Apple has taken significant strides in the tech industry for many years and continues to impress with its custom-designed processor chips known as Apple silicon. These chips power the latest Mac systems offering impressive performance and efficiency. But what does this mean for gamers? Can you enjoy gaming on a mac, or do they still lag behind Windows PCs and consoles? In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits of gaming on Apple silicon and why you might want to try it yourself.
Performance
Apple silicon, powered by the M1 and subsequent chips, boasts a remarkable increase in performance compared to the traditional Intel processors that were a staple of the past. The custom-designed architecture and integration of the CPU, GPU, and unified memory on a single chip result in lightning-fast processing speeds. Gamers can now enjoy resource-intensive games with smoother graphics, reduced latency, and faster load times.
Optimised Graphics with Unified Memory Architecture
One of the standout features of Apple silicon is its unified memory architecture. The integration of high-bandwidth memory across the CPU and GPU ensures that graphics-intensive tasks are handled with maximum efficiency. This not only translates to visually stunning gaming experiences but also eliminates bottlenecks, leading to faster rendering and higher frame rates. Apple silicon even has benchmarks better than high end AMD graphics cards.
More Games on macOS
Another benefit of gaming on Apple silicon is the ever growing list of games now available on macOS. Traditionally, macOS was less popular as a platform for gaming due to the limited number of titles that supported it, combined with the lower performance compared to Windows. However, with the development of Apple silicon, this is changing. More developers are porting their games to macOS, or using tools like Metal, Apple’s graphics API, to optimise their games for Apple silicon devices.
Steam
Other software applications have already catered for the integration of macOS for the purpose of gaming. Steam is a renowned gaming platform available for use on Mac. But is Steam Apple silicon ready? The answer is yes, Mac users have to access a wide range of video games, from indie developers to the most popular AAA titles. The software provides a browsable library with a section dedicated to games compatible with macOS. Titles such as Rust, Disco Elysium and Balder’s Gate 3 can be downloaded and played directly on your Mac device. More graphically intensive games are also available, such as Arma 3.
Porting
You can also access games previously unavailable on Mac by utilising the Crossover software developed by Codeweavers. The latest version of Crossover incorporates Apple's Game Porting Toolkit, allowing Windows DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games to be run on Apple silicon devices. Additionally, Crossover integrates with popular platforms such as Steam, Ubisoft Store and the Epic Games Store, expanding your gaming options. With this capability, you can run titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk 2077 on Apple silicon.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is a great alternative to running games natively on Mac. Cloud gaming services process games in remote data centres (in the cloud) and deliver the visual output to your device over the internet. For optimal performance, a fast and reliable internet connection is needed. Some great options for streaming games to a Mac include services like NVIDIA GeForce Now. Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac is also a great option if you already have a Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Apple Arcade
Apple provides its own subscription service called Apple Arcade, which gives access to over 200 games for a monthly fee. These games are exclusive to Apple devices, and are curated by Apple to ensure high quality and variety. Some of the best Apple arcade games are, Stardew valley, Sneaky Sasquatch and What the Golf. Apple Arcade games are designed to work seamlessly across Macs, iPads, iPhones, and Apple TVs, and support features like iCloud saving. You can also purchase games in Apple Arcade such as Football Manager for Mac!
Can I connect my Xbox or PS5 controller?
If you want to pair your Xbox or PS5 controller to your Apple silicon device, we have good news! You can connect your controller through the Bluetooth function on your device and play any Mac available game that requires or has controller compatibility.
Conclusion
Gaming on Apple silicon is not a pipe dream anymore. With the improved graphics performance, the increased number of games on macOS, and the easier compatibility with Windows games, Apple silicon devices can offer a satisfying and enjoyable gaming experience. If you are looking for a sleek, powerful, and versatile device that can handle both work and play, you might want to consider gaming on Apple silicon. We have a plentiful supply of refurbished Apple silicon devices ready for immediate dispatch these include refurbished Mac Studio, 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro.
