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The Asus CG32UQ is a relatively unique screen, as there aren't that many monitors aimed specifically at high-end console usage. For this audience, it's hard to fault, with great visual quality and lots of convenient features specifically aimed at consoles, like the charging station built into the base. Even the speakers are louder and better quality than most monitors, since console gamers could well just be using the TV for this rather than a separate audio system.
This screen can cross over as a PC gaming monitor as well, but it's not so persuasive here. Yes, it's 4K and has adaptive sync, but if you own a really high-end graphics card you'll be limiting yourself with the 60Hz maximum refresh, and will want to look elsewhere, such as Acer's truly humungous CG437K. On the plus side, the CG32UQ is G-sync Compatible as well as supporting FreeSync, so both AMD and NVIDIA graphics will benefit from the adaptive sync.
You get loads of video inputs, so you can hook up other audiovisual devices like your set-top box or online streaming device. There's no USB-C, but this is more relevant to the PC market at the moment than consumer electronics. The USB power ports and gamepad spaces on the base are a really convenient touch, and the content-aware lighting adds some immersive bling.
However, this is not a cheap monitor. On the one hand, if you want a 4K high-frame-rate PC gaming screen, you will currently be paying more. But with other 60Hz 4K 31.5in screens now costing £400 or less, such as the Iiyama ProLite XB3288UHSU-B1, you're paying a considerable premium for the console-oriented enhancements. We still think this is an attractive package for the ultimate console experience, and higher refresh would be a waste if this was your main activity, but this is very much a screen that is a master of one trade rather than a jack of all.
The Asus CG32UQ is available from Amazon UK for £764.99.
Pros:
- Dual charging stations for console gamepads.
- 3,840 x 2,160 resolution.
- FreeSync 2 adaptive sync plus NIVDIA G-sync Compatibility.
- Great colour accuracy out of the box.
- Content-aware rear ambient lighting.
- Lots of video inputs.
- Built-in USB 3.2 Gen1 hub.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- 60Hz maximum refresh.
- Questionable brightness uniformity.
KitGuru says: The Asus CG32UQ provides high-quality 4K screen technology to console gamers, with plenty of convenient features as well, but it's not cheap.
