Preference Surprisingly Extends to Mac Gaming for User Equal to PlayStation 5 Enjoyment
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, the MacBook Pro has made a significant stride, now offering a gaming experience on par with the PS5. The latest update of Cyberpunk 2077, running on the base PS5, delivers impressive performance in the performance mode, with occasional FPS dips during intense scenes. But what about the MacBook Pro?
The MacBook Pro, equipped with the MacBook Pro M4 Max, was put to the test with Cyberpunk 2077. The author found that the visuals of Cyberpunk 2077 on the MacBook Pro are at least on par with what the PS5 was pushing on an OLED.
However, turning on the RTX mode in Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 significantly improves visuals but negatively impacts FPS. This trade-off is not a concern on the MacBook Pro, as the RTX is off by default in the "For this Mac" preset.
The ease of use of gaming on a Mac was found to be viable in 2025. The Mac, known for its user-friendly interface, offers a gaming experience similar to consoles in the PC world. The DualSense controller was used for gameplay on the MacBook Pro, adding to the console-like feel.
The Mac gaming library includes titles like Assassin's Creed: Shadows and Death Stranding. While it may not rival the extensive game library of PC or consoles, cloud gaming platforms like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Boosteroid enable Mac users to access high-fidelity gaming streaming with ease, rivaling console and PC graphics while relying on strong internet connections.
The "For this Mac" preset, currently only available for Cyberpunk 2077, offers a nearly locked 60FPS performance. The game's settings defaulted to this preset, providing an optimised gaming experience. The Phantom Liberty DLC was accessed instead of starting a fresh file, allowing the author to delve into the reworked, revamped, and improved version of Cyberpunk 2077, which was appealing after initial disappointments.
The head tracking spatial audio in Cyberpunk 2077 on MacBook Pro adds a layer of immersion, a feature available on other platforms. This audio technology, combined with the console-like ease of use, offers an experience that combines aspects of console and PC gaming.
For those seeking a portable gaming solution, the MacBook Pro version of Cyberpunk 2077 can be purchased from the Mac App Store. The For this Mac preset, while filling a hole in the market for portable gaming, is not without its limitations. Tools like DeskIn and Crossover extend Windows game availability on Mac but require either streaming from another PC or technical setup.
In conclusion, the Mac as a gaming platform has proven its viability in 2025, offering a unique blend of console and PC gaming experience, all while relying on the convenience of cloud streaming. The MacBook Pro version of Cyberpunk 2077 is a testament to this evolution, providing a high-quality gaming experience that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers.
The MacBook Pro, along with its advanced M4 Max chip, challenges the realms of gaming, offering visuals on par with smartphones and even consoles like the PS5. With the release of the MacBook Pro version of Cyberpunk 2077, gadget enthusiasts can now venture into the future of portable gaming, experiencing technology that rivals high-end smartphones and consoles.
