Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors for Nintendo Switch
Five monitors compared, from the SE2426HG to the PG27AQDP, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For gaming, refresh rate and response time matter more than colour extras. Every monitor here refreshes at 120Hz or more and has a standard HDMI input, ordered by refresh rate.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips response, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
The highest refresh rate here (480Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab)
QD-OLED Panel
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
A QD-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
VA Panel
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
A VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Our take Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz
A lower price than the VG259QM5A and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money.
Our take Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A
240Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab) |
| A QD-OLED panel. | Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A VA panel. | Buyers who want a VA panel. | Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the VG259QM5A and the rest when we checked. | Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money. | Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz at 1080p. | Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PG27AQDP goes further to 480Hz on a WOLED panel, the fastest here, for players whose PCs can feed it.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its 480Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the MPG 271QRX comes next at 360Hz. Its 26.5 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the SE2426HG (23.8 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MPG 271QRX; the VG259QM5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
A WOLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the C27G4ZH uses a VA panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 271QRX; the C27G4ZH goes with an HDR. To see 480Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MPG 271QRX the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 480Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: WOLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 480Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a WOLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
QD-OLED Panel2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. Its QD-OLED panel refreshes at 360Hz with a 0.03ms GtG response time. MSI rates its colour at Delta E 2 or below.
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 360Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the VG259QM5A comes in at 240Hz. It matches the C27G4ZH on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the PG27AQDP; the SE2426HG goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the C27G4ZH uses a VA panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the PG27AQDP; the C27G4ZH goes with an HDR. It also offers HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. When we checked, only the C27G4ZH and cheaper picks cost less, and the PG27AQDP cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
VA Panel3 of 5
AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transition is a problem.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. It refreshes at 280Hz with a 0.3ms response time. The 1500R curve wraps the image around your view.
The 1500R curve keeps the corners of the 27-inch panel in view. Its 280Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the VG259QM5A (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 27 inches.
Like the SE2426HG and VG259QM5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the PG27AQDP uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a VA panel; compare the SE2426HG, which has a fast IPS panel. It also comes with VESA mounting.
At 1080p, 280Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper VG259QM5A and the pricier MPG 271QRX, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 280Hz on a 1500R curve
- Height-adjustable stand
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426HG is Dell's 23.8-inch 240Hz Fast IPS model with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It costs about $100 at the time of writing. It matches the VG259QM5A on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the MPG 271QRX comes in at 27 inches.
Like the C27G4ZH and VG259QM5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the PG27AQDP uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the VG259QM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the MPG 271QRX uses a QD-OLED panel. Like the VG259QM5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the PG27AQDP uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also comes with 240Hz at a budget price tier and a 23.8-inch size for close desks. At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the VG259QM5A was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- 240Hz at a budget price tier
Cons
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
Also Consider5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QM5A drops TUF's 24.5-inch panel to 240Hz and keeps 99% sRGB coverage and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
It costs less than the 310Hz versions. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2426HG at 240Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the SE2426HG (23.8 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the C27G4ZH and SE2426HG; the MPG 271QRX goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a fast IPS panel with the SE2426HG; the C27G4ZH goes with a VA panel. It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the SE2426HG; the PG27AQDP goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the SE2426HG cost less, and the C27G4ZH cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the PG27AQDP covers it better at 480Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors for Nintendo Switch
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the VG259QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SE2426HG and the VG259QM5A give no response; the SE2426HG and the VG259QM5A give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2426HG ($50 to $100) to the PG27AQDP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor for Nintendo Switch
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the VG259QM5A to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. For less, the MPG 271QRX is the runner-up at 360Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the SE2426HG to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. The C27G4ZH comes second for less money.
Panel
The PG27AQDP lists WOLED; the MPG 271QRX lists QD-OLED; the C27G4ZH lists VA; the SE2426HG and the VG259QM5A list Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX list 0.03ms; the C27G4ZH lists 0.3ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand. The SE2426HG: 99% sRGB coverage. The VG259QM5A: a 3-year warranty.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor for Nintendo Switch
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel | MPG 271QRX | A QD-OLED panel |
| Buyers who want a VA panel | C27G4ZH | A VA panel |
| Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money | SE2426HG | A lower price than the VG259QM5A and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p | VG259QM5A | 240Hz at 1080p |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
| SE2426HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG259QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2426HG was the lowest-priced pick and the PG27AQDP the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SE2426HG |
| About $100 to $150 | VG259QM5A |
| About $150 to $250 | C27G4ZH |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the PG27AQDP or the MPG 271QRX?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. The VG259QM5A is at the other end of this group with 240Hz.
Is the PG27AQDP worth paying more than the SE2426HG?
On paper it adds refresh rate (480Hz against 240Hz) and screen size (26.5 inches against 23.8 inches). The SE2426HG was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the MPG 271QRX the QD-OLED Panel?
It earns the label for a QD-OLED panel. It suits anyone who wants a QD-OLED panel.
Do the PG27AQDP and the C27G4ZH differ on resolution?
The PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX use 2560x1440 (1440p); the C27G4ZH, the SE2426HG and the VG259QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX apart?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The C27G4ZH: 280Hz on a 1500R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the MPG 271QRX for a QD-OLED panel, the C27G4ZH for a VA panel and the SE2426HG for a lower price than the VG259QM5A and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.