Sony Inzone M9: Excellent Visuals

Sony enters the gaming display field with a 4K field goal

- ZACKERY CUEVAS

With the advent of next-generation consoles such as the Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series X, console gamers are now able to experience what PC gamers have enjoyed for many years: playing games at high frame rates and high resolutions. Caveats abound, but that hasn’t stopped classic monitor manufacturers from putting the needs of consoles first—and the latest to do so is the PlayStation manufacturer itself. The Sony Inzone is a new division focused on developing gaming gear, and one of the first products to hit shelves is the Sony Inzone M9, a 27-inch 144Hz 4K gaming monitor looking to find its footing in the under-$1,000 4K-elite gaming category.

For the most part, the monitor impresses, with Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) panel technology for better depth perception, highlights, and deeper blacks. It also supports DisplayHDR and packs plenty of custom features exclusive to the PlayStation 5. The monitor trips up on a few of the basics but offers a quality gaming experience, one tailored for those who jump often between their PC and their console on the same panel.

A NEW PLAYER IN DESKTOP GAMING MONITORS

While the Inzone brand name first sounded to me like some sort of subscription service you’d sign up for at a Blockbuster in 1996, Sony is positioning it as a branch of gaming monitors, separate from the PlayStation brand. (Think Sony Bravia TVs, for example.) That said, the Inzone M9 pays design tribute to the PlayStation 5, including the white back panel with black accents. The panel sits on a sliding rail in the center on which you can adjust it vertically for height changes, while two smaller legs support the main stand, similar to a tripod. A knuckle in the center of the monitor keeps the screen and stand connected.