Cyber Monday Update: Best Gaming Monitors for MLB The Show

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Updated 6/3/24:

• Removed ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 as similar options are available at a better price point.
• Replaced LG 27GP850-B Ultragear with AOC Q27G3XMN as top 1440p option as the AOC has a better total response time.
• Replaced GIGABYTE M32U with LG 27GR93U-B as the top 4k option as the LG has a better total response time and a better price.

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In MLB The Show, timing is everything. From pitching to hitting and fielding, split-second decisions can make or break a game. Having the right monitor can make a significant difference in your ability to react quickly and accurately.

With the recent support for 120hz in MLB The Show, players can now enjoy smoother gameplay and more responsive controls. If you’re having a hard time catching up to those 103mph fastballs, a 120hz monitor may make all the difference.

While there are multiple factors that go into choosing a monitor, we will focus on the following:

Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor refers to the number of times per second that the display updates its image. For MLB The Show, a 120Hz refresh rate means that the game’s visuals are updated 120 times per second, providing a more fluid and realistic depiction of fast-moving pitches and plays. This smoothness is crucial for accurately timing swings. If you’re playing with a monitor that doesn’t support 120Hz, you’re putting yourself at a huge disadvantage. Note: MLB The Show 24 is capped at 120Hz.

Total Response Time
The keyword here is “total”. Think of total response time as how fast your monitor can change its colors to keep up with what’s happening in the game. While the details on the box might just talk about regular response time, the total response time is what really matters. It’s about the whole picture – literally. For players of MLB The Show, a minimized total response time is vital. It sharpens the visual clarity, allowing players to promptly discern pitch types and make instantaneous gameplay decisions.

Input Lag
Input lag is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the action reflected on the screen. In fast-paced games like MLB The Show, where timing is critical, high input lag can hinder your ability to react in time to a pitch or fielding play. A monitor with low input lag ensures that the player’s actions are accurately and immediately represented in the game, making it easier to hit, pitch, and field effectively.

Resolution (less important)
While less critical, higher resolution means sharper, clearer visuals. PS5 now supports 1440p resolution, however, a 1080p monitor is also a fine choice for MLB The Show. This post will include monitors ranging from 1080p to 4K.

*Note: Prices are current as of writing and may differ depending on time of viewing.*

Our Top Pick

ASUS ROG Swift – $699 ($100 off)

• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh Rate: 240hz
• Total Response Time@120hz: 0.2ms (that’s not a typo)
• Input Lag@120hz: 4.4ms

The ASUS ROG Swift isn’t just a monitor; it’s the crown jewel of gaming displays, especially for MLB The Show enthusiasts. At $899, it represents the pinnacle of performance and quality, deserving its top spot in our recommendations. Why is it our favorite? Here’s the breakdown.

Superior Response Time: With a total response time of just 0.2ms, it’s almost instantaneous. This level of responsiveness means the monitor transitions between colors at breakneck speed, reducing motion blur to almost nothing. For a game like MLB The Show where recognizing pitch types swiftly is key, this monitor is a game-changer.

Optimized for Fast Action: An input lag of only 4.4ms at 120Hz ensures that every button press is reflected on-screen with negligible delay. In a game where fractions of a second count, this can be the difference between striking out and hitting a home run.

Ideal Resolution for Gaming: With a 1440p resolution, the ASUS ROG Swift strikes a perfect balance between crisp, clear visuals and optimal gaming performance. While capable of higher resolutions, it recognizes that for MLB The Show, and many other fast-paced games, performance takes precedence over pixel count.

Get it on Amazon

The 4K Option

LG 27GR93U-B – $399.99 ($30 off)

• Resolution: 4k
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Total Response Time@120Hz: 6.3ms
• Input Lag@120hz: 5.0ms

The LG 27GR93U-B stands out as an incredible value for a 4K gaming monitor, delivering top-tier performance at a competitive price. At under $450, this monitor offers stunning 4K resolution that brings every detail of MLB The Show to life, making your gaming experience more immersive than ever. Its 144Hz refresh rate ensures that the gameplay remains smooth and responsive, while the total response time of 6.3ms at 120Hz minimizes motion blur, allowing you to react quickly to fast pitches and dynamic plays. The input lag of 5.0ms ensures that your actions are translated to the screen almost instantaneously, providing a seamless and engaging gaming experience. For gamers seeking high-resolution performance without a hefty price tag, the LG 27GR93U-B is an excellent choice.

Get it on Amazon

The 1440p Option

AOC Q27G3XMN – 249.99 ($30 off)

• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh Rate: 180Hz
• Total Response Time@120Hz: 4.4ms
• Input Lag@120hz: 5.1ms

The AOC Q27G3XMN stands out as an exceptional choice for gamers, offering impressive features typically found in much more expensive models. This monitor is not just another 1440p option—it’s the only mini-LED monitor available anywhere near its price point. Priced at $279.99, it delivers a level of performance and quality that is hard to match, making it an incredible value for money. Here’s why it’s a top pick:

• Mini-LED Technology: Experience superior brightness and contrast with mini-LED backlighting, a feature rarely seen in monitors at this price.
• High Refresh Rate: With a refresh rate of 180Hz, enjoy fluid and smooth gameplay, crucial for fast-paced games like MLB The Show.
• Fast Response Time: The 4.4ms total response time at 120Hz minimizes motion blur, providing clear and sharp visuals for better gameplay.
• Low Input Lag: The 5.1ms input lag ensures your actions are reflected on the screen almost instantly, giving you a competitive edge.
• Great Value: At under $300, this monitor offers features and performance that rival those of much more expensive models, making it a smart investment for gamers looking for high performance without breaking the bank.

Get it on Amazon

The Insane Value Options

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A – $185

• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh Rate: 165hz
• Total Response Time@120Hz: 6.7ms
• Input Lag@120Hz: 4.8ms

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A is an extremely affordable option that covers the all the necessities you’ll want from a gaming monitor for MLB The Show. With a refresh rate of 165Hz, the ASUS TUF will allow you to run The Show at peak performance.

With screen sizes ranging from 24-inches to 27-inches, the ASUS TUF offers some flexibility depending on the space you have in your setup.

If you’re looking to dip your toe into the gaming monitor waters, this is a perfect monitor for most gamers. It’s only capable of 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution, but the refresh rate and response time is what you want for The Show and the price tag falling under $200 is a great value to get a monitor into your setup.

• Refresh rate of 165Hz for smooth and peak performance
• Impressive 1ms response time for precise timing
• Affordable price under $200, making it a great value.

Get it on Amazon

Acer Nitro KG241Y (1080p) – $95

• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh Rate: 165Hz
• Total Response Time@165hz: 11.2ms
• Input Lag@120hz: N/A

Although less data is available about the The Acer Nitro KG241Y, it is an extremely affordable option that covers the all the necessities you’ll want from a gaming monitor for MLB The Show.

If you’re currently running a monitor that doesn’t support 120Hz and don’t want to break the bank, the Acer Nitro is a great and popular option.

• Refresh rate of 165Hz for smooth and peak performance
• Impressive 1ms response time for precise timing
• Various screen sizes available (23.8″ to 27″) for flexibility in setup
• Affordable price under $120, making it a great value for beginner gamers.

Get it on Amazon

The TV Option

LG C3 Series – about $1,000 ($100 off)

For those who prefer a more cinematic gaming experience, stepping up to a TV might be the right choice. The LG C3 Series is not just any television; it’s a gamer’s dream. While monitors are often the go-to for dedicated gaming setups, modern TVs, especially OLEDs like the LG C3, have come a long way in offering features that cater to gamers.

• 120Hz gameplay at 4K with HDMI 2.1.
• Competitive input lag and response time for a TV.
• AI-enhanced sound and picture optimization.

For those wanting an expansive screen without sacrificing gaming performance, the LG C3 Series is an excellent pick.

Get it on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Buying a gaming monitor for the first time can be intimidating. Especially if you’ve only done your console gaming on a television to this point. This list can be your guide in choosing the right monitor for you, based off your personal needs and interests as well as your budget.

It’s also worth pointing out that there will be an adjustment period once you do settle on a monitor. You’ll need to make sure you have all your settings in line with whatever monitor you decide on and from there, getting games in and readjusting your eye and timing will be critical.

So don’t get too discouraged if you’re struggling to get timing down once you plug in one of these bad boys. Like anything, practice makes perfect and the more reps you get with your new monitor – the better your Show skills will ultimately be.

Input lag and response time data obtained from Rtings.com.