In the past, consuming 3D content felt like a novelty – fun at first, but quickly followed by the familiar strain of cheap plastic glasses and the fading of that initial wow factor.

For most people, 3D was a temporary thrill that never quite took hold as a lasting format. So when Samsung announced their latest range of high-end monitors with a bold push into glasses-free 3D gaming, I was skeptical.

That said, Samsung might be onto something here, and if any medium is going to make glasses-free 3D stick, gaming could be it.

ChannelNews visited Samsung Australia’s Sydney HQ to get a first look, and hands-on time, with their new monitor range.

Glasses-Free 3D Gaming Might Actually Work

The star of the show was the new Odyssey 3D monitor – Samsung’s most ambitious take on immersive gaming yet, with a 27-inch 4K display that lets you experience depth-rich 3D visuals without a single accessory on your face.

That alone is a big win. As someone who already wears glasses, being able to game for hours without adding another layer to my face, especially while wearing a headset, is a real relief.

So how does it work?

The monitor uses advanced lenticular lens tech paired with dual camera eye-tracking to deliver a responsive, glasses-free 3D experience.

It’s all powered through the dedicated Odyssey 3D Hub app, where compatible games and content can be transformed into a layered, stereoscopic experience.

During my demo I had a go at The First Berserker: Khazan, a fantasy RPG developed by Nexon and now optimised for Odyssey 3D.

While I slashed through snowy terrains and took down enemies with my sword, I couldn’t help but smile at how immersive and visually deep the world felt.

To be fair, the game itself didn’t feel transformed from a gameplay perspective, but the visual experience felt noticeably more dynamic and layered.

Still, the real question is how this tech performs across different genres. Will racing games offer a real sense of speed? Will shooters feel more natural to aim in with the added depth? Will it get tiring after a few hours?

For now, it’s too early to tell. But what I can say is that it’s the first time in a long while that 3D content hasn’t felt like a gimmick. It was fun and it felt fresh.

Beyond the visual trickery, the Odyssey 3D is no slouch on the performance front and can handle fast, responsive gameplay. It packs a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, and is both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible.

The Edge Lighting underneath the display adds an ambient glow that matches the on-screen content, pulling your peripheral vision into the action. There’s also spatial audio via built-in 5W speakers, which makes sound positioning eerily accurate.

For those curious about video performance, Odyssey 3D also includes an AI-powered video converter that transforms 2D content into 3D in real time.

I tested it with clips from classic films, both new and old. While not every moment felt truly 3D, the subtle depth added a cinematic quality to otherwise flat content. Though it was clear that newer films benefited far more from the effect than older ones, which couldn’t quite match the same level of immersion.

The Odyssey 3D is a significant investment at A$2,999, but for early adopters and gamers wanting something truly next-gen, it’s hard to ignore.

Odyssey OLED G8

Next in line is the Odyssey OLED G8, which comes in 27” and 32” models (A$1,799 and A$1,999 respectively). This monitor leaves behind the 3D novelty in favour of pure, pixel-perfect gaming power. Featuring a 4K QD-OLED panel, 240Hz refresh rate, and a response time of 0.03ms, it’s a serious contender for esports players and creators.

The image quality is nothing short of stunning. With 166 PPI on the 27-inch model and VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 support, the colours pop and the anti-glare coating makes it usable in almost any lighting environment. The Dynamic Cooling System, which is a first in the OLED space, helps prevent burn-in by spreading heat more efficiently than traditional solutions.

It’s a monitor that doesn’t need any flashy extras; its performance speaks for itself.

Smart Monitor M9

The new Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF) is aimed at those who want a little bit of everything. Priced at A$2,499, it blends productivity, streaming and console-free gaming into one polished 32-inch package. Think of it as a TV, monitor and desktop rolled into one.

Key features include a 4K QD-OLED display; 165Hz/0.03ms performance and Samsung’s Vision AI for intelligent upscaling and personalised content. With a sleek metal design with an adjustable stand and pivot, it also features a built-in 4K camera, Smart TV apps, Xbox Game Pass and Knox Security.

The M9 is especially impressive when using Xbox Cloud Gaming or streaming Netflix in upscaled 4K, with AI enhancements smoothing edges and enriching detail. For work-from-home professionals who want gaming performance and smart features, the M9 is a solid choice for the hybrid lifestyle.

Samsung’s 2025 monitor range is expansive, and each model seems purpose-built. There’s also the ViewFinity S80D (37”), priced at A$899, which is a 4K monitor for creators with over 1 billion colours, HDR10 support and USB-C.

There’s also the Smart Monitor M80F/M70F (32–43”). From $699, this one is ideal for casual streaming and productivity, with Smart TV apps and Tizen OS.

Final Verdict

Samsung’s 2025 monitor range isn’t just about specs, it’s about reimagining the display experience. The Odyssey 3D might not replace flat panels anytime soon, but it’s the best argument yet for a 3D gaming revival. It’s smart, immersive, and for now just plain fun.

It might not be for everyone just yet, but if you’re curious about where gaming visuals are headed, the Odyssey 3D is worth a try.

Watch this space, 3D might finally have its moment. This time around, you can leave the glasses in the drawer.