Tests of the M5 MacBook Pro indicate that Apple is nearing a solution for its biggest flaw.

      Windows games are now surprisingly playable via emulation.

      For a long time, Macs have faced a significant drawback: gaming capabilities. However, with the new M5 MacBook Pro, Apple might be on the path to remedying this issue, or at least finding a workaround. Recent tests conducted by Andrew Tsai indicate that the M5 Max MacBook Pro can smoothly run a variety of AAA Windows games, even through emulation layers such as CrossOver.

      We are referring to demanding titles like Horizon Forbidden West and Black Myth: Wukong. While not every game performed flawlessly, most ran “superbly” despite not being designed for macOS. This is impressive when considering these are Windows games operating on an ARM-based Mac through translation.

      How effective is gaming on the M5 Max?

      The M5 Max chip offers significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor, and its GPU can compete with mid-to-high-end laptop GPUs, like the RTX 5070, in certain situations. When combined with Apple’s unified memory architecture and enhanced GPU efficiency, this leads to a system capable of managing demanding tasks, even if they aren’t optimized for it.

      According to Andrew’s tests, the M5 Max MacBook Pro handled 20 Windows games through CrossOver with surprisingly strong results. Heavy AAA games such as Death Stranding 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and Black Myth: Wukong achieved frame rates of around 50+ FPS at 1440p (medium settings); Wolfenstein Youngblood reached 60 FPS at 4K, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 even exceeded 80 FPS at 1440p/high. While not every title was perfect, the majority ran smoothly. This demonstrates that the M5 Max can effectively handle demanding games, even through emulation.

      Is “Mac gaming” finally a reality?

      Not exactly, but progress is being made. Performance still relies on compatibility layers; some games may not run, and Windows laptops with dedicated GPUs continue to outperform them. However, what used to be completely unplayable on Macs is now surprisingly smooth.

      More significantly, this development goes beyond gaming. If Apple can achieve this through emulation, it paves the way for improved native support and a more robust macOS gaming ecosystem. In truth, that’s the real achievement.

      Varun is a seasoned technology journalist and editor with over eight years of experience in consumer tech media. His work encompasses...

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      Apple’s outrageous $700 wheels for its desktop PC are gone for good.

      The $700 Apple wheels are no more; long live ridiculous tech accessories.

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