Updated for 2024: Best Gaming Monitors for MLB The Show

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Updated 4/2/24 – major rewrite. Includes more information on what makes a good monitor and why those features are important. Included new top options based on these important features.

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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 – $899

• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh Rate: 240hz
• Total Response Time@120hz: 3.1ms (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 response time of just 0.03ms, 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

GIGABYTE M32U – $629.99

• Resolution: 4k
• Refresh Rate: 144hz
• Total Response Time@120hz: 9.1ms
• Input Lag@120hz: 5.0ms

The GIGABYTE M32U stands tall as our premier 4K choice, embodying a perfect blend of high-end specs and futuristic design. It’s an ideal pick for gamers who desire the crispest, most vivid visuals without compromising on performance. It’s one of the few monitors at this price point that can run 120Hz at 4K.

Also available in sizes ranging from 24-inch to 55-inch, the GIGABYTE M32U packs a lot of punch for all your gaming needs.

• 144hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for smooth and responsive gameplay
• Maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160p for stunning visuals
• Suitable for high-powered PC setups or future-proofing your rig
• Available in multiple sizes, offering versatility for different setups
• A powerful monitor that exceeds the requirements for MLB The Show, providing an exceptional gaming experience.

Get it on Amazon

The 1440p Option

LG 27GP850-B Ultragear – $318.00 ($100+ less than when originally added to the list)

• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh Rate: 165hz
• Total Response Time@120hz: 7.2ms
• Input Lag@120hz: 4.9ms

Now we’re getting into some of the fancier options for those that are willing to shell out some bigger bucks. This LG monitor packs 165hz refresh rate and 1ms response time together to hit those basic needs we talked about. The big difference over the previous two monitors is that this beast displays at 2560 x 1440p which will take advantage of the beefier hardware in the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

This monitor provides a prettier view with the same specifications we get from the previous monitors. Reviews did state that the stand is quite large so space management might be tough for some. Ultimately, this is the kind of monitor that gamers with varying tastes and a sweet PC setup should consider in addition to their Show gaming. If you’re strictly a virtual baseball aficionado, this might be a bit more dollar than you need to spend.

Get it on Amazon

The Insane Value Options

ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 – $279.99

• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh Rate: 240hz
• Total Response Time@120hz: 6.4ms
• Input Lag@120hz: 4.7ms

A more advanced 1080p option is the OMNI XG2431 from ViewSonic. Boasting a maximum refresh rate of 240hz, the OMNI future proofs your setup a bit as it can allow for better gaming if you also have your monitor in a PC setup. Remember that The Show runs at 120hz, so a monitor with a higher refresh rate won’t improve how your virtual baseball sessions feel. It simply allows you more options for other gaming if you have varied taste. With that said, the OMNI also possesses a response time of 0.5ms which pretty much makes it top of the class in that regard.

This model from ViewSonic has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080p, so you won’t be gaming in 4K which ultimately doesn’t matter if you’re aiming for performance anyway.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more than the insane value option for a faster response time and some extra utility, the OMNI will still come in under $300.

• Boasts a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, providing excellent performance for other games and future-proofing your setup.
• Provides additional utility and flexibility for gaming setups beyond MLB The Show.
• Priced under $300, offering a reasonable investment for enhanced response time and versatility.

Get it on Amazon

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A – $189

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

The Acer Nitro KG241Y 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) – $109.99

• 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 $1,550

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.