How To use Mac Game Mode

Game Mode on Mac is a powerful feature introduced in macOS Sonoma to enhance your gaming experience by optimizing system performance specifically for games. It prioritizes your game’s access to CPU and GPU resources, reduces background task interference, and improves input and audio responsiveness, especially when using wireless controllers and accessories.

How to Use Mac Game Mode: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Ensure Your Mac Meets Requirements

Game Mode is available only on Macs with Apple silicon running macOS Sonoma (version 14) or later. Make sure your Mac is updated to this version to access the feature.

2. Launch Your Game in Full-Screen Mode

Game Mode activates automatically when you run a game in macOS’s built-in full-screen mode. To enable full screen, open your game, then click the green full-screen button on the app’s toolbar or use the keyboard shortcut (Control + Command + F).

3. Confirm Game Mode Activation

Once your game is in full screen, look at the top-right corner of your Mac’s menu bar. A gamepad icon will appear, indicating that Game Mode is active. You can click this icon to open Game Mode options.

4. Toggle Game Mode On or Off

If for any reason you want to disable Game Mode for that specific game, click the gamepad icon and select “Turn Game Mode Off”. When turned off, macOS will remember your preference and not activate Game Mode automatically for that game in future sessions.

5. Enjoy Improved Gaming Performance

With Game Mode on, your Mac will:

• Give your game highest priority access to the CPU and GPU, resulting in smoother and more consistent frame rates.
• Reduce system background activities to free up resources.
• Double the Bluetooth sample rate for connected wireless controllers and AirPods, reducing input lag and audio latency.

This makes gameplay feel more responsive and immersive.

6. Manage Bluetooth Controllers and Accessories

Connect your wireless controllers (e.g., Xbox or PlayStation controllers) via Bluetooth to your Mac. Game Mode enhances their performance by lowering input delay and audio latency. You can also customize controller settings such as button mapping, haptic feedback, and light bar colors directly in macOS.

7. Exit Full Screen to Turn Off Game Mode

Game Mode will automatically deactivate when you exit full-screen mode or quit the game. Alternatively, you can manually turn it off anytime using the gamepad icon.

Tips for Optimizing Your Experience

• Use the full-screen mode integrated into macOS instead of windowed fullscreen or borderless modes for Game Mode to work.
• Set up a Focus mode for gaming to filter notifications and distractions when connecting a wireless controller.
• Explore the Game Porting Toolkit from Apple if you’re a developer interested in testing Windows games on Mac.

Using Game Mode on your Mac ensures you get the best performance possible, smoother graphics, and ultra-low latency for controllers and audio devices, delivering a top-notch gaming experience straight from your macOS system.