Microsoft has partnered with Acer, Asus and Philips Momentum to promote their monitors as 'Designed for Xbox'. The marketing initiative introduces a new Xbox sticker badge.

Another badge
What does it take to get a monitor promoted as Designed for Xbox? An HDMI 2.1 port and a license, it would seem. Microsoft explains that buyers will see a new 'Gaming Features for Xbox' badge on select monitors starting this summer.

- "Today, for the first time, we’re announcing gaming monitors from our licensed partners will join the Designed for Xbox program! We worked closely with leading display manufacturers including Philips, ASUS, and Acer over the last two years to prepare these products to take full advantage of Xbox Series X|S and HDMI 2.1," announced Microsoft.

The first three monitors from Acer (28" XV282K KV), Asus (43" XG43UQ), and Philips Momentum (55" 559M1RYV) offer 4K120 over HDMI 2.1 and some level of support for AMD FreeSync. The Philips model will have an Xbox picture mode. In addition, the monitors offer some level of software support for HDR, but not necessarily the hardware required to reproduce an HDR picture.

 Also read: List: 4K TVs and 8K TVs with HDMI 2.1

Microsoft also has a partnership with LG to promote LG OLED TVs as the 'next-gen gaming experience', but with the new 48-inch screen size for OLED the line between TV and monitor, in the context of console gaming, looks a little blurry.


HDMI 2.1, VRR, HDR...
Which features are the most important if you want to enjoy the next-generation game experience? With HDMI 2.1, 120fps, VRR, HDR10, Dolby Vision and other new developments, it is easy to get confused.

In our Xbox Series X review we argue that good HDR remains the most impressive next-gen enhancement for console games, especially when a game utilizes ray-tracing and only if the TV has proper hardware for HDR, i.e. pixel-level luminance and color control.

Microsoft did not reveal the exact specifications required to get the stamp of approval but the badge that will soon appear on licensed monitors may provide further clues.

First 'Designed for Xbox' monitors

Philips Momentum 559M1RYV 55”

"The Philips Momentum supports 4K resolution at 120Hz powered by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology to reduce screen tearing. It also introduces a new, dedicated Xbox picture mode. Players can enjoy high-contrast HDR with the VESA Certified DisplayHDR 1000, offering local-dimming and peak luminance more than 3x that of mid-grade displays on the market. The Philips Momentum 559M1RYV 55″ will be available worldwide for $1599.99 USD starting this Summer,"




ASUS Strix Xbox Edition Gaming Monitor XG43UQ 43”
"Co-developed with the Designed for Xbox Team, ASUS has created an Xbox mode for best color, contrast, and hue settings when paired with Xbox Series X|S. This monitor also features AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology putting an end to choppy gameplay and replacing it with supersmooth native 4K at 120Hz gaming via HDMI 2.1. Plus, it offers a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut and DisplayHDR 1000 certification ensuring quality visuals and true-to-life colors. The ASUS ROG Strix Xbox Edition XG43UQ 43″ will be available October 2021 and price may vary by regions"




Acer Xbox Edition Gaming Monitor XV282K KV 28”
"The 28” Acer Xbox Edition Gaming Monitor supports 4K at 120Hz and HDMI 2.1, pushing next- generation gameplay to its limits on Xbox Series X|S. It has a low 1ms response time and ensures high color accuracy while the VESA DisplayHDR 400 provides great contrasts between dark and light shades. Like other monitors entering the program, this display comes AMD FreeSync Premium ready. The 28” Acer Xbox Edition Gaming Monitor XV282K KV will be $949.99 USD and available this Fall."
 FlatpanelsHD