The **Samsung Odyssey 3D (G90XF)** is not just another monitor; it’s a portal into the exhilarating world of 3D gaming. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its features, performance, and overall appeal, ensuring you understand why this monitor is making waves in the gaming community.
## Getting Started: The Easy Setup
Setting up the Odyssey 3D is **a breeze**, but be prepared to take a few essential steps to unlock its full potential. First and foremost, you’ll need the **Reality Hub app launcher** to access 3D games. While it’s disappointing to rely on a separate app, the software does a commendable job scanning your game libraries and presenting any compatible titles at your fingertips.
### Connections and Ports
To get started, connect the monitor using the **attached USB-A cable**, alongside your preferred display setup. I personally connected it to my gaming laptop, and it functioned seamlessly.
## The Technical Layout
Located at the back of the monitor are the ports, which, while minimalistic, meet essential needs. You’ll find:
– **Two HDMI ports**
– **DisplayPort**
– **Two USB-A downstream ports**
However, the lack of a **headphone jack** and **USB-C** might leave some users wanting more. The **power button** doubles as the control for the **on-screen display (OSD)**, and while the menu itself is functional, it can be a bit cumbersome. It takes several clicks to access straightforward settings like brightness and volume adjustments.
## Sound Quality: An Immersive Experience
Equipped with **5-watt speakers**, the Odyssey 3D delivers decent sound. The “directional sound” feature enhances immersion, though I found the audio quality lacking compared to the **3D spatial speakers** found in the Acer monitor. Nevertheless, these speakers are sufficient for casual gaming.
## Quality Where It Counts
While the primary allure of this monitor lies in its groundbreaking **3D capabilities**, let’s be honest—you’ll likely use it in **2D mode** most of the time. Samsung shrewdly ensured that the monitor doesn’t compromise on display quality.
### Display Performance
The **Odyssey 3D** boasts a high-quality **4K IPS panel** with an impressive **165-Hz refresh rate**, delivering a smooth experience not just for 3D gaming but for **2D gameplay** as well. Its color coverage is robust, featuring **100% sRGB** and **83% AdobeRGB**, while color accuracy stands out impressively at **0.83** with a colorimeter. This is comparable to OLED displays!
In standard dynamic range (SDR), it shines even brighter than most OLEDs, achieving a dazzling **487 nits** of maximum brightness. However, it’s worth noting that HDR performance doesn’t reach the same heights since 3D games don’t typically support HDR. Nonetheless, the Odyssey 3D performs remarkably well as a **4K gaming monitor**—if only it weren’t for its **steep price tag**.
## Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
In conclusion, the **Samsung Odyssey 3D (G90XF)** is an innovative leap in the world of 3D screens. While its **3D capabilities** are a tantalizing feature, the monitor excels in more traditional functions as well. With its fantastic **4K IPS display**, high refresh rate, and solid color accuracy, it stands as a worthy contender in the gaming monitor arena.
### Final Thoughts
So, if you’re ready to venture into immersive gaming with one of the finest displays on the market, the Odyssey 3D is certainly an option worth considering. Just be sure you’re prepared to make a considerable investment for this next-gen experience. For further insights, check out sources like [Wired](https://www.wired.com) or [TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com) for the latest in monitor reviews.
