Video gaming has come a long way over the past few decades. While there are still failed attempts by activists to link them to real-world violence, they’ve evolved to the point where playing a fluid, high-quality game on your computer is commonplace.
When it comes to what machine is best, though, there are often arguments over Mac vs PC gaming.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
Gaming on Mac Computers
If you’ve ever brought up the concept of gaming on Mac computers near those who swear by PCs, you probably didn’t get a reaction that you liked.
Although Macs aren’t necessarily built for gaming, they have plenty of unique features that help set them apart from non-Apple machines.
Let’s dive into the benefits.
The Pros
Mac software is renowned for how intuitive it is and its ease of use. Put simply, it’s not hard to figure out how to do something new because it’s most likely accomplished in the way you expect it to be.
Similarly, installation for most programs takes a few seconds at most. You run the installer, drag the program to your Apps folder, and you’re ready to go.
So, installing and running games on Mac is a relatively simple process that few will have trouble with.
One type of gaming in particular, though, is especially enjoyable on Mac systems.
Emulation (which is essentially the process of making your computer act like a specific gaming console so that you can play those games) has arguably the best programs to do so.
Since Mac’s operating system is so sleek and designed for convenience, people looking to relive their childhood memories or play games they never got to when they were younger will find that Apple computers are the best option.
The Cons
Since Macs are such quality machines, they don’t come without a hefty price tag. A modern Apple computer will often cost you significantly more money than a PC with the same gaming potential.
For those with a relatively high budget, this often isn’t an issue. But, a difference of $1,000+ is often a deal-breaker for most people.
Most Apple machines often won’t reach the peak levels of performance that PCs do since they have less access to powerful graphics cards. Depending on the game you’re playing, though, this may or may not be a concern.
Looking for a place to get the best games for Mac? You can check out this resource for all you need to know.
Gaming on PCs
When it comes to Mac vs PC gaming, most people hail PC as the far superior choice between the two.
While it’s true that many PCs can be designed specifically with gaming in mind, that doesn’t they’re the best option in every scenario.
Let’s start with the benefits you’ll experience while you play.
Pros
First and foremost, PCs are the machines that will allow you to ‘max out’ your performance settings. With a powerful enough graphics card, you’ll be able to smoothly run high-detail, CPU-intensive games without much trouble.
There’s also significantly more software available for PCs, and many computer games made by independent developers will only run on Windows operating systems.
Since PCs are by far the more popular machine, you’ll often find support for any issues you’re having. Since such a large volume of people have installed and played the game that you’re trying to, it’s unlikely you won’t be able to find a solution on a forum or blog.
PCs also have disk drives, which is a hardware feature that Apple has openly claimed to be obsolete. For those who like hard copies of their games (or want to use the drive for other gaming purposes), this is an invaluable asset.
Cons
Compared to Mac, PCs are often far more difficult to use when it comes to installing games.
A process that takes less than a minute on an Apple computer could take someone over an hour on Windows if the installation process is particularly confusing.
Additionally, you may find that even after proper installation, the game doesn’t run as it should. From here, you could end up spending a significant amount of time troubleshooting.Â
The Verdict
So… Which is the best one for you?
That depends on your own personal preference.
If you’re looking to game casually on a machine that’s notably easy to use, Macs are your best bet. This is especially true if maximum performance isn’t a priority.
For those who need ultra-high settings to run flawlessly, though, PCs are the path you should take. There’s simply no other way to get that level of quality when it comes to gaming.
Those who need to run a game at high settings and other programs simultaneously (such as those who stream their gaming sessions), PCs are also the superior option.
Lastly, those who have an interest in playing new games by smaller developers may find that Windows systems are the only machines that can run them.Â
Settling Mac vs PC Gaming Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about Mac vs PC gaming in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the decision that’s best for you.
Want to learn more lifestyle tips that can help you out in the future? Make sure to check out the rest of our blog!
