3 main disadvantages of using ultra-wide monitors for gaming

Using an ultrawide gaming monitor sounds appealing, but it's not without its drawbacks. 

1. Not all games are optimized

The biggest problem is that not all games are optimized for this format. This is especially true for indie and classic games, as many titles in these categories don't take full advantage of the space they're given. Instead, most put giant black bars on either side of the game — essentially turning an ultrawide monitor into a regular monitor.

Even in blockbuster releases, you'll still encounter some odd UI elements. For example, minimaps and quest logs are often placed in the corners of the screen and on ultra-wide monitors, making it hard to see them without actively shifting your gaze. Like sitting in the front row of a movie theater, you'll be able to focus directly on the action, but things in the periphery will often be hard to keep track of.

Thankfully, more and more games are offering customizable UI elements. And if you're not afraid to experiment with third-party mods, you might be able to find a solution to your ultrawide UI woes. Ultrawide monitors are worth it, but they're certainly not perfect for every gaming experience.

2. Ultra-wide resolution requires a powerful PC

Since ultrawide monitors display more pixels, it's no surprise that you'll need a more powerful PC to run games than you would with a regular monitor. Ultrawide monitors come in a variety of resolutions, but you'll typically need about 35% more power than a regular monitor running at the same resolution.

For example, running at 1440p on a standard monitor (1440x2560) has a million fewer pixels than running at 1440p on an ultrawide monitor (1440x3440). Those pixels don't come cheap, and if you're worried about playing games at the same settings as on your current monitor, you'll need to make sure you have a powerful rig.

In other words, no matter what settings you're running your game at, you'll probably need to turn them down when using an ultrawide monitor. Be sure to check the technical requirements of your favorite games to see how they'll look at higher resolutions.

3. Ultra-wide monitors take up desktop space

When people upgrade to ultrawide monitors, they get so caught up in how their games look that I never stop to consider what my desk looks like. And while it may not look bad, you'll have a lot less usable space than you did before adding an ultrawide monitor to your workspace.

If you have space for a larger desk, this won't be an issue. However, you'll still have some sticker shock when you first upgrade, so be prepared to adjust your space layout.

If your gaming monitor is going to double as a work monitor, you'll also want to consider how it will change your workflow. Finally, use PowerToys to easily split your screen into multiple sections, such as one for Slack, one for Microsoft Word, and one for a web browser. There are plenty of other apps that help maximize your ultrawide monitor, so take a few minutes to find one that fits your needs.

Upgrading to an ultrawide monitor is a great move. It takes a little time to figure out how to optimize all your games and setup, but if your PC can handle it, there's nothing better than that.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 06 October 2024