Key Takeaways
1. 1080p displays remain the most popular choice among gamers, with 54.54% usage, despite a slight decline of 0.81% from last month.
2. 1440p monitors are gaining popularity, with 19.86% of users playing at this resolution, marking a 0.37% increase.
3. Only 4.49% of gamers are using 4K resolution, showing minimal growth of 0.01% since May.
4. Cost is a significant factor in resolution preference, as many top graphics cards are optimized for 1080p or 1440p gaming.
5. Desk space limitations affect the choice of monitor size, with benefits of higher resolutions diminishing below 32 inches.
Despite the fact that 4K OLED screens are becoming more common, many gamers still prefer lower resolutions. The June Steam Hardware and Software Survey shows that 1080p displays are still the most popular choice among players. However, 1440p monitors are attracting buyers as they offer a good balance between pixel density and price. Notably, Nvidia’s RTX 50-series graphics cards are not featured in the top 10 GPUs, with the RTX 4060 leading the list.
Gaming on Laptops
The Steam survey also collects data from users who play Steam games and other titles on laptops. There are many more budget-friendly options compared to 4K-ready laptops. Nonetheless, only 4.49% of gamers are playing at 3,840 x 2,160 or 4K resolution, which has seen a slight increase of just 0.01% since May’s survey.
Popularity of 1440p Displays
The growth of 1440p monitors is quite significant. According to the survey, 19.86% of respondents play at 2,560 x 1,440, marking an increase of 0.37% from the previous month. Meanwhile, 1080p continues to be the most widely used resolution, with 54.54% of Steam users gaming on these more affordable monitors. However, this figure has dropped by 0.81% compared to the last month.
The survey does not inquire why players prefer certain resolutions or GPUs. Yet, cost seems to be a significant consideration, as most top graphics cards are better suited for 1080p or 1440p gaming. Even with Nvidia and AMD releasing DLSS 4 and FSR 4 upscaling technologies, many gamers seem to favor higher refresh rates over 4K/60Hz settings.
Desk Space Considerations
Many consumers may also lack enough desk space for a larger 4K monitor. When the screen size is below 32 inches, the advantages of higher resolution displays start to lessen. However, those who support 4K and have a large collection of Steam games can find solace in the trends observed over the past five years. Although currently only 4.49% of gamers use this resolution, it has increased from 1.97% in early 2020. Meanwhile, the acceptance of 1440p has surged, climbing from 5.86% to its present value of 19.86%.
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