LG targets esports elite with world’s first native 1000Hz Full HD monitor
Scheduled for release in the second half of 2026, the new display aims to capture the twitch-based reflex gaming market, though pricing remains unconfirmed.
LG has announced the UltraGear 25G590B, a 24.5-inch gaming display it claims is the world’s first Full HD monitor to support a native 1,000Hz refresh rate. The announcement marks a transition for ultra-high refresh rate technology from experimental prototypes to retail products, with the new unit scheduled to hit select markets in the second half of 2026.
The key differentiator for the 25G590B is its ability to maintain a 1080p resolution at the 1,000Hz speed without requiring resolution downscaling or dual-mode switching. Competing models from Acer, Samsung, and Philips currently offer 1,000Hz capabilities but only at a 720p resolution, or they support 1440p at a lower 500Hz refresh rate. LG states that its display achieves its specs natively, avoiding the rebooting procedures often required by rivals to access maximum performance modes.
LG markets the monitor as being engineered specifically for first-person shooters, utilising an esports-optimized design to target players who rely on twitch-based reflexes. This focus aligns with data from Steam’s regular hardware surveys, which show 1080p remains the most common resolution reported by gamers. By retaining this resolution at high refresh rates, LG aims to serve a segment where image clarity and speed are prioritised over higher pixel counts.
Research from Blur Busters suggests that refresh rates of 1,000Hz and above can reduce the human perception of motion blur and flickering. However, the research also notes that diminishing returns apply to these gains, particularly on smaller screens. While some gamers utilise technologies such as Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar, which employs rolling scan backlights to reduce blur on lower refresh rate monitors, LG’s approach relies on raw frame throughput to achieve smoother visuals.
Pricing details for the UltraGear 25G590B have not yet been confirmed by LG. Industry data indicates that existing 1,000Hz monitors typically cost hundreds of dollars more than comparable models with refresh rates in the 240Hz to 360Hz range. For general consumers, the premium cost and specialised use case suggest the display is aimed at a niche professional audience rather than the broader gaming market.
