If you’re a fan of themed products and eye-catching designs, the latest retro-inspired monitor from Japannext (JN-V236G180F-RETRO) is likely to pique your interest. Featured in an article by Tom’s Hardware, this monitor aims to merge nostalgic design with contemporary technology, complete with an intriguing twist — you can enjoy movies or games in monochrome.
The specifications may not position this monitor among the top performers for gaming, but given its price point of just 20,000 yen (approximately $200), it hardly matters. It features a 23.6-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 1080p resolution, and a refresh rate of 180Hz. With a response time of 1ms, it covers 90% of the sRGB color gamut and 80% of DCI-P3, along with a maximum brightness of 300 nits.
While the specifications might not be groundbreaking, the visual appeal is certainly striking. The monitor is encased in a retro-style housing that sports a thick off-white bezel and includes built-in speakers and manual dials on the right side. These dials allow you to adjust settings like brightness and volume, reminiscent of televisions from the mid-20th century.
Additionally, you can switch to the monochrome mode at any time, making it possible to play a new PlayStation 5 game in black-and-white. This may seem unconventional, but sometimes products simply exist for enjoyment. The Japanese market is known for its playful innovations, and this offers just that.
The monitor easily connects to various devices, such as PCs and PS5 consoles, and it is compatible with VESA stands and arm mounts. Other notable features include a blue light filter, flicker-free technology, and support for AMD FreeSync.
For enthusiasts of retro gaming, this monitor could complement vintage CRT displays, allowing gamers to enjoy modern titles without disrupting the retro aesthetic of their setup. However, if you’re located in the United States, you may find it challenging to locate this specific product, although JapanNext occasionally markets its offerings in certain European countries.
