Philips Momentum 559M1RYV: Tailor-made monitor for the Xbox

Up to now, console gamers have resorted to standard TVs when it comes to screen solutions. Philips now wants to change this – at least for Xbox. The Momentum 559M1RYV is a gaming monitor that will be certified as “Designed for Xbox”. But what should distinguish it from conventional TVs? We take a look at it!

Premiere already in February

That the Xbox monitor will come, we already know since February this year. That’s when Philips presented its plans to the world public. If you take a look at the finished product, it quickly becomes clear that this is neither a pure gaming monitor nor a classic TV. The American company rather seems to launch a mixed product. It can probably best be described as a gaming TV. Last year’s predecessor model already impressed with some technical specs. Especially the refresh rate of 120 Hz was anything but bad. But Philips now goes one step further.

Thus, the new version of the Momentum 559M1RYV is said to reach a maximum of 144 Hz. This means it can easily keep up with current gaming monitors. The electronics company doesn’t earn the title “Designed for Xbox” by accident. Thanks to integrated HDMI 2.1, the gaming TV can finally communicate adequately with Microsoft’s home console. This means that features like the high refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) can be passed on to the TV in the form of FreeSync. However, those who prefer to gamble with the PC will not be left out in the cold. After all, Philips also installs DisplayPort 1.4, which is an extremely rare interface in the TV segment.

Microsoft is delighted

Of course, Microsoft, as the Xbox manufacturer, is also delighted. After all, thanks to slowly but steadily growing stocks of Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, a small “console war” between Microsoft and Sony is looming again. It’s an advantage to have a unique selling proposition and a bit of third-party marketing on your side. Matt Kesselring, Director Xbox Hardware Partnerships, has this to say:

“At Xbox, we always strive to give our fans a choice in how, what and where they play their favorite games. Today, we’re excited to announce our partnership with Philips Monitors to deliver the first ‘Designed for Xbox’ monitors, giving fans a unique display with technologies and features that enable the ultimate console gaming experience for Xbox Series X|S.”

It’s extremely rare to see a refresh rate as high as this gaming TV in the TV segment. This is mainly due to the panel choice. Philips relies on a VA panel here, which not only manages 144 Hz, but is supposed to provide strong contrasts on top of that. According to the manufacturer, the gaming TV should score with a contrast ratio of 4000:1. In combination with the peak brightness of 1,200 cd/m², Philips even meets the requirements for the HDR standard DisplayHDR 1000 here.

Smart Ambilight on board

Since gaming can no longer do without fancy RGB effects anyway, Philips naturally relies on in-house Ambilight technology for its Momentum 558M1RY. However, the gaming TV has been renamed Ambiglow without further ado. It also becomes clear here that the TV can fit very well into every common living room. However, you should have some space in view of the 55-inch screen diagonal. Smart apps are not supposed to be on board the Xbox TV, by the way. Philips justifies this with the fact that it wants to keep the signal faster than other, classic TVs. This plan would be opposed by corresponding apps. Here it becomes clear once again that the focus is clearly on gaming. The TV should also have a lot to offer for the ears. Thanks to the soundbar made in cooperation with Bowers & Wilkins, the audiovisual experience should be rounded off.

Price and availability

Xbox owners won’t have to wait long to get their hands on Philips’ new gem. Thus, the gaming TV is to be launched in this country from August at an RRP of 1,419.00 euros.