Let’s face it: Windows PCs have been the dominant force in computer gaming for the past couple of decades, leaving Apple’s Mac in the dust when it comes to graphics performance and support for cutting-edge 3D visuals in MacOS.
However, the landscape is changing with the introduction of Mac computers equipped with Apple Silicon, which are starting to rival high-end Windows PCs in terms of power. Apple also enhances these developments with its graphics API, Metal, akin to OpenGL/OpenCL or Vulkan.
Mac gaming is on the rise, thanks in part to the promising M3 chip. But does it have what it takes to truly compete with Windows PCs in the long run? Explore our comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision, just in time for the upcoming Black Friday Gaming PC deals.
We compare Mac vs. PC gaming with the following in mind:
- Performance
- Game compatibility
- Peripheral compatibility
- Portability and form factor
- Value
- Verdict
Mac vs. PC Gaming: Performance
Apple Silicon boasts remarkable efficiency, and top-tier Macs, like the Mac Studio with Apple M2 Ultra, can hold their own against mid-range Windows gaming PCs. Apple’s most potent Macs can consistently deliver impressive frame rates ranging from 90 to 120 FPS or more in games like No Man’s Sky, Resident Evil: Village, and World of Warcraft, all at 4K resolution and maxed-out or near-max settings.
However, when it comes to high-end gaming, a top-of-the-line Windows gaming PC easily outpaces even the most capable Mac Studio desktop. For instance, a Windows gaming PC equipped with a Core i9-13900K and an RTX 4090 can achieve over 160 FPS in titles like No Man’s Sky. Windows PCs also have access to hardware-accelerated ray tracing, offering not only superior performance but also better image quality.
Windows gaming benefits from a wide array of processor options, graphics cards, RAM, and storage support. It thrives in a relatively open hardware ecosystem, allowing gamers to build massive, extravagant, and overclocked systems. The Mac, on the other hand, lacks an answer to a Windows gaming PC equipped with an AMD or Intel processor boasting over 20 cores, overclocked to 5.5GHz or higher, and paired with an Nvidia RTX 4090 for top-tier 3D graphics.
While Mac gaming performance has significantly improved in recent years, it still falls short of Windows, and even the best Macs for gaming can’t quite match their Windows counterparts.
Winner: PC
Mac vs. PC Gaming: Game Compatibility
The downfall of Mac gaming can be largely attributed to game compatibility, or rather, the lack thereof. The Mac’s adoption of IBM’s PowerPC architecture led to a schism that diverged Windows and Mac gaming paths, and unfortunately, the Mac’s path turned out to be a dead end.
However, there is some hope for the resurgence of Mac gaming. Apple’s current graphics API, Metal, is a low-level hardware-accelerated 3D graphics and compute API that is comparable to OpenGL/OpenCL or Vulkan. This technology aids developers in achieving better performance with the hardware provided by Apple.
Apple is also actively assisting developers in porting games to the Mac through the Gaming Porting Toolkit, which simplifies the process so much that virtually anyone can use it to bring existing DirectX games to Apple hardware. As a testament to this effort, Apple featured Hideo Kojima at WWDC 2023 to announce a MacOS port of his highly acclaimed title, Death Stranding.
However, this announcement highlights the ongoing struggle of Mac gaming to attract big-budget, mainstream titles. While some games are making their way to MacOS, and others have received unofficial ports through the Game Porting Toolkit, the vast majority of computer games are initially released for Windows. Mac ports, if they ever materialize, are often treated as an afterthought and may not arrive until months or even years later.
This is another obvious win for the PC.
Winner: PC
Mac vs. PC Gaming: Peripheral Compatibility
When it comes to gaming, compatibility is crucial, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. PC gamers enjoy access to a vast ecosystem of gaming peripherals, including monitors, keyboards, mice, joysticks, racing wheels, throttles, rudder pedals, VR headsets, and more. These peripherals can significantly enhance the gaming experience, and their importance is on par with the CPU and GPU inside a gaming PC.
For example, if you want a more immersive experience in Flight Simulator, you can invest in a yoke, throttle, and rudder pedals. If competitive esports gaming is your goal, you can opt for a gaming keyboard, mouse, and a high-refresh-rate monitor, such as one with a 360 Hz display. The range of available peripherals is nearly limitless, catering to various needs and preferences.
In contrast, Mac gamers have fewer options when it comes to gaming peripherals. While modern Macs are compatible with gamepads like Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4/5 controllers, as well as certain Bluetooth gamepads, their compatibility with other gaming accessories is limited. Macs support resolutions up to 4K and refresh rates up to 240Hz over HDMI, making some gaming monitors viable. However, the options for racing wheels, flight simulation setups, gaming keyboards, and mice are restricted. Additionally, many gaming peripherals lack MacOS software support, limiting their functionality. As for VR headsets, the Mac’s support in this area remains limited, despite the announcement of the Vision Pro.
Winner: PC
Mac vs. PC Gaming: Portability and Form Factor
In the modern gaming landscape, players are increasingly seeking the flexibility to play games wherever and however they choose. Both Mac and Windows PCs offer these options, but there are significant differences between the two platforms.
One major advantage for Mac users is Apple Silicon. Apple’s in-house-designed chips tend to be more power-efficient, delivering strong performance while consuming less power. This translates to longer battery life in MacBook laptops and competitive performance in smaller, quieter Mac desktops. While compact PC desktops exist, they often lag behind Apple’s Mac Mini and Mac Studio, especially in terms of graphics performance, as they typically rely on integrated graphics from Intel or AMD.
However, PC gamers have a unique advantage that Mac users don’t: handheld gaming PCs. Devices like the Steam Deck, Ayaneo, and Asus ROG Ally offer a compact, all-in-one gaming experience that is not available on Mac. It’s unlikely that Apple will introduce its own game console, whether handheld or not, in the near future.
Another point in favor of PC gaming is the ability to upgrade components. Modern Macs are notoriously difficult to upgrade, meaning you’re generally stuck with the configuration you initially purchase. In contrast, many PC desktops and some laptops offer upgradability over time. This allows PC gamers to gradually improve their systems, often at a lower cost and with greater flexibility.
The choice between Mac and PC depends on your specific needs. Mac laptops excel in terms of battery life, while Mac desktops are compact and quiet. On the other hand, the unique form factor of handheld gaming PCs makes them a compelling option for PC gamers. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your priorities and gaming preferences.
WInner: Tie
Mac vs. PC Gaming: Value
PC gamers enjoy a significant advantage in terms of choice and affordability. The wide range of options available to them leads to lower prices for gaming hardware.
Macs are known for their high price tags. The most affordable Mac desktop, the Mac Mini, starts at $599 but may not deliver the performance needed for 3D gaming due to its less powerful M1 chip. For gaming, many users turn to more expensive options like the MacBook Studio or MacBook Pro 16, which start at $1,999 and $2,499, respectively.
In contrast, PC gamers can get more powerful systems for the same price. For instance, a Lenovo Legion desktop with an Intel Core i7-13700F and Nvidia RTX 4070 can be purchased for $1,999, outperforming a similarly priced Mac Studio. The same applies to laptops, where $2,499 can buy a Razer Blade 15 with an Intel Core i7-13800H and Nvidia RTX 4060.
Mac gamers may also find themselves paying more for games, especially when purchasing through the Mac App Store. While some games, like Return to Monkey Island and Civilization VI, may have the same MSRP on both Mac and PC, PC gamers often benefit from Steam’s frequent sales, which offer lower minimum prices for popular titles. In contrast, the Mac App Store rarely features coordinated store-wide sales, leading Mac gamers to often pay full retail MSRP.
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Winner: PC
Mac vs. PC Gaming: Verdict
In the ongoing battle between Mac and PC gaming, it’s safe to say that PC gaming reigns supreme.
PC gamers enjoy a wider array of hardware options, access to a broader selection of games, and the ability to purchase both hardware and games at more affordable prices. While the Mac gaming scene is improving, it still lags behind in terms of available games and peripheral support, particularly in niches like VR and flight simulation.
However, Mac gaming has made significant strides, offering a viable alternative for some gamers. Popular titles are gradually becoming officially supported on Mac, and high-end Mac hardware can provide smooth and fluid gameplay experiences for compatible games.
In summary, PC gaming is the preferred and dominant platform for most gamers due to its extensive offerings, but Mac gaming is becoming a more attractive option for those who appreciate the MacOS environment and are content with a somewhat limited game library.
Join Pedro Souza on a journey through gaming’s vast realms at howtoplay.blog. A seasoned gamer and insightful author and redactor, Pedro crafts each post as an intimate odyssey into the game’s core, not just teaching how to play, but revealing the artistry and narratives that define our beloved games.
