The hot commodity in computer gaming right now is curved monitors, and BenQ is throwing its hat into the ring with the official launch of the XR3501. The LCD display packs in some features dedicated to improving the high-end gaming experience, courtesy of BenQ’s RevolutionEyes technology, with the specs to match.
BenQ’s XR3501 takes on the ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio that’s become the standard for curved monitors. It has a much deeper curve at 2000R than most screens, which helps make it more immersive, as well as improving the multiple monitor experience. At only 2560 x 1080, the resolution is a bit low for the size, but it makes up for with 4ms GTG response time and 144Hz refresh rate. You can choose from 20 different levels of color variance to meet the demands of whatever you’re doing.
Software features help focus the monitor on an ultimate goal of high-end gaming. Black eQualizer takes full advantage of the VA panel’s high contrast ratio, for deeper blacks and sharper brights in every game. In addition to the standard selection of configuration settings, the XR3501 also include special game modes tuned by professional gamers. BenQ hopes these configurations will give you a distinct advantage in your most competitive games.
No word on an exact release date, but the announcement suggests the monitor will be available starting in July. At the outset, it may only see a Malaysian release, with a retail price of 3,999 Malaysian Ringgit — or just over $1,000. That’s in the same range as the other curved monitors in its size range, although some, like the Samsung S34E790C, have a higher-resolution 3440 x 1440 panel. Still, BenQ displays are normally makes excellent monitors, and as the official gaming monitor sponsor for MLG, it’s worth checking out what the brand is doing in the space.