Is Mac Finally Better Than Windows For Gaming?

Several factors determine how good a gaming experience you can expect. One of the most basic is your choice of gaming provider. If you choose a game developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment or Tencent, you can guarantee that the game will at least be well made. Or, by choosing the best online casino site, you make sure that you have access to be best games possible, as well as bonuses and much more.

Another factor you have to consider is your choice of computer device. Just like with any other activity you'd do with a computer, the specific make you choose can make your experience better or worse. A common debate among many gamers is whether Mac or Windows is the better option, with lovers of both defending their choice. In this article, we'll explore both sides.

General Performance

For most gamers, the overall performance of their device is a crucial point of consideration. After all, who wants a computer that can't keep up with their gameplay and slows them down?

But when you consider Apple vs Windows, the answer is not all that clear-cut. The best performance you'll see in an Apple device will be in the Mac laptops and when compared with a Windows laptop, results are mixed. Games that relied heavily on GPU performance were found to fare better with Windows devices. If your game of choice is more CPU-dependent, a Mac would be a better option.

Hardware

These days, gamers can leverage all sorts of hardware to enhance the gaming experience. This means that they will need computer devices that are easily compatible with them and in this regard, Windows comes out on top. Windows desktops are especially popular when it comes to installing add-on hardware or customizing to specific tastes. While Apple devices remain at a disadvantage, there is a growing number of hardware tools that make the process of adapting third-party hardware to both desktops and Macbooks. Plus, this is mainly a factor for gamers who favor these complex upgrades and customizations, which is not everyone.

Gaming Compatibility

No matter how good a computer device is, there is little point in using it if it isn't compatible with the games you want to play. In this regard, Windows is leading, though the gap is closing. In the past, many gaming titles were only really optimized to be used on a Windows device, leaving Mac users in the cold. But now, several software solutions such as Whisky and Parallels allow Windows-native games to be played on Apple devices. This means that Apple lovers don't have to get a whole new device to enjoy their favorite games. Plus, several major gaming titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Resident Evil 4 have released versions that are designed specifically for Apple devices. So while Windows has a lead in terms of gaming compatibility (since most games are Windows-compatible by default), Mac is fast gaining new ground.

Battery Life

Of course, you'll want a gaming device that can last for hours without faltering and this is one aspect where Macs are the clear winner. Devices like the MacBook Pro 16-inch and 14-inch boast of battery life close to 12 hours, which are some of the most impressive numbers in the industry. For comparison, some of the Windows devices with the highest battery life like the Alienware m16 R2 boast just under 7 hours. If you're someone who will use your device for both gaming and non-gaming activities or plans to enjoy long gaming sessions, a Mac is your best bet. On top of this, Macbooks are famously lightweight devices, so they will be easier and more convenient to carry around.

Cost

In terms of initial cost, Windows devices offer much more flexibility and range. While the cheapest new Macbook you'll find is around $1,000, you can easily find Windows devices for a fraction of that price. This is partially because Apple devices have a reputation for being higher-end lifestyle devices as opposed to just being computer devices. Keep in mind, however, that Windows devices can end up costing a decent amount of money over time if you opt for several hardware upgrades. Still, going purely on price, Windows devices are a better option.

Which Wins Out?

With all of these factors, it seems clear that Windows still holds the lead when it comes to gaming devices. It is more accessible in terms of cost and is more easily compatible with the most popular gaming titles. On top of this, it can be customized, which makes it ideal for gamers who plan to use a lot of accessories and add-ons.

But not to be outdone, Macs are gaining steam with increased compatibility resources and very high CPU performance. They also enjoy the benefit of being seen as a status symbol in many regards and having battery life that blows many others out of the water.

As time goes on, we can expect Macs to become a more popular option for gamers and maybe even unseat Windows devices at some point in the future.

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Gaming Device

While we've broken down the ways that one type of gaming device might be superior to the other, there are a few things you should consider when choosing one for yourself.

Budget

As we've pointed out, a Windows device offers much more mileage in terms of price. At the same time, you'll need to decide just how much you are willing to spend on your device. A buyer with a high budget will not need to choose a Windows device just to save money to decide on a figure and have this guide your purchase decisions.

Your Gaming Titles

Any gaming device you buy will need to be compatible with the games you plan to use so compile a list of them and look up what device compatibility they offer. If the game is only compatible with Windows devices, for example, you'll need to either find a way to play them on Macs or simply buy a Windows device for this reason.

Non-Gaming Uses

Depending on your lifestyle, your device might be used for gaming and non-gaming purposes. In that case, you'll want to choose a device that has a long battery life and is also optimized to serve your non-gaming needs. If you plan to use your device for gaming and nothing else, you will have more flexibility to choose based only on how it will perform for gaming.

Plans For Customization

One of the factors we considered in this article was the ease of customization, for which Windows devices came out on top. But this is only a factor if you plan to customize your device. Even then, you'll need to look at the specific add-on you want and find out if it applies to only Windows devices or not. Plus, many gaming add-on devices are becoming increasingly compatible with Macbooks.

Conclusion

When it comes to gaming, Macs have been pitted against Windows devices for years. From all indications, the latter are still on top when it comes to suitability for gaming. But not to worry, Macs are also becoming more adapted to gaming needs and should have more of a presence in the coming years.