When Is the Best Time to Buy a Gaming Monitor?

by Annabelle Stephenson
in $$$, PC, XBOX, xEL
on 17 August 2024

Gaming monitors are an essential component of any setup, allowing your PC’s performance to shine. With so many brands and options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect gaming monitor. However, there are certain times of the year when you can find the best deals on these monitors.

One of the most popular times to purchase a gaming monitor is during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These events offer massive savings and discounts on monitors across the board. Whether you’re a PC gamer or console enthusiast, you can find excellent choices for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC gaming. It’s important to check if the monitor has HDMI 2.1 support for compatibility with the latest consoles.

The beginning of the year, specifically around New Year’s, is also a great time to buy a gaming monitor. Manufacturers often offer discounts on older models to make way for new inventory. You can find significant price reductions, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $500, depending on the model. Retailers like Amazon and manufacturers like ASUS and Acer often have great deals during this time.

Major holiday weekends such as Labor Day and Memorial Day are another excellent opportunity to purchase a gaming monitor. Alongside video game deals, you can save big on all kinds of monitors, including those with 4K displays. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy usually offer select monitors on sale. These deals sell out quickly, so it’s important to be quick if you want to snag one.

Amazon Prime Day, which typically occurs in the second half of October, is another event where you can find significant discounts on gaming monitors. Although Prime Day 2024 has already passed, Amazon is planning to hold another Prime Day later this year. This event offers prices comparable to Black Friday, including budget options under $100.

Retailers like Best Buy also host spontaneous sales on select monitor models throughout the year. These sales usually last for a weekend or a limited time. It’s important to stay updated on these deals by following reliable sources like IGN Deals or enabling notifications. These deals can be a great opportunity to buy a gaming monitor at a discounted price.

Ultimately, the best time to purchase a new gaming monitor depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a deal on an expensive ultrawide monitor, waiting until Black Friday or New Year’s is recommended. However, if you need a monitor now and don’t want to wait for a major sale, there are budget-friendly options available.

Consider factors such as screen size, refresh rate, response time, and resolution that align with your setup requirements. Assess your budget and determine if your PC or console can handle higher resolutions before investing in a monitor. Whether you decide to wait for a sale or purchase a monitor right away, these tips will help you make an informed decision.

Important questions to consider when buying a gaming monitor:

1. What is the ideal screen size for my gaming setup?
2. What is the recommended refresh rate for smooth gameplay?
3. How important is response time for minimizing input lag?
4. Do I need a monitor with a high resolution, such as 4K or ultrawide?
5. Does my PC or console support features like HDMI 2.1 for the latest technology?
6. What is my budget for a gaming monitor?

Key challenges or controversies associated with buying a gaming monitor:

1. Balancing performance and price: Finding a gaming monitor with the right combination of features and affordability can be challenging.
2. Compatibility with PC or consoles: Ensuring that the monitor is compatible with your gaming platform and supports the necessary connectivity options.
3. Quality control: Some gaming monitor models may have issues with dead pixels or backlight bleeding, so it’s important to research user reviews and warranty policies.
4. Overhyped marketing claims: Some manufacturers may exaggerate the capabilities of their gaming monitors, making it important to verify specifications and seek unbiased reviews.

Advantages of buying a gaming monitor during specific times:

1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Massive savings and discounts across various brands and models, making it an ideal time to buy a gaming monitor.
2. New Year’s: Manufacturers offer discounts on older models, providing significant price reductions before introducing new inventory.
3. Major holiday weekends (e.g., Labor Day, Memorial Day): Opportunities to save on gaming monitors alongside video game deals, including 4K displays.
4. Amazon Prime Day: Comparable prices to Black Friday, including budget options, making it a good time to find gaming monitor deals.
5. Spontaneous sales throughout the year: Retailers like Best Buy may offer limited-time sales, allowing buyers to snag a discounted gaming monitor.