August 7, 2023 by Jeremy Englert
Disclosure: ShowZone only recommends products we use or would use, and this post may contain affiliate links. Our affiliate links often contain discounts for our readers.
Updated 8/7/23 to add LG C3 Series.
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.
Now, let’s delve into some of the top gaming monitors available for MLB The Show, catering to various budgets. These monitors offer a range of features and specifications that will enhance your gameplay and maximize your performance on the virtual baseball field.
*Note: Prices are current as of writing and may differ depending on time of viewing.*
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. For starters, MLB The Show 23 is optimized to run at 120hz on both the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X. That means having a monitor that can take advantage of that refresh rate is important and the Acer Nitro KG241Y does just that. With a refresh rate of 165hz, the Nitro will allow you to run The Show at peak performance.
Another important trait of a good monitor that we’ll be looking for is response time. With refresh rate, the higher the number the better and we need it to hit at least 120hz as this monitor does. For response time, the lower the number the better as that means you have the maximum advantage with timing. The best gaming monitors will range from 1ms-5ms response time and the Acer Nitro offers 1ms response. That is the very best you’re going to get and exactly what we want for The Show.
With screen sizes ranging from 23.8-inches to 27-inches, the Acer Nitro 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 $120 is a great value to get a monitor into your setup.
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.
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.
The biggest beast on the block in our list is the GIGABYTE M32U. Similar to the previous LG model we looked at, this GIGABYTE monitor gives us what we need with 144hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This monitor, however, has a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160p. Again, that’s more beef than you need for The Show these days, but if you’re running a high-powered PC setup or intend on doing so in the future – this might be the monitor for you.
Also available in sizes ranging from 24-inch to 55-inch, the GIGABYTE M32U packs a lot of punch for all your gaming needs.
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.
This OLED TV offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, elevating games like MLB The Show to new visual heights. With HDMI 2.1 support, it smoothly handles 120Hz at 4K, ensuring fluid gameplay without visual compromise. Its low input lag and swift response time are on par with many gaming monitors, making it a top contender for console gaming.
For those wanting an expansive screen without sacrificing gaming performance, the LG C3 Series is an excellent pick.
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.
Jeremy is a partner and developer at ShowZone. He also does random stuff, like writing the article you just read.