NASA 2K 180HZ Portable Monitor, 18" OD Gameplus Review
The NASA Gameplus portable monitor has a slick 180Hz refresh rate, but at $589, it's an overpriced and awkward hybrid. We think you should skip it.
The 30-Second Version
Skip it. It's an overpriced portable screen trying to wear a gaming monitor's hat. The 180Hz is neat, but you'll miss the features and value of a real monitor.
Overview
The NASA Gameplus is a portable monitor that tries to be a gaming powerhouse, but it's a bit confused about its identity. The one thing to know is that it's a solid portable screen with a high refresh rate, but it's not a true desktop gaming monitor replacement. It's built for travel and quick setups, not for your permanent desk. We think it's a decent option if you're constantly moving your gaming rig, but if you're looking for a primary screen, you'll find better value elsewhere.
Performance
The 180Hz refresh rate is the headline feature, and it's genuinely impressive for a portable monitor. In our tests, motion clarity was smooth, and FreeSync did its job to reduce tearing. But the surprise was the color performance. It's about average, not the vibrant punch you might expect from a 'HDR' label. The panel is fine, but it doesn't stand out against dedicated gaming monitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 180Hz refresh rate is fantastic for a portable screen. 93th
- The built-in kickstand is convenient and sturdy. 83th
- It's one of the best compact monitors we've tested. 75th
- Resolution is sharp for its size.
Cons
- Connectivity options are underwhelming and limited. 29th
- The HDR is basically a marketing checkbox, not a real feature. 31th
- It's expensive for what you get.
- Adjustability is mediocre; you can't fine-tune the angle much.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 18" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 180 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
Color & HDR
| HDR | HDR |
| HDR Support | HDR |
Value & Pricing
Not worth it at $589. That price puts it in the range of excellent 27-inch desktop gaming monitors. You're paying a premium for portability and a high refresh rate on a smaller screen, and the trade-offs in connectivity and color quality are too steep.
vs Competition
If you want a true portable companion, look at brands like ASUS or Lenovo's travel monitors which often have better connectivity and similar specs for less money. If you want a primary gaming monitor at this price, the MSI MPG 322URX QD-OLED is a completely different league of performance and image quality, even if it's not portable. The NASA sits in an awkward middle ground.
| Spec | NASA 2K 180HZ Portable Monitor, 18" OD Gameplus | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS ROG Swift 32" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor PG32UCDP | MSI MAG MSI 32" UHD 4K 165Hz Nvidia G-Sync Compatible | BenQ MOBIUZ BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 18 | 57 | 45 | 32 | 32 | 27 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | - | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 180 | 240 | 165 | 240 | 165 | 165 |
| Response Time Ms | - | 1 | - | - | 0 | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium |
| Hdr | HDR | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR10 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: Can I use this as my main monitor?
You can, but you shouldn't. The ergonomics and connectivity are limited. It's built to be a secondary, travel screen.
Q: Is the HDR good?
No. It's a basic HDR implementation that doesn't add much. Don't let that feature sway your decision.
Q: Will my PS5 work well with it?
Yes, it'll work. But the PS5 can't output 180Hz, so you're not using the monitor's best feature. It's a bit of a mismatch.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a primary, high-performance gaming monitor, this isn't it. Go get an MSI or ASUS OLED instead. If you need a basic portable screen for work, skip this too; its office scores are terrible. This is only for the very specific person who needs 180Hz gaming on the go and doesn't care about cost.
Verdict
We can't recommend buying this. It's a niche product that doesn't excel in its niche enough to justify the cost. The high refresh rate is cool, but everything else is middle of the pack or worse. Save your money and either get a better portable screen or a proper desktop monitor.