Samsung's next-generation Odyssey gaming monitor is likely to feature mini LED backlighting. An updated version of the Odyssey 9 could appear around June of this year if Samsung announces the screen around the same time as last year.

The rumor comes from leaked site LetsGoDigital, which has found a number of trademark applications from Samsung in both the EU and Korea. Both the European and Korean applications were filed on March 23 and cover the use of the name Odyssey Neo. Those who have been following Samsung's TV series will know that the name Neo has been given to the company's small LED TV series.

This suggests that an entirely new gaming series featuring quantum dots and mini LEDs could appear this year, combining the color advantages of QLEDs with the deep blacks and reduced halo effects of mini LED backlighting. These small arrays of light-emitting diodes, because of their small size, are a significant improvement over edge illumination and full-array LED backlighting.

Mini LED screens use 0.2 mm wide light-emitting diodes, which allows more than 1,000 light-emitting diodes to be placed behind the screen. This allows for more control over where the light is generated and eliminates seeing blooming or halo effects around bright objects on a black background.

The downside is that these monitors will likely be even more expensive than this year's screens. Samsung's 49-inch G9 was already very premium, retailing for about $2,000. It is highly unlikely that mini LED screens will be cheaper than this. So be prepared that this may be a very expensive new screen.

Smaller models may offer a more affordable option, but we feel that this could be a first generation technology and well worth waiting for scaling efficiencies to push prices down. Once Samsung TVs and monitors using mini-LEDs become widely available, prices will plummet.