Next-generation gaming consoles are not only sparking a renewed interest in solid state storage, but also a new wave of affordable, high-spec gaming monitors. If you want to enjoy high-resolution 4K video but don't want to pay a fortune ...... This is good news for those who want to enjoy high-resolution 4K video, but don't want to pay a fortune. [Viewsonic, Acer, and Philips monitors are among the new generation of displays that bring 4K high refresh to the 32-inch form factor. What is really exciting is that new models such as the Philips Momentum 328M1R, Acer Predator XB323QK, and Viewsonic Elite XG320U are expected to be priced very competitively compared to existing 27-inch 4K high refresh monitors The thing is. [Until recently, the high refresh 4K monitor market has been dominated by 27-inch models like the LG UltraGear 27GN950. So far, prices have tended to suffer considerably, especially given the relatively modest overall proportions of 27-inch monitors; £1,000/$1,000 for a 27-inch monitor, even a really good one, is hard to resist. However, the advent of the Xbox Series X and Sony PS5, which support 4K and 120Hz refresh, is driving the introduction of a new wave of 32-inch 4K monitors that support high refresh.

Furthermore, these screens are expected to be relatively affordable, as the console gaming market is generally less expensive than gaming PCs. Nevertheless, it is the relationship with consoles that has delayed the arrival of these screens and actually postponed their retail availability to early next year. This is because support for 4K@120Hz on consoles requires the latest HDMI 2.1 interface; for PCs, DisplayPort 1.4 is also an option.

Since these screens are not yet available for purchase, some details remain sketchy. But here is what we know so far. Let's start with the Philips Momentum 328M1R. Expected to be available early next year at an estimated price of €599, this 32-inch 4K model is targeted at new consoles. Native 4K resolution, up to 120 Hz.

To connect to new game consoles, the 328M1R is equipped with three HDMI 2.1 ports. However, it also includes a DisplayPort 1.4 socket, which expands the range of supported GPUs to operate at 4K and 120Hz. Currently, only Nvidia's new RTX 30 series and AMD's RX 6000 series graphics cards support HDMI 2.1. However, DisplayPort 1.4 is supported on older generation GPUs, including the Nvidia GTX 10 series.

Otherwise, the Philips Momentum 328M1R is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified, with high color fidelity and at least an element of local dimming. There is one drawback: it uses a VA panel, which can cause problems with pixel responsiveness. Not necessarily, as the Samsung G7 proves: it's a VA panel, but it's really fast.

As for the Acer Predator XB323QK and Viewsonic Elite XG320U, they use the 4K 32-inch formula and bump it up a bit to 144 Hz while using IPS panels. This is a very exciting combination. Pricing for these models is currently unknown, and being somewhat PC-centric, they could be more expensive than the impressively affordable Philips.

However, both are expected to support HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, offering complete flexibility with respect to PC and console connectivity; Viewsonic has DisplayHDR 600 certification, while Acer is DisplayHDR 400 certification, while Acer is limited to DisplayHDR 400 certification. However, the limited HDR support should come at a lower price, so Acer may take first place in this trio.

Again, expect to see these two screens early next year, plus many more similar models from other brands. At any rate, larger, more affordable 4K displays with high refresh support are long overdue. As is often the case, however, PCs are likely to benefit from the arrival of a new generation of consoles.

The console itself is priced at around $500/£500, and spending twice that for a 4K monitor is not going to be easy for most gamers. Therefore, one would expect the consoles to drive the overall price down, starting with this 32-inch behemoth. That said, these will not be cheap monitors by any means, but they should be below the price of a similar 27-inch screen. Expectations.