CES 2026 has become a battleground for display technology, with manufacturers vying to claim the crown for the highest refresh rates and most immersive resolutions. Acer has entered the fray with a formidable new lineup of Predator and Nitro gaming monitors, showcasing a bold strategy that targets both competitive esports players and high-fidelity enthusiasts. The announcements signal a significant leap in what consumers can expect from mainstream gaming displays, blending raw speed with impressive visual fidelity.
The 1,000Hz Predator: A Speed Demon with a Caveat
The headline-grabber is undoubtedly the Predator XB273U F6, a 27-inch monitor capable of an astonishing 1,000Hz refresh rate. This figure represents a new frontier for IPS panel technology, promising an unprecedented level of motion clarity that could provide a tangible edge in fast-paced competitive games. However, achieving this peak performance requires a significant compromise: the resolution must be scaled down to 1280 x 720 pixels. At its native QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, the monitor operates at a still-impressive 500Hz. This dual-mode functionality, which Acer calls Dynamic Frequency and Resolution (DFR), offers users a choice between ultimate smoothness at a lower resolution or a balanced high-resolution, high-refresh-rate experience.
Acer CES 2026 Monitor Lineup Comparison
| Model | Series | Panel Type | Size | Native Resolution | Max Refresh Rate (Native) | Max Refresh Rate (DFR Mode) | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Predator XB273U F6 | Predator | IPS | 27" | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) | 500 Hz | 1000 Hz @ 720p | 2000:1 contrast, 95% DCI-P3 | 799.99 |
| Predator X34 F3 | Predator | QD-OLED | 34" (Curved) | 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) | 360 Hz | N/A | 1,000,000:1 contrast, FreeSync Premium Pro | 1,199.99 |
| Nitro XV270X P | Nitro | IPS | 27" | 5120 x 2880 (5K) | 165 Hz | 330 Hz @ 1440p | 218 PPI, 95% DCI-P3 | 799.99 |
| ProDesigner PE320QX | ProDesigner | IPS | 31.5" | 6016 x 3384 (6K) | 60 Hz | N/A | 98% DCI-P3, 600 nits HDR, USB4 | 1,499.99 |
All models are scheduled for release in Q2 2026 in North America.
A Curved QD-OLED Contender for Immersion
For gamers seeking immersion without sacrificing responsiveness, Acer unveiled the Predator X34 F3. This 34-inch ultrawide monitor employs a Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) panel, a technology renowned for its perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratio, and vibrant colors. It pairs this visual prowess with a 360Hz refresh rate at its native 3440 x 1440 (WQHD) resolution. The combination of OLED's instantaneous pixel response times and a high refresh rate aims to eliminate motion blur entirely, creating a buttery-smooth and deeply immersive gaming experience. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for tear-free gameplay.
High Pixel Density Meets High Frame Rates
Bridging the gap between resolution and speed is the Nitro XV270X P. This 27-inch monitor boasts a 5K (5120 x 2880) resolution, resulting in an exceptionally sharp image with a pixel density of 218 PPI. At this native resolution, it supports a 165Hz refresh rate. Utilizing the same DFR technology as its Predator sibling, the monitor can double its refresh rate to 330Hz by switching to a 1440p signal. This makes it a versatile choice for users who enjoy visually stunning, detail-rich single-player games but also want the option for higher performance in competitive titles.
A Pro-Grade 6K Display for Creators
While gaming takes center stage, Acer also catered to professional creators with the ProDesigner PE320QX. This monitor features a massive 6K (6016 x 3384) resolution and claims 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for color-critical work like video editing and graphic design. With a peak brightness of 600 nits for HDR content and a reflection-free panel, it is designed for serious creative pursuits. Its connectivity is future-proofed with USB4 ports that support data, video, and power delivery.
Pricing and Market Availability
Acer has positioned these monitors across different price segments. The speed-focused Predator XB273U F6 and the high-resolution Nitro XV270X P are both priced at USD 799.99. The premium QD-OLED ultrawide, the Predator X34 F3, commands a higher price of USD 1,199.99, reflecting its advanced panel technology. The professional-grade ProDesigner PE320QX is slated for USD 1,499.99. All models are scheduled to launch in North America in the second quarter of 2026, with more details on global availability expected closer to that time.
The Evolving Monitor Landscape
Acer's CES 2026 showcase highlights the diverging paths in monitor innovation. On one hand, the pursuit of ever-higher refresh rates continues, pushing the limits of panel and scaler technology, even if it means temporary compromises on resolution. On the other, advancements in OLED and high-density IPS panels are making stunning visual fidelity more accessible and pairing it with high frame rates that were once exclusive to lower-resolution displays. This new generation of monitors offers gamers and creators more tailored choices than ever before, setting the stage for an exciting year in display technology.