Best 24-Inch Portable Monitors for Console Gaming (PS5, Switch, Xbox)
You want a bigger screen for your console, but you don’t want a giant TV. A 24-inch portable monitor is a great choice. It’s big enough to be immersive but still easy to move around.
This guide will help you find the best one for your PS5, Xbox, or Switch. We will look at the key features that matter for gaming.
Why a 24-Inch Screen is Great for Consoles
A 24-inch screen hits a sweet spot. It’s much larger than a laptop screen but still feels personal and immersive when you’re sitting close to it. It’s the perfect size for a desk or a small table.
For consoles, this size is ideal. It gives you a big, clear view of the game without taking over your entire room. A good 24 inch portable monitor can make your gaming setup much more flexible.
What to Look for in a Gaming Portable Monitor
Not all monitors are good for gaming. You need to check a few important specs.
Resolution: 1080p vs. 1440p vs. 4K
- 1080p (Full HD): Works well for the Nintendo Switch, which often outputs at 1080p. It’s a common and affordable option.
- 1440p (2K): This is a great middle ground. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support 1440p output. It looks sharper than 1080p without being as demanding as 4K.
- 4K: The sharpest option. A 4k portable monitor will look amazing with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. But it is more expensive, and the difference on a 24-inch screen is less noticeable than on a huge TV.
Refresh Rate: 60Hz vs. 120Hz+
Refresh rate is how many times the screen updates per second.
- 60Hz: Standard. Perfect for the Nintendo Switch and casual gaming.
- 120Hz or 144Hz: Ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Many games support 120fps modes for smoother gameplay. A higher refresh rate makes fast action look much cleaner.
Response Time
This is how fast pixels can change color. Look for a response time of 5ms or lower. A slow response time can cause motion blur, which is bad for fast-paced games.
The Right Ports
You need to connect your console easily. HDMI is essential. Most consoles still use HDMI. A USB-C port with video support is a nice bonus for connecting other devices.
Built-in Speakers
This is convenient. Not a must-have, but it means you don’t always need to wear a headset. For serious gaming, you’ll still want headphones for better sound.
Setting Up is Simple
Connecting your console is easy.
- Plug the monitor into a power outlet.
- Connect your console to the monitor using an HDMI cable.
- Turn everything on.
You might need to go into your console’s settings to choose the right resolution and refresh rate for the monitor.
A Quick Tip for Nintendo Switch Users
The Nintendo Switch dock has an HDMI port. You can connect any portable monitor to the dock just like you would a TV. This makes it very easy to get a bigger screen for your Switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a portable monitor run on battery power?
Most cannot. They need to be plugged into a wall outlet to work. A few models have built-in batteries, but they are rare, especially at this size.
Q: Will using a portable monitor hurt my console’s performance?
No. The monitor just displays the image. It doesn’t change how your console runs the game. Your console will output the best resolution and frame rate that the monitor supports.
Q: Is there input lag?
Some cheap monitors can have high input lag, which is bad for gaming. Look for monitors that are marketed as “gaming” monitors, as they usually have a “Game Mode” to reduce lag.
Q: What about HDR?
Some portable monitors support HDR. It’s a nice bonus that can make colors pop, but don’t make it your main buying reason. Good HDR requires high brightness, which many portable monitors lack.
Q: Is 24 inches too big to be portable?
It is certainly less portable than a 15 or 17-inch screen. However, many 24-inch models are still thin and light enough to move from room to room or take to a friend’s house in a car. They are “portable” in the sense that they are not a permanent fixture like a TV.
The Bottom Line
A 24-inch portable monitor is a fantastic way to game on your consoles without being tied to the living room TV.
For Nintendo Switch players, a 1080p 60Hz monitor is a great, affordable upgrade.
For PS5 and Xbox Series X/S owners, a 1440p monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate will give you the best balance of performance and visual quality.
Look for a reputable brand, check for those key specs, and you’ll have a perfect personal gaming display.
