Some gamers might say that bigger is better when it comes to their monitor. After all, seeing your favorite game on the big screen makes for better gameplay and enjoyment, right? Well, not necessarily. If you’re looking to amp up your gaming skills and actually start winning, then a gaming monitor might be the better choice.
Gaming monitors are smaller because they have an increased refresh rate and response time. They also decrease head movement and become the focal point. Smaller gaming monitors (24 inches) are also the standard in tournaments, making them the ideal choice for professionals and future tournament-goers.
If you’re thinking about buying a new gaming monitor but want to make the best choice to enhance your experience, smaller might be the way to go. But you need to know why. This blow will help you understand why the avid, novice gamer prefers to go the smaller monitor route.
Why Are Gaming Monitors So Small?
When you think about upping your gaming experience, most people believe that a bigger screen is best. It makes sense. A larger picture will make you feel like you’re actually in the game. Sounds great, right? Sure. Until you see that the real gaming enthusiasts have smaller monitors. What’s the deal?
There are actually a few reasons why gaming monitors tend to be on the small side.
Bigger Screen Create More Lag
The main reason why a gamer might opt for the smaller monitor is that bigger screens tend to have a lot more lag. Since the screen is larger, it takes more work to enlarge the picture. That said, a larger screen may lead to lag or latency issues which can heavily impact your gameplay.
Now, if you do a bit of research, you will find that the refresh rates aren’t extremely different. For example, a larger screen might have a refresh rate of 6ms compared to a small screen with 3ms. Will this slight change in ms have an impact on gameplay? You bet.
Just a few quick milliseconds can mean the difference between slaying the enemy or getting caught in your tracks. That is why so many professional gamers seek out small monitors with as little as 1ms refresh rates. (Reddit)
Small Screens Decrease Overall Head Movement
When you’re playing on a larger-than-life screen, you’re going to be moving your head from side to side, trying to keep up with the gameplay. NO big deal, right? Well, it’s not – until it is. Even though it might not seem like a big deal, you shouldn’t rely on head movements and peripheral vision when you’re in the middle of ‘battle.’
Remember, when it comes to gaming, every second counts. That’s why gamers prefer a smaller screen. Essentially, the entire screen will be in your field of vision. So, whether you’re trying to snipe an enemy or check your score, your eyes can easily shift across the screen without missing anything in the meantime.
The same is simply not true for a larger screen. That said, a larger screen won’t matter if you’re playing games such as The Sims or Animal Crossing. These games do not require quick responses and are not games you find in tournaments. When playing these types of games, a 27-inch screen and above can be an excellent choice.
For example, the SAMSUNG 27-inch Odyssey G7 – QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice for a larger screen that will suit your needs. It comes with an impressive 1ms response rate (which is less typical on a larger screen) and impeccable graphics. The curved design makes the gameplay easier and more realistic, too. (Career Gamers)
Smaller Screens Are Standard at Esports Tournaments
Now, if you’re just trying to improve your gameplay, this tip won’t be as important to you. But if you have ever considered going ‘pro’ and trying out a gaming tournament, you will be happy to have a smaller screen on your side. More specifically, a 24-inch screen.
24-inch screens are the standard size for tournaments across the world for a variety of different games. Since you cannot bring your own equipment to a match, having familiarity with this size screen will be valuable to you.
Whether you want to play like a pro or prepare for a tournament, going the 24-inch route is always a good idea. For a specific recommendation, the Acer XFA240 bmjdpr 24″ Gaming G-SYNC Compatible Monitor is an excellent option. Here’s why.
- 24-inch screen size (1920 x 1080). This is exactly what is used by the professional gamer during a tournament, making it a great choice for all gamers that want to experience the best gameplay.
- 144-hertz refresh rate and 1ms response time. If you’ve learned anything, it’s how important refresh and response times are. That’s why this gaming monitor is a standout. It refreshes quickly and has an impressively quick response time for the ultimate gaming experience.
- Multiple viewing angles. Being able to adjust the height, pivot, swivel, and tilt of this screen monitor, you can easily find the best situation for you. Being comfortable while gaming is an easy way to increase your stats!
- High-end speaks and graphics. Enhancing your gameplay is the name of the game, and with 2×2 watt speakers, 16.7 colors supported, and 350 nit brightness, this monitor can easily do that.
Takes Up Less Space
This particular reason is a lot less ‘technical’ than the other reasons, but it’s still a valid reason why gamers tend to choose a smaller monitor. Think about it: a 24-inch gaming monitor can easily be placed on various surfaces, including small desks. However, although the monitor is small, it doesn’t lack when it comes to quality.
Taking up less space is also important for gaming tournaments. Whether in a small or large room, it’s easy to fit more gamers into the location and get the contest rolling. Again, you can bring a lot of gamers together without sacrificing the quality of the gameplay. (Quora)
You Can Sit Closer to the Screen
A large screen, say 27 inches and above, will require the gamer to sit further away from the screen. While this might not seem like it will cause a major impact on your gameplay, it does. Sitting further away from the screen will cause you to miss out on some of the gameplay. However, you can’t sit closer as this can cause eye fatigue.
That said, another benefit of using a 24-inch screen is that you can easily sit an arm’s length away without issues. The screen will be at the focal point of your vision, and you won’t miss anything that’s happening on the screen. (Gaming Scan)
Final Thoughts
A smaller gaming monitor, such as those that are 24 inches, is ideal for gaming. This is because they reduce the amount of head movement and have higher refresh rates and response times. Together, these benefits result in enhanced gameplay that allows you to respond quicker, which is imperative for FPS games and similar gaming styles.
A 24-inch screen offers a better gaming experience and is what you need if you plan to involve yourself in gaming tournaments in the future. Contests do not allow you to bring your own equipment, so practicing on the standard size is ideal.
Last but not least, a 24-inch gaming monitor can suit just about anyone’s needs as they are small enough to fit anywhere. Plus, you can sit closer to the screen, so you’re taking up less space while improving your stats.