The M4 Mac Mini, a compact and powerful device from Apple, has surprised many with its unexpected gaming capabilities. Despite not being marketed as a gaming machine, the M4 Mac Mini can handle popular titles like Resident Evil 4 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, delivering smooth gameplay at 40 to 60 frames per second (FPS) in 1080p resolution. This impressive performance opens up new possibilities for Mac users who want to enjoy gaming without investing in a dedicated gaming PC. Andrew Ethan Zeng shows us what Windows games are like on the new M4 Mac Mini in his latest video.
One of the key factors that enable the M4 Mac Mini to run a wide range of games is the use of a Windows compatibility layer called Crossover. By using this software, you can access an extensive library of Windows-only titles on your Mac, including highly anticipated games such as Black Myth Wukong, Counter-Strike 2, and Diablo 4. Crossover acts as a runtime emulator, translating Windows executable codes into Mac-compatible codes, eliminating the need for a virtual machine and providing a seamless gaming experience on Mac OS.
Setting Up and Optimizing Your Gaming Environment
To get started with gaming on your M4 Mac Mini, you’ll need to install Crossover and create a separate “bottle” for each game you want to play. To conserve local storage space, it’s recommended to use an external SSD for storing your games. Additionally, you can optimize game performance by adjusting launch options and efficiently caching shaders, ensuring a smoother and more stable gaming experience.
While the M4 Mac Mini supports a variety of peripherals, it’s important to note that some devices, such as the Razer DeathAdder V3 mouse, may face compatibility issues due to polling rate limitations. However, PS5 controllers have been tested and proven to work well with the Mac Mini, offering a reliable input method for gaming.
Game Performance on the M4 Mac Mini
The M4 Mac Mini delivers impressive gaming performance across various titles:
- Counter-Strike 2 runs smoothly at over 60 FPS on medium settings, providing an enjoyable and competitive gaming experience.
- Black Myth Wukong, a visually stunning action-adventure game, operates at 30 to 40 FPS at 1440p resolution on low settings, with occasional dips in performance during intensive scenes.
- Assetto Corsa, a popular racing simulator, offers a fluid and immersive experience, running at 50 to 60 FPS in 4K resolution.
It’s worth noting that some games may require specific software installations and configurations to ensure optimal performance. Meeting these requirements is crucial for maintaining a stable gaming environment on your M4 Mac Mini.
Display Considerations for Gaming
When it comes to gaming on the M4 Mac Mini, the choice of display can significantly impact your experience. The Apple Studio Display, known for its stunning visuals and color accuracy, may not be the ideal choice for gaming due to its 60 Hz refresh rate and high native resolution. For fast-paced games that require quick reflexes and smooth motion, a display with a higher refresh rate and lower resolution might be more suitable.
The Future of Gaming on Mac OS
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the future of gaming on Mac OS looks promising. With the anticipated release of native ports for highly anticipated titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dead Island 2, the M4 Mac Mini’s gaming capabilities are expected to expand even further. These native ports will likely offer improved performance and compatibility, making the Mac Mini an increasingly attractive option for gamers who prefer the Apple ecosystem.
In conclusion, the M4 Mac Mini has proven to be a capable gaming machine, defying expectations and offering Mac users the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of Windows-only titles through the use of Crossover. With its impressive performance, compatibility with various peripherals, and the promise of native game ports in the future, the M4 Mac Mini is poised to become a compelling choice for gamers who want the best of both worlds – the power and flexibility of Windows gaming combined with the elegance and reliability of the Mac OS platfor
Source & Image Credit: Andrew Ethan Zeng
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
