Mac gaming has come a long way, but there are quirks worth knowing before you dive in. Here are five practical notes I’ve gathered after years tinkering with macOS gaming.
1. Mac gaming is still in its infancy
Despite years of progress, the Mac gaming ecosystem is still maturing. Apple Silicon and Metal have closed gaps, but many big titles launch first on Windows or consoles. Expect delays on native ports, and stay hopeful—progress is being made.
2. Macs aren’t designed for gaming performance
Even the mighty M-series chips shine at productivity, not built-for-pure-gaming GPUs. Most titles run around 30–60 FPS on mid presets, with occasional bursts over 100 FPS if you dial down settings. The M4 Max helps for creative work, not as a substitute for a gaming PC.
3. Don’t bother with Parallels
Windows on ARM via Parallels can be workable for some apps, but gaming performance and compatibility aren’t guaranteed. If gaming is your main goal, streaming or native Mac titles are often simpler and more reliable.
4. Streaming is your friend
With a smaller Mac library, streaming services like GeForce Now unlock access to many more titles. It costs a bit, but it’s a neat way to play latest games on lighter hardware. You can also stream from a gaming desktop on the same network.
5. The game library is small
Apple has slowly expanded its catalog, but macOS still trails Windows in sheer volume. Cyberpunk 2077 is available, and games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows have appeared on macOS long after PC/console launches. Native ports are growing, but many titles require Rosetta or streaming. Don’t panic—the library will grow as Metal matures.
Conclusion: If you’re thinking about gaming on a Mac, give it a try. It isn’t a Windows gaming rig, but with Rosetta, streaming, and a little patience, you can have a solid gaming experience within macOS.