What monitor for retro gaming?

Choosing the best monitor for retro gaming depends on what kind of retro games you're playing—pixel-perfect classics, CRT emulation, or modern remasters of retro titles.

Here’s a full breakdown to help you choose the right monitor for your retro setup:

🎮 What Makes a Monitor Good for Retro Gaming?

Feature Why It Matters for Retro Gaming
🕹️ Low input lag Retro games require fast reactions—no delay between input and screen
📏 Smaller size (24–27") Closer to CRT feel; pixels look sharper at smaller sizes
🧱 4:3 aspect ratio support Many classic games were designed for 4:3—not widescreen
📺 Pixel scaling options To prevent blurring or distortion when scaling 240p–480p content
🎨 Accurate colors Retro games often rely on bold, bright color palettes

🏆 Best Monitors for Retro Gaming (2024–2025)

🔹 ViewSonic XG2431 (24" IPS, 240Hz, CRT-like motion clarity)

  • ✅ Fast 1ms response time + low input lag

  • ✅ Retro-friendly size (24")

  • ✅ Excellent motion blur reduction (supports CRT-like blur profiles)

  • 💰 ~$250
    👉 Great for PC retro games or emulation
    🔗 View on Amazon

🔹 BenQ Zowie XL2411K (TN Panel, Lag-Free & Tournament-Grade)

  • ✅ Used in eSports for lightning-fast input response

  • ✅ Great for retro fighters or arcade games

  • 🧱 TN panel—sharp but not the best for color accuracy

  • 💰 ~$180

🔹 Eizo FlexScan EV2455 (24" IPS, Professional Color & Scaling)

  • ✅ Ultra-accurate color reproduction

  • ✅ Pixel-perfect 1:1 scaling

  • ✅ Clean edges & 4:3 support

  • 💰 ~$300–$400
    👉 Ideal for pixel-art enthusiasts and artists playing 16-bit games

🔹 Dell U2723QE (4K, Upscaling-Friendly, Crisp Detail)

  • ✅ Best for playing remastered retro games or emulators in 4K

  • ✅ IPS panel = great color and sharp pixel scaling

  • ✅ Supports multiple aspect ratios

  • 💰 ~$500
    👉 Ideal for modern retro collections (e.g., Sonic Origins, Mega Man Legacy)

🔹 CRT Monitors (Best Authentic Retro Look)

If you want true retro authenticity (with scanlines and zero input lag), a CRT monitor is unbeatable:

  • Sony PVM or Trinitron

  • Panasonic or JVC CRT TVs
    🛠️ Requires retro console output (composite, RGB, or SCART)

But they’re bulky, heavy, and hard to find.

🧠 What About HDMI Retro Consoles?

If you're using a retro console like the R36MAX or Mini Game Stick with HDMI out, you want:

✅ A monitor that supports:

  • 720p / 1080p resolution

  • Low latency

  • 1:1 pixel scaling or game mode

👉 Shop HDMI-ready retro consoles at GameLoopX

🛍️ Where to Buy

🎯 Final Tips

  • Go for a 24" or 27" monitor if you're playing 240p–480p content.

  • Enable “game mode” to reduce input lag.

  • Consider a monitor with 4:3 aspect support or use emulators with CRT filters.

✅ Best Budget Pick:

BenQ Zowie XL2411K – Lag-free and sharp for pixel art

✅ Best Overall:

ViewSonic XG2431 – Great motion clarity + versatile

✅ Best Authentic:

A good CRT – if you can find one!