When playing video games, the question of which screen to opt for quickly arises. Gaming requires low input lag, high image precision and optimal visual comfort. Although TVs are beginning to offer interesting features for gaming, gaming monitors are still the best choice. Especially as ultra-wide 21:9 or 32:9 displays are available, offering greater immersion and ergonomics.
Why choose an ultra-wide curved screen for video games?
Choosing an ultra-wide curved monitor for video games significantly enhances immersion. Thanks to its curvature, the screen hugs the natural field of vision, reducing visual distractions at the periphery and refocusing attention on the action on screen. This enveloping effect is particularly appreciated in third-person or subjective-view games, where the player feels like they are truly immersed in the game environment.
Another key advantage is the wider horizontal field of view. With a 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratio, compatible games can display more elements on screen without cropping. This makes it easier to perceive the environment around the character, such as enemies, objects or scenery, without having to rotate the camera. This visual gain is highly appreciated in single-player narrative titles, racing games, flight simulators and open-world role-playing games.
Finally, the combination of a curved screen and panoramic format limits head movements, contributing to superior visual comfort during long sessions. The uniform distance between the eyes and each area of the screen reduces eyestrain, enabling you to stay focused for longer. For gamers looking for a fluid, enveloping experience, especially on PC, this is a worthwhile investment.
In a simracing environment, an ultra-wide curved screen transforms the driving experience by offering total immersion. By widening the field of vision, it allows you to perceive more elements of the track and the environment, realistically reproducing a driver’s peripheral vision. This configuration contributes to better anticipation of bends and obstacles, which can make all the difference in terms of performance and safety during virtual races. What’s more, the curvature of the screen ensures a uniform distance between your eyes and all displayed areas, reducing eyestrain and enabling long gaming sessions without discomfort.
🗒️ Note from the expert: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles do not support ultra-wide 21:9 and 32:9 formats. The display is limited to 16:9 format, which means that the image will either be centered with lateral black bands, or artificially stretched on a widescreen display, distorting the image. To take full advantage of an ultra-wide screen, a PC remains indispensable.
A panoramic 21:9 screen for CinemaScope movies
Today, watching a CinemaScope film on a 16:9 screen means having two black bands at the top and bottom of the image. Ultra-wide 21:9 screens make it easier to enjoy these films, which are then displayed full-screen. SVOD platforms offer films in this format, and on this type of screen, the experience is perfect.
However, sometimes a film’s native format is 16:9 letterbox (with black bands at the top and bottom). In this case, you can use a browser extension like UltraWideo, available on Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. This plugin will zoom into the image to remove the black bands, displaying the film across the entire surface of the ultrawide screen. Curved gamer screens offer greater immersion in films, thanks to their ultra-wide format, which delivers a cinema-like experience.
Multitasking and ultra-wide screen ergonomics
An ultra-wide screen also offers many advantages in terms of increased productivity. On Windows, MacOS and Linux, you can enjoy a much larger workspace, with the possibility of displaying more windows simultaneously. This width is also ideal for video editing or music creation software, since it allows access to the entire timeline without having to scroll. Whether for creative professionals, programmers or all office activities, an ultra-wide screen optimizes multitasking, providing immediate access to all windows. PiP (Picture-in-Picture) and PbP (Picture-by-Picture) modes also enable the screen to be split into two distinct sections.
PbP (Picture-by-Picture) mode allows two different sources to be displayed on the same screen. For example, it is possible to connect a games console and a PC to an ultra-wide screen to display both images are simultaneously. This allows you to play games while keeping an eye on social networks, for example. This solution may also be of interest to streamers, who can have the console image on one side and the broadcast software or chat on the other.
PiP (Picture-in-Picture) mode simulates two different screens, whatever the operating system. This way, you have two displays connected to a single machine. This is also a relevant option for streamers playing on PCs, as one part of the screen can be dedicated to the game and the other to livestream management. More generally, the use of an ultrawide screen offers the possibility of creating a multi-screen configuration, simulating the experience of working with two separate monitors.
Which curved panoramic PC screens are the best?
Depending on requirements and the computing power of the graphics card, it is possible to opt for ultra-wide screens offering very high definitions, ideal for detailed graphics in video games or precision when editing photos or videos. Refresh rates ranging from 165 to 240Hz also promise excellent responsiveness and minimal response time. This performance considerably reduces input lag, which is ideal for gaming, but also for smooth everyday use.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 – G95NC 57″
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 – G95NC 57″ is an impressive 57-inch (144cm) gaming monitor with a curved VA QLED panel (1000R), offering exceptional contrast, deep blacks and optimal HDR management. Its 240Hz refresh rate, low latency of 1 ms and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible technologies ensure optimum responsiveness. Dual UHD resolution (7,680 x 2,160 pixels) ensures a detailed display, while VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification and HDR10+ Gaming guarantee an immersive visual experience. It boasts a full range of connectors, offering 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 2.1, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and a headphone port. The adjustable, swivel stand provides personalized visual comfort, and the Core mood lighting system adds an aesthetic touch with its five color modes.
LG UltraGear OLED 45GX950A-B
The LG UltraGear OLED 45GX950A-B is a 45″ (113cm) ultra-wide curved gaming monitor featuring an 800R curved OLED panel, designed to hug the field of view and enhance immersion. Its 21:9 aspect ratio and 5K2K resolution (5120 x 2160 pixels) provide a large display surface, ideal for both gaming and creative work. Thanks to a refresh rate of 165Hz (up to 330Hz in WFHD), an ultra-fast response time of 0.03 ms, and 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage, it guarantees exceptional fluidity and accurate colors. FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync compatibility and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification make this a high-end display that’s as powerful as it is immersive.
AOC Agon Pro PD49
The AOC Agon Pro PD49 is a 49″ (124cm) ultrawide gaming display featuring a QD-OLED panel with a curvature of 1800R, offering enhanced immersion and appreciable visual comfort for long gaming sessions. Its 32:9 aspect ratio and DWQHD resolution (5120 × 1440 pixels) provide a vast display area, ideal for multitasking and immersive gaming. With a refresh rate of 240Hz, a response time of 0.03 ms and FreeSync/G-Sync compatibility, it targets discerning gamers. 115% DCI-P3 color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification ensure outstanding image quality, while PbP and KVM functions enhance its versatility.
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG39WCDM
The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG39WCDM is a 39″ (99cm) gaming monitor in 21:9 format, featuring a WOLED panel curved at 800R for accentuated visual immersion and optimum comfort during long sessions. Its UWQHD resolution (3440 × 1440 pixels) combined with a 240Hz refresh rate and ultra-fast response time of 0.03 ms make it a first-rate choice for competitive gaming. It covers 99% of the DCI-P3 spectrum, is FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatible, and boasts a peak brightness of up to 1300 cd/m², with the HDR True Black 400 certification. Comprehensive and ergonomic, it also features Smart KVM, Picture-by-Picture mode and USB-C/HDMI 2.1/DisplayPort connectivity suited to modern setups.
LG UltraWide 49U950A-W
The LG UltraWide 49U950A-W is a 49-inch ultra-wide monitor designed for immersive gaming and advanced productivity. Its curved Nano IPS panel with a 32:9 aspect ratio features a UWQHD resolution of 5120 x 1440, equivalent to two QHD screens side by side. With a refresh rate of 144Hz, a response time of 5ms, and FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility, it guarantees smooth gameplay. Its 98% DCI-P3 coverage, HDR400 certification, and comprehensive connectivity including 90W USB-C, KVM, and PiP/PbP functions make it a high-end, versatile, and convenient solution for both work and gaming.
iiyama G-Master GCB4580DQSN-B1 Red Eagle
The iiyama G-Master GCB4580DQSN-B1 Red Eagle is a 45″ (113cm) gaming monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio, featuring a 1500R curved VA panel that enhances immersion and visual comfort. Its DQHD (5120 × 1440) resolution offers a vast display space equivalent to two QHD screens side by side. It boasts a refresh rate of 165Hz, a response time of 0.8 ms and Adaptive Sync support, for optimum fluidity in games. With HDR400 support, USB-C connectivity (90W), integrated KVM switch and 100% sRGB coverage, this display combines performance and versatility, whether for gaming, multitasking or professional use.
Selecting the performance of an ultra-wide gaming monitor depends on the GPU’s capabilities. Indeed, large, high-definition images require a sufficiently powerful graphics card, such as Nvidia’s RTX or AMD’s Radeon RX. The same applies to the refresh rate, which requires a lot of computing power to deliver the right number of frames per second.
Frequently asked questions about ultra-wide screens
This is a wide-format screen (usually 21:9 or 32:9) with a curvature that follows the natural shape of the eye. It offers a wider field of vision than a conventional flat screen.
The curvature improves immersion and reduces glare at the edges of the screen. It also helps reduce eye fatigue during prolonged use.
Yes, it’s excellent for immersive games, including simulators, FPS or racing games. Some models even include high refresh rates and G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility.
Absolutely, it lets you display several windows side by side without having to juggle between them. This is particularly useful for office automation, video editing or creative software.
Yes, an ultra-wide screen can often replace two standard screens without any breaks between display areas. This simplifies cable management and improves workstation ergonomics.
Common sizes range from 34″ to 49″, depending on use and set-back distance. The larger the screen, the further away you have to sit, and the higher the resolution to avoid a “pixelated” effect.
A modern graphics card is recommended to properly handle the high resolutions of these screens. A powerful card is essential for games and software.
Yes, most ultra-wide screens work with macOS, provided you have the right connections. Depending on the power of your graphics processor, you’ll also need to check that your Mac supports the screen’s native resolution.
Films in cinemascope format (2.35:1 or 2.39:1) are displayed without black bars, enhancing the cinema experience. For 16:9 content, on the other hand, black bands may appear on the sides.
Yes, if the screen is VESA-compatible. You must also ensure that the wall mount is designed to support the weight and width of the curved screen.
