Nvidia unveiled G-Sync Pulsar at CES 2026, a display technology that uses strobing backlights to simulate refresh rates up to 1000Hz. The system targets motion clarity improvements on 360Hz gaming monitors, according to Nvidia's announcement.
G-Sync Pulsar combines variable refresh rate syncing with backlight strobing techniques inspired by CRT displays. Rather than simply matching refresh rates to frame rates like traditional G-Sync, Pulsar pulses the backlight four times per frame to reduce motion blur. This rolling scan scheme takes up 25% of each frame time, allowing pixels to stabilize before illumination.
The technology requires special firmware and integrates G-Sync features into MediaTek scaler chips through a partnership. Nvidia claims the system delivers motion clarity equivalent to theoretical 1000Hz displays on current 360Hz LCD panels. Early CES demos showed the technology running on Asus ROG Swift PG26 Series monitors.
G-Sync Pulsar automatically disables itself when refresh rates drop below 90Hz to prevent noticeable strobing effects. Users may be able to adjust the threshold, with some sources indicating support down to 48Hz after firmware updates, though Nvidia reportedly aims to eventually support 60Hz operation. The limitation exists because slower strobing becomes visually uncomfortable.
Nvidia's original G-Sync technology launched in 2013 to combat screen tearing by synchronizing GPU frame rates with monitor refresh rates. The system required expensive proprietary modules until AMD introduced FreeSync, prompting Nvidia's G-Sync Compatible program for open VRR support.
G-Sync Pulsar represents Nvidia's latest push for motion clarity improvements following Frame Generation technology introduced with the RTX 4090 in 2022. The company demonstrated the technology using Anno 117: Pax Romana at CES, showing reduced blur during rapid camera movements.
Monitors supporting G-Sync Pulsar will begin shipping this week, according to Nvidia. The technology targets competitive FPS gaming on 1440p, 360Hz IPS panels where motion clarity provides competitive advantages. Early impressions from CES noted marked reductions in perceived motion blur and eye strain.
The system doesn't improve latency or responsiveness, focusing exclusively on visual smoothness. Nvidia's approach essentially tricks human perception by making moving objects appear and disappear rapidly enough to reduce blur perception. This differs from traditional high frame rate approaches that aim to virtually eliminate motion blur through sheer speed.
G-Sync Pulsar's success depends on handling variable refresh rates effectively across different gaming scenarios. While smooth at 200+ fps on high-end GPUs, performance at lower frame rates near the 90Hz threshold remains untested in real-world conditions. Review units will provide answers within days as monitors reach testing facilities.
