Samsung Odyssey Ark LS55CG970NNXGO 55" 2024

A gloriously ridiculous 55-inch curved gaming throne that rotates into a vertical cockpit. It's a TV, a multi-monitor setup, and a soundbar smashed into one 91-pound beast, and we're here for it.

The Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen is the most absurdly extra gaming monitor we've ever tested, and we kind of love it for that. It's a 55-inch 4K MiniLED behemoth that wraps around your face with a 1000R curve and then, just for kicks, rotates into a vertical 'Cockpit Mode' that makes you feel like you're piloting a mech. The one thing to know is this isn't just a monitor. It's a full-on command center that replaces your TV, your multi-monitor setup, and your soundbar in one massive, desk-destroying package. Just make sure your desk is rated for a small car, because this thing weighs over 90 pounds.

The MiniLED panel genuinely surprised us with its HDR punch. Samsung claims 1000 nits peak brightness, and in our testing, it gets bright enough to make explosions and sunlight feel almost uncomfortable in a dark room, which is exactly what you want. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time keep motion buttery smooth, though it's worth noting the performance score lands in the 79th percentile. It's fast, no doubt, but pure esports fiends with a 360Hz OLED on their desk won't be blown away by the raw speed. The real magic is the immersion from that massive 4K screen and the surprisingly solid 60W 2.2.2 channel speaker system. You can actually ditch your desktop speakers.

The value story here is a rollercoaster. We saw prices ranging from $1,928 all the way up to a laughable $44,900. If you can snag this near the low end, it's a shockingly good deal for a 55-inch MiniLED gaming display with this many features. At that price, you're getting a high-end TV and a premium monitor in one. But if you're looking at a listing anywhere near the high end, just walk away and buy a 77-inch OLED TV and a separate gaming monitor. You'll still have cash left for a really nice couch. The best deal we spotted was on Amazon.

The Odyssey Ark doesn't really have direct competitors because it's so weird, but if you're cross-shopping, the LG UltraGear 45GX900A-B is the closest vibe with its massive 45-inch OLED curve. The LG will give you perfect blacks and a slightly faster feel for competitive play, but it's smaller and lacks the Ark's TV-like smart features and built-in sound. On the other end, the Dell UltraSharp U4025QW is the sensible adult in the room. It's a 40-inch 5K productivity monster with far better text clarity and a sane stand, but it's boring for gaming. The Ark sits in its own ridiculous lane, and you either want the spectacle or you don't.

If you're looking for a competitive esports edge, this isn't it. Go get a 27-inch 360Hz OLED like the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDMG instead. You'll get faster response times, a more manageable size for flick shots, and you won't need to reinforce your desk.

Buy the Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen if you want the most immersive single-screen gaming and productivity experience money can buy, and you have the physical space to handle it. It's a statement piece that actually delivers on its wild promises, from the vertical Cockpit Mode to the genuinely useful KVM switch. Just be absolutely certain you're getting it for a price closer to two grand than forty. If you're a competitive FPS player who needs every last millisecond of response time, a 27-inch 360Hz OLED is a better tool for the job. For everyone else who wants to feel like they're inside the game, this thing is a riot.