Sony just unveiled a brand new 27-inch PlayStation Monitor, marking somewhat of a return to the best PS5 monitor battlefield. While the screen boasts a 1440p 240Hz panel that's a natural fit for a PC setup, I reckon it'll end up snagging the console display crown solely thanks to its built-in DualSense charger at the front.
That's right, Sony is finally getting back to making gaming monitors that are designed to pair with the PS5. I was worried for a second since recent models I've tested, like the 480Hz Sony Inzone M10S, are pretty lacking in console features compared to the older Inzone M9, and even its mini LED M9 II sequel felt more suited to PC setups.
Revealed during the latest State of Play Japan showcase, the 27-inch PlayStation Monitor fully leans into the console's branding with a two-tone white and black getup. There's a big old logo on the rear shell and a smaller emblem on the front that helps distinguish it from previous Inzone models, but if you ignore the DualSense mounted on the pedestal, it does look like a fairly vanilla display.
For what it's worth, that DualSense charging hook looks pretty slick, and it even pivots behind the screen if you'd rather hide it. Yes, it is a bit of a novelty since you could just sit a charging stand on the base of various other screens, but merging it into the pedestal will still help you achieve an arguably cleaner desktop setup with fewer wires.
I fully expected to get even stronger PS5 vibes upon delving into the PlayStation Monitor's spec sheet, but honestly? It feels like a mid-range PC display. You're getting that aforementioned 1440p 240Hz panel, which puts it in the same speed league as screens like the KTC G27P6 and Dough Spectrum Black 27, but it's using an IPS panel rather than OLED.
I am slightly amused at the idea of Sony refusing to let OLED screens and the PS5 hang out in the same room. Is that a symptom of trying to make the tech a thing with the PS Vita? Probably not, but it does provide clues to the sort of price range the company is aiming for with this display. We'll have to wait a little longer for a release date and price, but if this screen comes in at over $500 / £500, I fear that its fancy controller charger won't save it.
What might help sweeten the deal is the return of some "Perfect for PlayStation 5" features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping, as well as Variable Refresh Rate support via HDMI 2.1. I'm sure huge fans of the brand will be eyeing up this screen simply for its aesthetic,
The 27-inch screen is technically the company's second PlayStation-branded monitor. The first emerged during the PS3's reign and directly catered to 3D gameplay, and if you count TVs, you could include the company's quirky Bravia model with a PS2 hiding in the stand. I like to think this latest display is a return to that era of console-specific hardware, and while I'm curbing my excitement until I see a price, I'm glad we're getting more console-focused visual hardware.
Price |
TBC |
Panel type |
IPS |
Screen size |
27-inch |
Aspect ratio |
16:9 |
Resolution |
2560 x 1440 |
Refresh rate |
240Hz |
Ports |
1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB ports |
Audio |
Built-in stereo speaker and 3.5mm audio output |
Features |
Auto HDR tone mapping, VRR, built-in DualSense charging cradle |
The 27-inch PlayStation Monitor is set to release in Japan and the US, so watch this space for pricing, a solid launch date, and a full review.
Still searching for the perfect panel? Swing by the best monitor for Xbox Series X for more console options or the best gaming TV if you need something for the living room.
