Samsung’s Odyssey 3D monitor delivers great glasses-free 3D for a handful of games

For gamers nostalgic about the early 2010s, a time when stereoscopic 3D was touted as the next revolution in gaming, Samsung's latest innovation may spark some excitement. Back then, major players like Nvidia and Nintendo invested heavily in 3D technologies, from 3D Vision glasses to glasses-free displays. However, the enthusiasm for stereoscopic gaming quickly waned, leading companies to retreat from their ambitious projects, with Nintendo even shifting focus to its 2D 2DS line. Fast forward to the present, and Samsung is challenging the notion that stereoscopic 3D is a relic of the past. This year, the tech giant unveiled the Odyssey 3D monitor, which boasts a glasses-free light-field display capable of transforming 2D content into lifelike 3D images using a specialized lenticular lens. As a gamer with a keen interest in innovative yet seemingly doomed tech trends, I was eager to see how this monitor performed. After spending several weeks testing the Samsung Odyssey 3D at our facilities, I can confidently say that this monitor offers an impressive stereoscopic experience, showcasing the significant advancements in display technology over the past decade and a half. However, while the visuals are remarkable, the limited library of compatible games poses a challenge for potential buyers—especially those who aren't prepared to invest in its hefty $2,000 price tag.