaming up close and personal. If the monitor is too small, the curve will not wrap around the gamer, and the gaming experience will not feel as immersive as it could with a larger screen.
- Color is another important consideration. The best monitors should have 100% sRGB for the richest and most vibrant colors.
- A fast refresh rate is also important when it comes to purchasing a curved monitor. The faster the refresh rate, the better the images will look on the screen. You should not purchase a curved monitor with less than 100Hz refresh rates. Some of these monitors go up to 240Hz.
- Ports are another important consideration. There should be plenty of USB and HDMI ports for all your gaming consoles and computer gear.
Why Choose a Curved Monitor Over a Flat One?
When it comes to curved vs. flat, there is no easy answer. Most non-gamers are not going to appreciate a curved screen because there really is no need for it unless they watch a lot of movies on their monitor.
Those who are really into gaming will find a curved monitor will take their gaming experience to the next level. Imagine being surrounded by the game screen to a certain extent and feeling the action at all levels of sight. This is what a curved gaming monitor will offer you.
Besides the great cinematic experience with gaming, there is also a big benefit in the reduction of eye strain. Many gamers suffer from eye strain after they have been playing a game for a long period of time.
The arc of the curved monitor is much like the arc of the human eye. Because the images from the screen are already naturally bowed, they are more easily seen by the eyes without leading to strain. The eye does not have to move as much to see the images on a curved screen which will prevent them from growing overly tired during long gaming sessions.
How to Gain the Most Enjoyment from a Curved Monitor
When it comes to the best curved monitor, there are a few tips to consider to gain the most enjoyment. Following these tips will help to ensure a curved monitor lives up to your expectations and is not simply an item that gathers dust.
To gain the most enjoyment, placement is important. A curved monitor is going to provide the best image consistency when it is centered on a desk or entertainment center. For the best results, make sure you are sitting no further back than four to five feet. Much further back and the curve will begin to distort the images slightly and make the gaming experience much less intuitive.
When a curved monitor is coupled with the most comfortable of gaming chairs and surround sound, you will get lost inside the game. A curved monitor offers that “wow” factor that simply cannot be achieved from flat-screen monitors.
What Games Play Best on a Curved Monitor?
Any game will play beautifully on a curved monitor, but there are some that are meant for this type of screen.
- First-person shooters are a definite hit with curved monitors. You will be able to better see the enemies all around and intuitively respond the second they appear on the screen.
- Games that have a lot of menus and text to read will also respond well on a curved monitor.
- Those games with tons of mini maps and directives are much easier to play on a curved screen than a flat one.
Bottom Line
If you are expecting a curved monitor to completely revolutionize your gaming experience, it likely will not. Curved monitors do have a place in gaming gear arsenal, and they offer an immersive feel that is definitely noticeable and enjoyable.
If you decide to purchase a curved monitor, try to get the best you can afford. Monitors under 30 inches are not going to be worth paying extra for the curve because the difference will be practically unnoticeable.
Talking with most gamers who own a curved monitor will reveal they are happy with the benefits. Once a gamer has played on a curved monitor for a while, they become accustomed to the curve and can no longer enjoy playing on a flat-screen as much as they once did. Hardcore gamers who love having the latest gear will want to check out a curved model for their setup.
