NVIDIA and MediaTek’s collaboration removes the need for a separate G-SYNC module by integrating G-SYNC technology into MediaTek display scalers. NVIDIA says this simplifies production and reduces costs, creating a path to more affordable G-SYNC monitors. It has not published a dollar figure for expected savings, so the announcement does not guarantee that every compatible monitor will cost less.
What NVIDIA and MediaTek changed
Announced on August 20, 2024, the collaboration integrates NVIDIA’s suite of G-SYNC technologies directly into MediaTek display scalers. Previously, a dedicated G-SYNC module was required for the relevant monitor design; the companies’ stated change removes that separate component. NVIDIA said the integration would streamline production and reduce costs. (NVIDIA’s announcement)
That is a manufacturing rationale, not a published retail-price guarantee. NVIDIA did not provide an independently audited comparison of monitor costs or a licensing-cost breakdown, and it did not quantify how much buyers might save. The announcement supports the prospect of more affordable feature-rich G-SYNC monitors, but the eventual price still depends on each product and its market.
What G-SYNC Pulsar does
G-SYNC Pulsar combines variable refresh rate (VRR), which synchronizes the display with changing game frame rates to reduce tearing, with variable-frequency backlight strobing intended to improve motion clarity. NVIDIA describes Pulsar as producing four times the effective motion clarity while retaining smooth VRR. In its January 2026 launch update, NVIDIA said Pulsar can deliver over 1,000 Hz of effective motion clarity; its example says 250 frames per second can appear with clarity effectively quadruple the monitor’s refresh rate. These are NVIDIA’s descriptions of the technology, not independent measurements. (NVIDIA’s Pulsar launch update)
#1 Best Overall
- Samsung’s 32” Odyssey G5 QHD Gaming Monitor delivers brilliant visuals for exhilarating gameplay that’s more immersive than ever before.
- QHD resolution (2560 x 1440) boasts incredibly detailed, pin-sharp images.
- With a wide 178° viewing angle, the IPS panel consistently delivers crisp, clear hues from various viewpoints.
- 180Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms response time (GtG) allow fast reactions for ultra-smooth gaming, plus G-Sync compatibility syncs the GPU and panel to reduce choppiness, screen lag, and image tearing.
- HDR10 provides brighter highlights and nuanced shadows for added depth.
NVIDIA says Pulsar uses independently controlled horizontal backlight sections that pulse in a rolling scan, with pulses occurring at 25% of a frame time. The company says the feature operates by default from 90 frames per second up to the monitor’s maximum refresh rate. Because strobing behavior and usable frame rates matter in practice, shoppers should check the specifications and reviews for the exact monitor they are considering.
Which monitors support G-SYNC Pulsar?
NVIDIA’s January 7, 2026 launch update named displays from Acer, AOC, ASUS, and MSI as available from select retailers. It described the four launch displays as 27-inch IPS monitors with 2560×1440 resolution, 360Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits peak HDR brightness. US prices started at $599, according to NVIDIA’s launch update; that is a starting price, not a price for every model or a guarantee of current retailer pricing.
Rank #2
- 27-inch Full HD Fast IPS Display: Features a 1920 x 1080 resolution Fast IPS panel with 240Hz refresh rate for fast paced gameplay
- Ultra-Fast Response Time: ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a 0.3ms (min) response time for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- Adaptive Sync Technology: FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatible delivers a seamless, tear-free gaming experience
- Advanced Motion Blur Reduction: ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology enables ELMB together with variable refresh rate, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- Convenient Monitor Control: DisplayWidget Center enables easy OSD access and monitor settings adjustments with a mouse
| Monitor | What the cited NVIDIA launch information establishes |
|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQNR | Named among NVIDIA’s first Pulsar monitors; 2560×1440, 360Hz, HDR. The 2026 launch update describes the Pulsar launch-display group as 27-inch IPS with 500 nits peak HDR brightness and US prices starting at $599; it does not state this model’s individual price. |
| Acer Predator XB273U F5 | Named among NVIDIA’s first Pulsar monitors; 2560×1440, 360Hz, HDR. The 2026 launch update describes the Pulsar launch-display group as 27-inch IPS with 500 nits peak HDR brightness and US prices starting at $599; it does not state this model’s individual price. |
| AOC AGON PRO AG276QSG2 | Named among NVIDIA’s first Pulsar monitors; 2560×1440, 360Hz, HDR. The 2026 launch update describes the Pulsar launch-display group as 27-inch IPS with 500 nits peak HDR brightness and US prices starting at $599; it does not state this model’s individual price. |
| MSI launch display | NVIDIA includes MSI among the brands with displays in the January 2026 launch, but the cited update does not name the MSI model in the information summarized here. |
Model names and specifications can differ by region and retailer. Confirm that a product listing explicitly identifies G-SYNC Pulsar support rather than relying on a brand name or a general G-SYNC label.
G-SYNC Pulsar is not the same as G-SYNC Compatible
NVIDIA also reported 63 newly validated G-SYNC Compatible displays in its January 2026 update. That group included the Samsung Odyssey G6 G60H, described by NVIDIA as the world’s first 1,040Hz dual-mode competitive gaming display, and 2026 LG TVs. G-SYNC Compatible is a separate category that indicates baseline VRR validation; it does not mean those products have Pulsar’s backlight-strobing feature.
Rank #3
- High-Resolution QHD Gaming Display: 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) gaming monitor with 180Hz refresh rate designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync Technology: ELMB Sync technology enables ELMB and variable-refresh-rate technologies to work simultaneously to eliminate ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- Advanced Synchronization Technologies: FreeSync Premium, G-Sync compatible and AdaptiveSync technology delivers a seamless, tear-free gaming experience by enabling VRR (variable refresh rate) by default
- High Dynamic Range Support: HDR technology supports HDR-10 format to enhance bright and dark areas for improved visual depth and contrast
- Package Contents: DisplayPort cable, L-shaped Screwdriver, Power cord, Power adapter, Quick start guide, Warranty Card
When comparing products, distinguish the feature you want: a G-SYNC Compatible label is not evidence of Pulsar support. Check the full model specification for explicit Pulsar identification.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to decide whether a Pulsar monitor suits you
Pulsar is positioned by NVIDIA for competitive esports as well as immersive single-player games. Its appeal depends on the games you play, the frame rates your PC can sustain, and whether motion clarity matters more to you than other display priorities.
Rank #4
- 27” FULL HD IPS DISPLAY: Experience crisp 1920x1080 resolution and vibrant colors on a 27-inch widescreen IPS panel with wide 178° viewing angles and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- 240Hz Native / 260Hz Overclocked Refresh Rate & 0.5ms MPRT Response Time: Dominate fast-paced games with ultra-smooth motion and razor-sharp visuals, thanks to a 240Hz native refresh rate with up to 260Hz overclocking over both HDMI and DisplayPort, plus an ultra-fast 0.5ms (MPRT) response time.
- ADAPTIVE-SYNC TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy tear-free, stutter-free gameplay with Adaptive-Sync support that keeps visuals fluid and synchronized with your GPU.
- ILT-ADJUSTABLE & VESA COMPATIBLE: Customize your setup with tilt functionality (-3° ~ 21°) and 100x100mm VESA mount support for ergonomic flexibility.
- FLICKER-FREE + LOW POWER USAGE: Flicker-Free technology helps reduce eye strain during long sessions, and Eco Mode keeps power usage efficient (22W typical).
- For competitive play: Prioritize refresh rate, whether your system can sustain high frame rates, motion clarity, and input latency. A 360Hz panel is most useful when your game and hardware can take advantage of its speed.
- For general gaming: Balance refresh rate and motion behavior against resolution, HDR, image quality, and price. A feature aimed at fast motion may not be worth a trade-off that matters more to your games or budget.
- For either use: Compare the exact monitor’s VRR range, connectivity, ergonomics, and price as well as its headline refresh rate. These details are not established for every launch model by the shared launch specifications.
The practical takeaway is that the scaler change removes a dedicated-module requirement, while Pulsar adds a particular combination of VRR and strobing. Neither fact alone establishes how much a specific monitor costs or how it performs in every game.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Vivid Color, Fast Response, Total Control - The 24" UltraGear FHD gaming monitor delivers vivid HDR10 color, ultra-smooth 120Hz speed, and 1ms MBR clarity. G-SYNC compatibility & FreeSync keep gameplay tear-free. The sleek, slim design keep you focused and in control.
- Vivid Color That Puts You in the Action - Step onto the battlefield with HDR10 visuals and up to 99% sRGB color gamut coverage. The IPS display delivers rich, vivid tones, so every explosion, shadow, and landscape appears exactly as the developers intended.
- 120Hz Native Speed (144Hz Overclock) - Enjoy fluid, crystal-clear gameplay with a 120Hz native refresh rate, boosted to 144Hz when overclocked. Minimized motion blur keeps every frame sharp, so you can stay locked in on the action.
- 1ms MBR: Fast-Paced Speed to Victory - 1ms Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) keeps gameplay smooth and sharp, cutting blur and ghosting so fast-moving action stays clear—helping you stay competitive when every millisecond counts.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible & AMD FreeSync - NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync deliver smooth, tear-free, low-latency gaming with high refresh rates—so every frame stays sharp.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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