There is nothing more important than a quality display for gaming. The gaming monitor market has become increasingly crowded with OLED options, 8K visuals and high-end features that try to stand out. The ZOWIE XL2566X+ gaming monitor fits into this space, but it replaces OLED with Fast TN (trading fidelity for response time) and focuses on refresh rate and reflex performance. The ZOWIE XL2566X+ gives competitive FPS players an advantage with technology meant to reduce latency, and it performs consistently well.
The ZOWIE XL2566X+ comes packaged with clear instructions. Aesthetically, the monitor does not stand out in a row of other competitive displays. The stand leans slightly and allows smooth, reinforced height adjustment. Two side shields help keep players focused on the action and block wandering eyes. The back of the monitor features a retro Z pattern that resembles a sideways version of the Portland Trail Blazers logo. When placed next to other ZOWIE XL2566X+ units, it creates a phalanx-like look, as if you and your teammates are part of one formation.
Unlike other monitors I have tested, the ZOWIE XL2566X+ includes a remote called the S Switch. It lets users adjust settings, presets and other features. Users can load their own presets, marked by buttons labelled 1 to 3, and tune the visuals to their liking. The S Switch is a useful addition, and although the wire is short, it is still a better option than using manual buttons.
“The ZOWIE XL2566X+ gives competitive FPS players an advantage with technology meant to reduce latency, and it performs consistently well.”
Let’s be real, the ZOWIE XL2566X+ is meant for battle, so what’s under the hood is what matters most. To understand ZOWIE’s approach, here is a quick overview of DyAc2. DyAc stands for Dynamic Accuracy, and DyAc2 utilizes light technology to eliminate afterimages, thereby reducing motion blur in real-time. Dual backlight technology cuts down on the ghosting effect caused by fast-moving combatants or sudden explosions, giving anyone behind the ZOWIE a clearer view of the battlefield.
This technology feels almost unreal and keeps outlines stable even during the thickest firefights. DyAc2 was built for FPS play, and it helped during a gruelling Battlefield 6 match on Empire State. Tracking moving combatants felt smoother on the ZOWIE than on my LG 4K TV. Seeing players sprinting from a distance, even through dense fog, was easier, and lining up long-range shots felt more natural than on blurrier, non-DyAc2 panels. During a sweaty Dead by Daylight 2v8 match, spotting survivors in the fog was noticeably easier and, playing as Dracula, I was able to hunt far more effectively. Wolf Form tracking also felt sharper.
The ZOWIE XL2566X+ is not just a lighting trick. Instead of an OLED panel, which is popular right now, ZOWIE uses a Fast TN panel. Fast TN is built differently and uses a unique liquid crystal structure. ZOWIE chose this approach because DyAc2 technology, paired with Fast TN offers higher image fidelity than DyAc paired with OLED. In practice, it can replace Adaptive-Sync technology without issues and supports Variable Refresh Rate on the Xbox Series X. If players prefer to use Adaptive-Sync, DyAc2 is not compatible with it, so it needs to be turned off.
“Everything built into the ZOWIE XL2566X+ is designed for gaming accuracy, right down to the ruler marks on the multilevel stand.”
In earlier monitor tests, I mentioned how strong the visuals look on the Samsung M9 M90SF Smart Monitor, and while things do not look as pretty here (Lords of the Fallen’s Sunless Skein area looks a bit muddier), tracking enemy movement feels easier even with all the grey tones. It is worth noting that Elden Ring: Nightreign also appears more saturated with the 3840×2160 resolution and wider colour gamut offered by OLED, while the ZOWIE runs at 1920×1080. Still, response time and my overall performance felt better with the monitor’s 400 Hz refresh rate, and the drop in visual quality is not as noticeable at first glance.
Four hundred hertz is extremely fast and is the top speed the ZOWIE XL2566X+ can reach. While playing Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection online, dodging Scorpion’s spear attacks felt easier thanks to the quick refresh rate and clean audio cues. The drawback is that 400 Hz only works on a PC through DisplayPort 1.4. When using my Xbox Series X or PS5, the monitor tops out at 120 Hz through HDMI. ZOWIE included three HDMI ports, so if players want to connect an OLED or two for multitasking, it can be done without interrupting the DisplayPort connection.
The thing is, the ZOWIE XL2566X+ is meant for speed and precision, and BenQ delivers that easily. Everything built into the ZOWIE XL2566X+ is designed for gaming accuracy, right down to the ruler marks on the multilevel stand. While the overall look feels retro compared with more modern panels, it is built for the long haul and gives the impression it can take a beating.
The ZOWIE XL2566X+ is a strong choice for players who take their performance seriously. Its response rate is extremely fast and gives users a clear boost in reaction time. The combination of Fast TN and DyAc2 technology offers a motion blur solution that can stand in for Adaptive-Sync and improve response time for experienced players. A few drawbacks, such as the absence of USB ports, are noticeable but not dealbreakers. For gamers who want a monitor built to adapt to them in the sweatiest moments, the ZOWIE XL2566X+ has your six.
