Research Shows That This Monitor Feature Can Actually Make You Better At Video Games

July 18, 2026 - 04:11

New research suggests that a specific monitor feature has a direct impact on how well people perform in video games, with multiple tests showing measurable improvements in player accuracy and reaction time. The feature in question is the display's refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), which determines how many times the screen updates per second.

Studies conducted by hardware reviewers and gaming analysts compared players using standard 60Hz monitors against those using 144Hz or 240Hz screens. In fast-paced games like first-person shooters and racing titles, participants using higher refresh rates consistently landed more shots, completed laps faster, and reported less visual blur during quick movements. One test showed an average 15% improvement in target tracking accuracy when switching from 60Hz to 144Hz.

The reason comes down to how the human eye processes motion. A higher refresh rate delivers smoother, more frequent updates, reducing the gap between what a player sees and what actually happens in the game. This allows the brain to react more quickly to moving enemies or obstacles. While professional players have long known this, the research confirms that even casual gamers can see a benefit.

However, the gains depend on the game and the player's hardware. A high refresh rate monitor only helps if the computer can produce enough frames per second to match it. For those with older graphics cards, upgrading the monitor alone may not deliver the full effect. Still, for anyone serious about competitive play, the evidence is clear: a faster screen can give a real edge.