Gaming on a Mac - Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Mac is a laptop device that was developed by Apple and is known for their quality build and high-speed processors. Although this computer device is powerful and durable, there is some debate about whether it’s suitable for gaming. 

In this post, we’ve provided all the pros and cons of playing your favorite games on a Mac device. We discuss processor capabilities as well as security features. Use the information to decide whether gaming on your Mac is the best choice for you.

Benefits of Gaming on a Mac

Get ready to find the most popular Mac games for download. But before you do that, let’s dive into the benefits you can experience when playing games on your Mac laptop. 

Powerful Graphics Processors 

According to Apple, many 15-inch Macbook Pro laptops have two graphics processors: A discrete GPU and an integrated GPU. Both of these graphics processors have different purposes. The discrete GPU is responsible for providing substantial graphics performance, but it may use more energy. 

On the other hand, the integrated GPU improves battery life by using less energy. The newer integrated GPU specifically for the Apple M3 is equipped with hardware-based race tracking. M-powered Mac laptops have similar graphics processor capabilities as a Nvidia RTX. 

Tests have shown that a Macbook Pro M1 can run popular games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive with a decent frame rate per second and on medium to high graphics.

High-Quality Display 

You can set your graphics on high for any game you play, but if you have a low-quality display, it’s going to affect your experience. Mac laptops have high color accuracy and pixel density to ensure the games you play have vibrant and crisp images. 

Players can also customize their display settings to change the screen’s resolution or refresh rate. The Macbook Pro works on a Liquid Retina XDR display, either in a 14.2-inch or 16-inch. The Liquid Retina XDR has mini LEDs for a brighter image. 

So, if you’re playing games that have neon graphics, you’ll love how the Mac display brings out certain hues and tones. 

Top-Notch Security Features 

Apple hardware and software are designed to work cohesively to run games and apps more securely, especially if you’re playing games online. The M1 chip has a built-in Secure Enclave that encrypts all your data, like passwords and login details to gaming accounts. 

There are regular updates that continue to keep your device protected. Apple will send you notifications whenever it’s time to upgrade your security software. Mac also offers players FileVault 2, which encrypts the entire Mac drive even when your laptop falls into a criminal’s hands. 

The FileVault 2 feature is ideal for professional gamers who need to protect their saved games and data from cybercriminals. 

Portable So You Can Game Anywhere

Although some gamers play on desktop computers or consoles, these devices aren’t portable. If you’re traveling to another country, you won’t have space to carry an entire PC around with you. 

A Mac laptop is fully portable, so that you can travel with it either on a plane or train. The laptop is also thin, light, and easy to fit onto your lap. You can then play games in your hotel room or even at a coffee shop. If you enjoy side-scroller games, you won’t need a mouse to play, which makes a Mac ideal if you travel on a train every day. 

Limitation for Gaming on a Mac 

In a perfect world, your Mac would work for you as a gamer without any disadvantages. But just like any other device, you may experience the following limitations when playing games on a Mac.

Restricted Upgrading Options 

One of the limitations that professional gamers don’t like about Mac is that there are no upgrade options when it comes to hardware components. For PC users, they can upgrade their graphics cards if they become outdated. However, with Mac devices, you have to buy a brand-new laptop once the hardware has become outdated. 

You won’t have the option to increase your laptop’s memory or upgrade to a new chip without buying the next Mac generation. 

Expensive Compared to PC 

Macbooks are exceptionally expensive compared to PCs but also have similar specifications. The selection of affordable Mac laptops is also limited, so you won’t be able to get a budget buy. This makes it more difficult for gamers to find a Mac that’s within their price range. 

Final Thoughts 

Based on the pros and cons of playing on a Mac, the laptop can be used for gaming. But you’ll need one of the high-end Mac laptops like the MacBook Pro because it has all the specifications you need to have a positive gaming experience.