Samsung’s 2026 Odyssey Lineup Breaks Every Gaming Monitor Record

Summary: Samsung announced five 2026 Odyssey gaming monitors ahead of CES 2026, featuring industry-first technologies including a 6K glasses-free 3D display (Odyssey 3D) and the world’s first 1,040Hz refresh rate monitor (Odyssey G6). The lineup includes three Odyssey G8 variants spanning 6K IPS, 5K IPS, and 4K QD-OLED panels, all supporting DisplayPort 2.1 for cutting-edge bandwidth. The Odyssey 3D uses real-time eye tracking to create dimensional gaming without headsets, while the G6 delivers unprecedented 1,040Hz speeds in HD mode or 600Hz at native QHD. Pricing remains unannounced, with hands-on demos scheduled for CES 2026 from January 6-9.

Samsung just shattered two major gaming monitor barriers with its 2026 Odyssey lineup: the world’s first 6K glasses-free 3D display and a blistering 1,040Hz refresh rate that makes 360Hz monitors look sluggish. Announced today ahead of CES 2026, the five-monitor collection targets competitive gamers and early adopters willing to push hardware limits.

These aren’t incremental upgrades Samsung claims these displays use technologies that “weren’t possible even a year ago,” according to Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of Samsung’s Visual Display Business. The lineup includes the Odyssey 3D (G90XH), Odyssey G6 (G60H), and three distinct Odyssey G8 models covering 6K, 5K, and OLED configurations.

What Makes These Monitors Different

World’s First 6K Glasses-Free 3D Technology

The 32-inch Odyssey 3D eliminates the biggest complaint about 3D gaming: uncomfortable glasses or bulky VR headsets. Using real-time eye-tracking cameras, the monitor adjusts depth and perspective based on where you’re looking, creating a layered dimensional effect without accessories.

Unlike VR headsets that isolate you in a closed environment, glasses-free 3D monitors let you maintain peripheral awareness while adding depth cues that help judge distances in games. You can glance at a second screen, grab your drink, or interact with your surroundings without removing hardware.

Record-Breaking 1,040Hz Refresh Rate

The 27-inch Odyssey G6 demolishes the previous 750Hz record by delivering 1,040Hz in HD resolution mode. Even at its native QHD (2560×1440) resolution, it reaches 600Hz faster than most esports monitors claim at 1080p.

To put this in perspective: 144Hz remains the competitive gaming standard, 240Hz is considered premium, and anything above 360Hz was experimental until now. Samsung just nearly tripled that ceiling.

Odyssey 3D (G90XH): Glasses-Free Gaming Without Compromise

How Eye-Tracking 3D Actually Works

The technology behind glasses-free 3D relies on a lenticular lens array built into the panel that directs different images to each eye simultaneously. Two front-facing cameras constantly track your pupil positions, calculating the exact angle needed to maintain proper depth separation.

When you lean left or right, the monitor recalculates the viewing cone within milliseconds, preventing the “sweet spot” problem that plagued older glasses-free 3D TVs. This means you can maintain the 3D effect even during intense gaming sessions where you might shift positions frequently.

The monitor also includes a 2D-to-3D conversion mode for non-optimized games, though the effect is most dramatic with officially supported titles. Think of it like spatial audio; it works everywhere, but content mixed specifically for it delivers superior results.

Supported Games and Performance Specs

Samsung partnered with game studios to optimize 3D effects for specific titles at launch. Confirmed games include:

• The First Berserker: Khazan – Enhanced terrain depth and distance rendering
• Lies of P: Overture – Improved object separation and environmental layering
• Stellar Blade – Optimized combat depth perception

The Odyssey 3D runs at 6K resolution (6144×3456) with a native 165Hz refresh rate. Dual Mode drops resolution to 3K while boosting refresh to 330Hz for competitive titles that prioritize speed over detail. Response time sits at 1ms gray-to-gray, eliminating motion blur during fast camera pans.

GPU Reality Check: Driving 6K at 165fps demands flagship GPU power. Expect to pair this with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 or upcoming RTX 50-series cards for demanding AAA titles. The 3K/330Hz mode becomes more practical for current-gen hardware in esports games.

Odyssey G6 (G60H): The Fastest Monitor Ever Made

The Odyssey G6 exists for one purpose: eliminating every possible frame of input lag in competitive gaming. Its 1,040Hz maximum refresh rate represents just 0.96 milliseconds between frame updates compared to 6.94ms at 144Hz.

Understanding 1,040Hz vs 600Hz Dual Mode

The G6 uses Dual Mode technology to toggle between two operating profiles:

• Native QHD Mode: 2560×1440 at 600Hz for sharp image quality
• HD Boost Mode: 1280×720 at 1,040Hz for maximum responsiveness

Competitive esports players in CS2, Valorant, or Overwatch 2 who already run games at low settings for maximum framerate will benefit most from HD mode. The reduced resolution matters less when you’re focused on target tracking and reaction time rather than scenic detail.

The monitor supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible (certification pending at launch) to prevent screen tearing. DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 connections ensure full bandwidth for the extreme refresh rates.

GPU Requirements for Extreme Refresh Rates

Reality check: Even at 720p, hitting 1,040fps consistently requires extreme hardware and optimized settings. Here’s what you realistically need:

• For 1,040Hz HD mode: RTX 4080 Super or RX 7900 XTX in esports titles with low/medium settings
• For 600Hz QHD mode: RTX 4090 or top-tier upcoming GPUs in optimized competitive games
• CPU bottleneck warning: Pair with Intel Core i9-14900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D to prevent CPU limitations

Most AAA games won’t approach these framerates. This monitor targets the 0.1% of players grinding rank in competitive shooters where every millisecond matters.

Three Odyssey G8 Models: Choose Your Resolution

Samsung split the Odyssey G8 line into three distinct products targeting different priorities.

6K G8 (G80HS): Maximum Workspace and Detail

The 32-inch 6K G8 shares the Odyssey 3D’s 6144×3456 resolution but removes the 3D technology for a lower price point. At 165Hz native (330Hz in 3K Dual Mode), it serves creators and gamers who want extreme detail for photo editing or immersive single-player games without the 3D gimmick.

This resolution provides 33.2 million pixels, nearly double a 5K display and 2.4 times more than 4K. Text rendering becomes extraordinarily sharp for productivity work between gaming sessions.

5K G8 (G80HF): Balanced High-Res Performance

The 27-inch 5K G8 hits 5120×2880 resolution at 180Hz, with Dual Mode boosting to 360Hz at QHD. This represents the sweet spot for high-end gaming rigs that can’t quite push 6K or 4K at high framerates consistently.

The smaller 27-inch size increases pixel density compared to the 32-inch 6K model, making it ideal for desk setups where you sit closer to the screen.

4K OLED G8 (G80SH): Contrast King

The 32-inch OLED G8 swaps resolution bragging rights for the superior contrast and color accuracy of QD-OLED technology. Its 4K (3840×2160) panel runs at 240Hz fast enough for competitive play while maintaining the inky blacks and per-pixel lighting that OLED delivers.

Samsung added Glare Free technology to minimize reflections, addressing OLED’s traditional weakness in bright rooms. The VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification guarantees exceptional HDR performance with true black levels impossible on backlit displays.

DisplayPort 2.1 with UHBR20 provides 80Gbps bandwidth crucial for 4K 240Hz HDR with 10-bit color. A 98W USB-C port lets you drive the display and charge a laptop simultaneously.

Technical Comparison: Which Monitor Fits Your Setup

Specs Breakdown Table

Model	Size	Resolution	Panel Type	Refresh Rate	Dual Mode	Response Time	Ports
Odyssey 3D (G90XH)	32″	6K (6144×3456)	IPS	165Hz	330Hz (3K)	1ms GtG	HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1
Odyssey G6 (G60H)	27″	QHD (2560×1440)	IPS	600Hz	1,040Hz (HD)	1ms GtG	HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1
Odyssey G8 (G80HS)	32″	6K (6144×3456)	IPS	165Hz	330Hz (3K)	1ms GtG	HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1
Odyssey G8 (G80HF)	27″	5K (5120×2880)	IPS	180Hz	360Hz (QHD)	1ms GtG	HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1
Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH)	32″	4K (3840×2160)	QD-OLED	240Hz	240Hz	0.03ms GtG	HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1 (UHBR20), USB-C 98W

Resolution & Refresh Rate Comparison

Feature	Odyssey 3D	Odyssey G6	G8 6K	G8 5K	OLED G8
Native Resolution	6K (6144×3456)	QHD (2560×1440)	6K (6144×3456)	5K (5120×2880)	4K (3840×2160)
Native Refresh	165Hz	600Hz	165Hz	180Hz	240Hz
Dual Mode Refresh	330Hz @ 3K	1,040Hz @ HD	330Hz @ 3K	360Hz @ QHD	240Hz
Panel Technology	IPS	IPS	IPS	IPS	QD-OLED
Response Time	1ms GtG	1ms GtG	1ms GtG	1ms GtG	0.03ms GtG
Screen Size	32″	27″	32″	27″	32″

Connectivity & Features Comparison

Feature	Odyssey 3D	Odyssey G6	G8 6K	G8 5K	OLED G8
DisplayPort	2.1	2.1	2.1	2.1	2.1 (UHBR20)
HDMI	2.1	2.1	2.1	2.1	2.1
USB-C Power	No	No	No	No	Yes (98W)
AMD FreeSync	Premium Pro	Premium Pro	Premium Pro	Premium Pro	Premium Pro
NVIDIA G-Sync	Compatible	Compatible	Compatible	Compatible	Compatible
HDR	HDR10+ Gaming	HDR10+ Gaming	HDR10+ Gaming	HDR10+ Gaming	VESA True Black 500
Unique Feature	Glasses-Free 3D	1,040Hz Record	6K Workspace	Balanced 5K	Glare Free OLED

DisplayPort 2.1 vs HDMI 2.1 Advantages

All five monitors include DisplayPort 2.1, which provides significantly more bandwidth than HDMI 2.1:

• DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20): Up to 80Gbps bandwidth
• HDMI 2.1: Maximum 48Gbps bandwidth

This matters for high-resolution, high-refresh-rate gaming with HDR enabled. The 6K monitors at 165Hz with 10-bit color require more than HDMI 2.1 can deliver without compression. For maximum fidelity, you’ll want DisplayPort cables rated for the full UHBR20 spec.

Pros and Cons of Each Model

Pros and Cons of Odyssey 3D (G90XH)

Pros and Cons of Odyssey G6 (G60H)

Pros and Cons of Odyssey G8 6K (G80HS)

Pros and Cons of Odyssey G8 5K (G80HF)

Pros and Cons of Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH)

Real-World Performance Expectations

For Competitive Esports Players: The Odyssey G6 delivers measurable advantages in reaction-time-critical games like CS2 and Valorant. The reduction from 6.94ms frame time (144Hz) to 0.96ms (1,040Hz) can mean spotting enemies 5-6ms sooner enough to win aim duels at the highest ranks.

For AAA Gamers: The 6K monitors (Odyssey 3D and G8 6K) require GPU compromises. Expect to run Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2 at medium-high settings with DLSS/FSR upscaling to hit 60-120fps. The resolution shines most in slower-paced games where you can appreciate detail.

For Content Creators: The 6K and 5K G8 models provide exceptional screen real estate for video editing timelines and Photoshop workspaces. The color accuracy of IPS panels suits professional work, though the OLED G8 offers superior contrast for color grading.

For VR Hesitant Gamers: The Odyssey 3D delivers dimensional gaming without VR’s isolation and nausea concerns. You maintain peripheral vision and spatial awareness, making it more suitable for extended sessions. However, the 3D effect requires you to sit within the eye-tracking zone lean too far, and depth perception breaks.

Market Impact and Availability

According to IDC data, Samsung holds an 18.8% global revenue share in gaming monitors with refresh rates above 144Hz, maintaining the number one position for six consecutive years. These 2026 Odyssey models aim to extend that lead by introducing technologies competitors haven’t announced yet.

The lineup will debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6-9, with hands-on demos available. Pricing and exact release dates remain unannounced, but expect premium positioning given the world-first claims across multiple models.

For competitive gamers chasing every millisecond advantage, the Odyssey G6’s 1,040Hz represents a measurable edge. For those curious about 3D gaming without VR commitment, the Odyssey 3D offers a genuine innovation. And for users who simply want the sharpest image possible, the 6K G8 delivers pixel density rivals can’t match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPU do I need for the 1,040Hz Odyssey G6?
The 1,040Hz mode runs at 720p (HD) resolution, requiring an NVIDIA RTX 4080 or AMD RX 7900 XTX to consistently hit 700+ fps in optimized esports titles like CS2 or Valorant with low settings. For the native 600Hz QHD mode, you’ll need an RTX 4090 or equivalent upcoming GPU.

Does glasses-free 3D work as well as VR headsets?
No VR provides complete 360-degree immersion that 3D monitors can’t match. However, glasses-free 3D offers depth perception without headset discomfort, isolation, or nausea that some users experience with VR. It’s a middle ground: more immersive than standard 2D, less isolating than VR.

Will HDMI 2.1 support the full specs of these monitors?
Not for the 6K models. HDMI 2.1’s 48Gbps bandwidth can’t carry 6K at 165Hz with full color depth. You must use DisplayPort 2.1 for the full experience. HDMI works fine for the OLED G8 at 4K 240Hz.

What’s the difference between the three Odyssey G8 models?
The G80HS offers 6K resolution on a 32-inch IPS panel at 165Hz. The G80HF provides 5K on a 27-inch IPS panel at 180Hz. The OLED G80SH uses a 32-inch QD-OLED panel at 4K 240Hz with superior contrast and Glare Free technology. Choose based on whether you prioritize resolution (6K/5K models) or contrast and HDR (OLED model).

When will these monitors be available and how much will they cost?
Samsung hasn’t announced pricing or exact release dates. The monitors will be showcased at CES 2026 (January 6-9, 2026) in Las Vegas, with availability expected in Q1-Q2 2026. Based on previous Odyssey pricing, expect the Odyssey 3D and OLED G8 to exceed $1,200, with the G6 potentially starting around $800-900.

Can I use the Odyssey 3D monitor in regular 2D mode?
Yes the Odyssey 3D functions as a standard 6K monitor when you disable the 3D feature. The eye-tracking cameras simply turn off, and you get a high-resolution IPS display with 165Hz refresh and 330Hz Dual Mode.

Do these monitors work with consoles?
The monitors include HDMI 2.1 ports compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. However, consoles max out at 4K 120Hz, meaning you won’t utilize the high refresh rates or 6K/5K resolutions. The OLED G8 makes the most sense for console gaming due to its 4K resolution and exceptional HDR.

What is Dual Mode and how does it work?
Dual Mode lets you sacrifice resolution for doubled refresh rates. The monitor drops to a lower resolution (3K on 6K models, QHD on 5K models, HD on the G6) to free up bandwidth for higher frame rates. You can toggle between modes for competitive esports (high refresh) and immersive single-player (high resolution) without buying two monitors.

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