YouTuber Andrew Tsai has tested 20 games on the Apple’s new budget-friendly MacBook Neo to see if the A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM can handle titles like GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Civilization 7.
On paper, the MacBook Neo looks modest. It utilizes Apple silicon, which seems underpowered when compared to even the base M1 chip from years ago. Combined with 8GB of memory and no active cooling, the thermal ceiling is naturally low. Yet, this machine is on track to become one of the best-selling Macs in history due to its accessibility.
For the average user, the question isn’t whether it can beat a Mac Studio, but whether it can provide a “stealth gaming” experience on the go.
The most surprising results come from testing Windows-based titles using the Crossover 26 translation layer. Despite the hardware hurdles, GTA V (Legacy Edition) remains remarkably playable. While benchmarks might flash 60 FPS, actual gameplay typically sits between 30 and 45 FPS at 1080p low settings
The limits of the 8GB RAM were most apparent during tests of Red Dead Redemption 2. The game struggled significantly due to memory swap, where the system uses the internal SSD to compensate for the lack of RAM. Because the Neo’s SSD isn’t particularly fast, this leads to “chugging” in demanding open-world environments.
Where the MacBook Neo truly shines is with native Mac ports and indie titles. Slay the Spire 2, currently one of the biggest Mac releases, runs flawlessly and feels like it was designed for this portable chassis. Similarly, Hades 2 and Batro Plus (available via Apple Arcade) offer a premium experience without pushing the thermal limits of the fanless design.
For those looking for bigger experiences, Civilization 7 Arcade, a feature-frozen version of the strategy epic, maintains a steady 35 to 50 FPS at 1080p medium settings. Even graphically intense shooters like Metro Exodus are playable at 1080p low.
Check out the full video below and share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
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