How Apple Could Finally Make Macs Great for Gaming (Hint: Not the Chip)
▼ Summary
– Cyberpunk 2077 is now available on macOS, marking a significant step for Mac gaming and showing Apple’s platforms as increasingly attractive to developers.
– Testing on an M1 Pro MacBook Pro revealed smooth performance (mid-70s fps with AMD FSR), exceeding expectations for integrated GPUs on older hardware.
– Apple’s collaboration with CD Projekt Red has delivered a tailored gaming experience, though ultra settings and high fps remain out of reach for older Macs.
– The Magic Mouse is criticized as a major weakness for Mac gaming due to poor ergonomics, lack of buttons, and outdated design, lagging behind competitors.
– Apple may overhaul the Magic Mouse for better ergonomics, but it remains a low priority despite potential benefits for gamers and general users.
Mac gaming is undergoing a quiet revolution, and the recent arrival of Cyberpunk 2077 on macOS proves Apple’s hardware is more capable than ever. Running smoothly on an M1 Pro MacBook Pro with AMD’s FSR enabled, the game delivers playable frame rates, far exceeding expectations for integrated graphics. While Apple’s silicon continues to impress, there’s one glaring weak link holding back the gaming experience: the outdated Magic Mouse.
For years, Apple’s signature input device has frustrated users with its uncomfortable design, lack of ergonomic support, and awkward charging mechanism. Gamers face even bigger hurdles, its slippery surface, undefined buttons, and absence of programmable controls make it a poor choice for anything beyond casual play. Compared to dedicated gaming mice, the Magic Mouse falls short in every way, despite Apple’s push to make Macs viable for high-performance titles.
The irony? Apple’s chips don’t need major upgrades to improve gaming, its peripherals do. While third-party mice offer a workaround, a redesigned Magic Mouse could elevate the experience for all users, not just gamers. Rumors suggest Apple is working on an overhaul, but details remain scarce. Even a modest improvement in grip and button responsiveness would go a long way, especially if bundled with new Macs.
The bigger question is whether Apple sees this as a priority. Since the Magic Mouse ships only with select desktops, many users never encounter its flaws firsthand. Yet for those who do, it’s a persistent annoyance, one that undermines the company’s growing gaming ambitions. Fixing it wouldn’t just please gamers; it would signal Apple’s commitment to refining the entire Mac ecosystem.
With macOS gaining traction among developers, the timing couldn’t be better. A modernized mouse, even without flashy RGB or excessive buttons, could finally bridge the gap between Apple’s sleek design ethos and the practical needs of gamers. Until then, Mac enthusiasts will keep reaching for third-party alternatives, a missed opportunity for a company known for seamless integration.
(Source: TechRadar)
