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Conclusion

With many manufacturers re-branding their gaming monitors as “Xbox Edition” or “Designed for Xbox,” you might think that only those displays will work with an Xbox Series X. But to realize the console’s full potential, you need Ultra HD resolution, Adaptive Sync, 120 Hz over HDMI and HDR. Many existing displays fit this description. But if you go for an Xbox-branded model, you can be sure it will make your shiny new console perform at its best.

MSI Optix MPG321UR-QD — (Image credit: MSI)

In the case of the Optix MPG321UR-QD Xbox Edition, MSI hasn’t changed anything about the hardware. The original MPG321UR-QD that I reviewed last year will work just fine with an Xbox Series X. I noted the new model was a tad more color accurate (to my meter anyway) and slightly quicker. So, if you’re an owner of the MPG321UR-QD, there’s no burning need to upgrade to the Xbox Edition.

But if you are shopping for an Ultra HD gaming monitor, there are few better performers than the MPG321UR-QD Xbox Edition. It makes the most of its 144 Hz refresh rate with quick and smooth control response. It works flawlessly on both G-Sync and FreeSync platforms. It has superb video processing with a clean overdrive and a backlight strobe that works with Adaptive-Sync. And it offers a unique color-adaptable aiming point and sniper zoom feature that you won’t find elsewhere.

The MPG321UR-QD Xbox Edition’s pro-level color accuracy and super-wide gamut are also unique. With nearly full coverage of Rec.2020, it’s one of the most colorful monitors available in any category. And with perfect color out of the box and the ability to select between sRGB, Adobe RGB and DCI-P3, it’s supremely flexible. It truly is a monitor for any situation.

At around $900 at this writing, the MPG321UR-QD Xbox Edition is a premium purchase but compared to other high-end Ultra HD screens, it’s a decent value. With unique features and fantastic performance, I give it my highest recommendation.

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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

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