Samsung’s 1040Hz Gaming Monitor: A Dream for Enthusiasts, But Out of Reach for Most Gamers

I was anticipating a top-tier gaming monitor to shatter the refresh rate ceiling at CES 2026, expecting to see models hitting 700Hz. Instead, Samsung has introduced a mind-boggling 1040Hz version of its G6 display, which honestly seems tailored for the most hardcore esports players out there.

Introducing the Samsung Odyssey G60H, touted as “the world’s first 1040Hz gaming monitor.” This isn’t too shocking, considering that 600Hz was a novelty just last year. This upgrade will primarily benefit those with some of the most powerful gaming PCs, pushing frame rates to the max. However, even if you own a high-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, you might find it struggles to keep up.

Even with an RTX 5090, which comes with a hefty price tag of at least $2,000, most game engines aren’t designed to handle frame rates exceeding 1,000fps. Achieving a usable frame rate on the 1040Hz display will be a challenge for nearly all games in your Steam library. That said, competitive gamers will likely leverage this speed for faster reaction times in titles like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, or Overwatch.

I often find myself having the “you don’t need this monitor” discussion every CES, and sometimes I end up being proven wrong. There was a time when I thought anything over 360Hz wouldn’t enhance my gaming experience, but I’ve grown accustomed to playing Overwatch at 540Hz with the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B’s dual resolution mode. So, while I’m not entirely dismissive of the idea of gaming at 1040Hz, I suspect even my rig won’t deliver enough frames to fully utilize that speed.

It’s important to note that, similar to the LG UltraGear model, the new Odyssey G60H features a dual mode, meaning it can operate at more than just 1040Hz. Its native resolution is actually a 1440p 600Hz panel designed to compete with the Sony Inzone M10, and the 1040Hz setting is achieved by scaling down to 1080p. Additionally, this monitor is IPS, so it won’t match the vibrant colors of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6.

I don’t want to dismiss the Odyssey G60H as mere showmanship, nor do I mean to imply that 1040Hz won’t be beneficial for anyone. Statistically, though, many of you reading this might not see much advantage from this new Samsung display, even if I find myself zipping around as Pharah at insane frame rates in 2026.

I’m eager to get my hands on the G60H, but with a year of rising PC gaming prices ahead, I’ll be questioning whether it’s worth shelling out for over 1000Hz, even for competitive players seeking an edge. We’re still waiting for pricing and a solid release date, so stay tuned.