1. Gaming On A Mac Mini
2. Gaming On New Mac Laptop
3. Gaming On New Macbook Air
4. Gaming On New Macbook Air 2020

BestMacBook for GamingiMore2020

Apple MacBooks have never been designed to perform solely as gaming laptops. Despite this, some models are better than others for this type of use. Our favorite current model, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, includes numerous features that make it a terrific device for casual gamers. There are other noteworthy models we've gathered to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.

Best Overall: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor

For gamers, we're recommending the least expensive of the two 16-inch models, which includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz. We're picking this one because it offers a nice mix of features at a price that's far more affordable than the premium offering we highlight below.

The base 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor that you can upgrade to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.

How to Optimize Your Mac for Gaming Free Up some Disk Space and Clean Up System Clutter. Disable OS X Features You Never Use. Additionally, you can kill off some. Let Steam Finish Its Work Before You Play. Learn Your Graphics Settings Inside and Out. Try Windowed Mode versus Full-Screen. You may not immediately think 'gaming' when you think 'Mac,' but there are tons of games for the Mac these days, and some of the most popular PC games are also available for OS X. Mar 18, 2015 Gaming on a Mac may be more restrictive than with a desktop PC running Windows, but if you choose the right Mac hardware, and are willing to pay for it, you’ll be able to play most games without.

Mar 12, 2017  The biggest issue with gaming on a Mac, though, is game availability. Windows’ DirectX APIs are incredibly popular with game developers. They don’t have any equivalents on macOS, which makes it harder for developers to port their games.

On the obvious downside, this is still an expensive laptop. Plus, you'll need to recharge this laptop more often than the MacBook Air. And like all MacBooks, it isn't usually on sale at a discount.

Pros:

• The least expensive 16-inch model
• Pay extra for a graphics boost
• Biggest MacBook Pro display to date

Cons:

• Still very expensive
• Not the most powerful MBP you can buy
• Up to 11 hours wireless web

Best Overall

16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor

Largest display for less

The entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for the occasional computer gamer.

Source: iMore

Much lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Pro that has the same screen size, the 2019 MacBook Air weighs just 2.75 pounds, making it a great take-and-go laptop. Along with being less weighty, the MacBook Air provides an hour more of use between charges, although actual performance depends on the tasks.

We're sold on the entry-level MacBook Air, even for gaming, because of its price. Still, think casual gaming here only thanks to its slower processor and graphics card. There's also fewer Thunderbolt 3 ports on this model.

If you're purchasing a laptop solely for gaming, this isn't the one to buy. However, it will work well in a pinch when you need to take a break from your studies or work.

Pros:

• Same screen size as 13-inch MBP
• Up to 12 hours of wireless web between charges
• Excellent price

Cons:

• Only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
• Not as powerful as MBP models

Best Value

MacBook Air (2019)

Save money and still game

Casual-casual gamers will enjoy using this MacBook Air model during the occasional break from work or school.

Source: iMore

When it comes to the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro, $500 separates the base and most complete package. For even more, you can upgrade the machine's For the five memory, storage, and processor.

The smaller of the two MacBook Pro models is a great overall pick. At just over three pounds, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is only slightly heavier than the MacBook Air. For this, you get a better processor and graphics card, more storage availability, and a Touch Bar. You can upgrade the processor and storage. In doing so, however, you'll push the price just shy of $2,000. If that happens, you might want to consider our No. 1 pick instead.

Regardless, if a 13-inch display is what you want and you want the bells and whistles missing on the MacBook Air, this is the one to get. If you intend to spend more than one-fourth of your time gaming, it's even more vital for you to consider this model over the Air.

Pros:

• Better internals than MacBook Air
• Great mobility
• Much cheaper than the 16-inch model

Cons:

• You can't upgrade the graphics card
• Price can rise as you add components
• Is 13-inches enough?

Best Alternative

13-inch MacBook Pro (2019)

A step up

There's much to love about this model, which offers better internals than the MacBook Air.

Best Premium: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor

If you're a hard-core Mac gamers, or want to be, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with an 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor and Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz is the one for you. Compared to the entry-level model, you'll get a graphics card boost and 1TB of storage. If this isn't enough, add more memory, an even better graphics card, and more storage. In doing so, the cost of this model can quickly exceed nearly $6,000, however.

Pros:

• Apple's best MacBook Pro to date
• Graphics boost, upgrades
• Up to 64GB of memory available

Best Premium

16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor

Gaming On A Mac Mini

The best of the best

If you're okay with the price, no doubt this is the MacBook to get. Happy gaming!

Bottom line

In 2019, the MacBook lineup changed considerably as Apple discontinued the 12-inch MacBook and 15-inch model MacBook Pro. The change brings to four the number of Apple laptops we recommend for gaming purposes. Our favorite, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, should give you enough power to play your favorite casual computer games. Still, it will cost you, especially if you add extras. It's still an expensive laptop, which no doubt is something to consider too.

The base model includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor and can be upgraded to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Webcam hacking is real, but you can protect yourself with a privacy cover

Worried people might be looking in through your webcam on your MacBook? No worries! Here are some great privacy covers that will protect your privacy.

Unlimited access to
100+ ad-free games.
All in one subscription.

One subscription.
All you can play.

No ads.
No in-app purchases.

Download to play,
online or off.¹

Jump from iPhone to iPad,
Mac, and Apple TV.

Access for up to
six family members.

Committed to
your privacy.

Games that redefine games.

Apple has joined forces with many of the world’s most visionary developers. Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create the games of their dreams — and yours.

Sonic Racing

SEGA® HARDlight

Give all of these weapons and vehicles a trial by fire on eight new battle maps. Defeat your enemies with a variety of experimental firepower, including the Wasserfall Guided Rocket, the Natter Rocker Plane, and the revolutionary Rocket Pack. Straight from Allied and Axis laboratories, many of these weapons never saw combat until now. Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII lets you control lethal experimental weapons from World War II.

Hedgehogs, start your engines. This fast-paced game offers console-quality graphics and innovative gameplay. But you’ll need a touch of strategy if you want to win.

Towaga: Among Shadows

Noodlecake Game center mac not working windows 10.

Test your patience and hand-eye coordination in the visually stunning Towaga. You’re Chimù, a light-wielder holding back the dark in a world beset by supernatural shadow creatures. AirPods recommended for the dynamic and adaptive soundtrack.

Sneaky Sasquatch

RAC7 Games

Control a very hungry Sneaky Sasquatch as he steals food from park goers. Things get crazy when you have to dress him up to interact with humans. Watch out for the park ranger who’s out to ruin your snack!

Redout: Space Assault

34BigThings srl

Strap into the cockpit of a Super Orbital Recon Fighter in this exhilarating space shooter. Fight off rebels and space pirates. Level up your ride with bigger, badder weapons, and dock your fighter to the larger Corvettes for the ultimate firepower.

Gaming On New Mac Laptop

Rayman Mini

Ubisoft

Run little Rayman, run! Rayman Mini is a runner platform game that shrinks the classic character down to the size of an ant. Explore the gorgeous big-little world as Rayman tries to break the spell that shrank him. Fast-paced fun for the entire family.

Gaming On New Macbook Air

LEGO Brawls

LEGO Red Games Co.

The bricks will fly in this multiplayer brawler set in the LEGO universe. Players create their own characters, collaborate with teammates to build and control machines, and battle to win.

Escape the Bermuda Triangle. Manipulate shadows. Rescue a prince. Survive high school.

Apple Arcade was made to explore. You’ll find every kind of game you love, and others like you’ve never seen. With new characters, stories, and worlds arriving each month. So you never run out of fun.

Apple Arcade

Start your free one‑month trial.

$4.99/mo. after free trial.²

• Unlimited access to 100+ games
• Ad-free; no in-app purchases
• Download to play, online or off
• Access for up to six family members
• Start playing on one device, pick up on another
• You decide whether to share your personal data
• Works with Screen Time and parental controls
• Play with Xbox Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth, PlayStation DualShock 4,
  and MFi game controllers

Dream it. Build it.

If you’re developing a groundbreaking, unreleased game and would like it to be considered for Apple Arcade, we’d love to hear from you.

Gaming On New Macbook Air 2020

Upgrade to start your free trial.