After debuting the world’s first AI gaming monitor prototype at CES, MSI is now ready to lift the lid on the whole project at Computex. Dubbed MSI MEG 321URX, the display will enhance your gaming experience as much as possible using artificial intelligence and the brand’s RGB SpectrumBar.
If the name sounds a little familiar, it hails from the same series as MSI MPG 321URX. That’s currently the best gaming monitor money can buy, as far as I’m concerned, so it bodes well that the MEG version touts the same specs.
This includes 4K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time on top of a 32in QD-OLED panel. The brand’s popular OLED Care 2.0 suite protects Samsung’s third-gen tech, and you can also expect DisplayHDR True Black 400 and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to stop screen tearing. It even keeps cool in the same way, using Graphene film and bespoke heatsinks in lieu of noisy fans, which helps keep things running silent.
Connectivity is largely identical, with a 98W PD KVM switch to hook up your peripherals and HDMI 2.1 with 120Hz VRR for consoles. The similarities end with DisplayPort 2.1, which is the first major change you can spot. The new standard can handle three times the bandwidth of 1.4. The best graphics cards for gamers don’t yet have the port but it’s backwards compatible and comfortable futureproofing. After all, the connection will likely arrive with RTX 5000 series, supporting future combinations like 4K/360Hz and high refresh rate 8K.
At CES, MSI showed off some of the things its SpectrumBar can do. In addition to putting on a glowy show that syncs with other Mystic Light-enabled products, it leveraged AI to transform into a health bar that reacts to your character’s vitality in real time. We didn’t see that this time around, so it’s unclear whether this is still a planned feature.
Stepping up from that, the current focus is AI Sky Sight, which can detect enemy positions and display them on screen. This treads a fine line between cheating and accessibility. The example given to us is that artificial intelligence can spot pixel changes on the screen and point you in the right direction. These are all things you could see without its help but might’ve missed.
Some will understandably argue that this presents an unfair advantage over your opponent in competitive games since the computer is far faster than the reflexes of any human. Others could take the stance that it’s accessibility for disabled people, but more so in single-player or co-op games like Monster Hunter. All I know is that support will be on a game-by-game basis, and developers can block it if they disagree with it.
Since we’re getting into AI territory in our screens, I long to see the day we’ll get full smart functionality, too. MSI’s new Modern MD272UPWS, also announced at Computex, fits the bill nicely with built-in Chromecast that lets you run Android apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus. It also comes with its own remote control so you never actually need to turn your PC on when you just want to watch something, saving a good few pennies on your electric bill. Given the estimated price of MEG 321URX, it could certainly do with these features to justify the price.
Currently, MSI is aiming to get MEG 321URX on store shelves by 2025, but you better start saving. It’ll likely cost you roughly $1,800. If MSI can get the thumbs up to pop AI features in popular games, then it goes some way to justify the lofty price, but this otherwise has me on the fence. You could pay into a closed ecosystem with no signs of growing. A year’s a long time, though, so we’ll see.
Dressed from head to toe in MSI
Initially appearing at CES 2024, MSI has also given us a closer look at its upcoming keyboard, mouse, headset, and controller at Computex.
MSI Versa Pro Wireless looks like a sleek little gaming mouse that takes the fight to Logitech’s renowned G502. Despite the clear inspiration, there’s an air of elegance with the subtle RGB lighting, smooth shape, and button placement that makes this one to watch. Each click feels fantastic with optical switches, and there are 13 customisable buttons, including the extra thumb switch, 4D scroll wheel, and an additional left clicker. I can’t say I feel much of a difference between all the different sensors these days, but the optical PAW-3395 keeps you tracking without missing a beat. Saving the best for last, not only does this offer an 8,000Hz polling rate with no wire, but it also charges using Qi-certified docks, giving you an open-source alternative to Logitech’s PowerPlay mouse pad. This is music to my ears since I prefer mats that are a little wider.
Strike Pro Wireless will be MSI’s first keyboard to contain its in-house Sonic Series Silent mechanical switches. Nowadays, every brand is throwing its hat in the ring and coming up with its own solutions, but MSI stands out as one of the better attempts. With dye-sub PBT keycaps, an aluminium top plate, and a memory foam wrist rest, each press should feel like you’re typing on a cloud. A few dedicated media keys will save you time if you’re an avid music listener. And you can ditch wires entirely using MSI Swiftspeed 2.4GHz or Bluetooth.
Maestro 300 is a lightweight 247g (without the microphone) headset that is made so you can game all day. High-density memory foam earpads are cushioned in either protein leather or breathable mesh depending on your preference, so you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. We didn’t get to test the detachable microphone, but MSI includes its branded Crystal Clear voice capture, which has previously appeared on Immerse GH50 Wireless. When this finally releases, you’ll be able to use its “true-to-life high-resolution audio” on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
The final peripheral is MSI Force Pro Wireless. Three levels of precise Hall Effect magnetic triggers will get some of you excited, but it’s slightly sad to see that the thumbsticks don’t follow suit. Auto-calibration should keep you in the game for longer, though, helping prevent stick drift. You can customise the thumbsticks, d-pad, and rear buttons to your liking. And, much like Strike Pro Wireless, the controller features 2.4GHz and Bluetooth to work with several devices. Just note that you can only use it with Xbox when wired.
