Stuff Verdict

Samsung’s new take on glasses-free 3D isn’t quite ready for prime time just yet. Limited game support and wonky 2D upscaling limit the Odyssey 3D’s appeal, and regular 4K IPS monitors cost way less.

Pros

Convincing glasses-free 3D images – when the tech works

Clean, responsive and colourful 2D visuals

Decent connectivity options

Cons

Very limited game support

Companion software is basic at best

Don’t need 3D? Rivals cost a whole lot less

Introduction

3D is one of those features which – while undeniably cool – seems to bubble to the surface every once in a while, then sink down again just as quickly. I blame having to wear those special glasses. Samsung clearly felt the same, as the $1999/£1899 Odyssey 3D ditches the specs in favour of eye-tracking and lenticular panels.

It’s the latest of a new breed of dimensionally-minded 4K displays aimed at PC gamers, except here Samsung’s Reality Hub software is starting from scratch. Rival Acer’s Spatiallabs tech might be pricier but it’s been doing the rounds for a few years now, and garnered substantial developer support in the process. It’s not like the 27in Odyssey 3D has Samsung’s stunning OLED picture quality to fall back on, either, as it’s using LCD tech underneath. So if depth doesn’t do it for you, the alternatives are substantially cheaper.