- To play, simply visit xbox.com/play using Edge, Chrome, or Safari browsers on your Apple device. Most games are made to be played with a controller, but Apple’s devices support modern Xbox.
- I can even hook up a wireless bluetooth controller xbox or ps4 and it does a very good job of controlling the games. My only hope is that it would come to the apple tv. I can airplay to my apple tv and its ok but there is quite a bit of lag especially in sound and made it difficult to play fps games or things that use fast movements.
- If you’re looking for One Connect Mini but don't know which one is the best, we recommend the first out of 10 Best One Connect Mini of 2021 in this article. Check out how we decide after hours of.
- Can You Remote Play Xbox One On A Mac
- Can You Play Xbox On Apple Tv
- Can You Play Xbox On A Macbook Air
- Can You Remote Play Xbox On A Mac
Chromebooks are amazing devices when it comes to most routine, web-based tasks. But what about those times when you want to push life and work to the side and blow off a little steam? Is gaming on a Chromebook even an option?
Jan 04, 2019 There is already an app for MacOS and iOS called OneCast. You can download it from the iTunes Store, and allows you to stream your Xbox One to your iOS or Mac device. Did my post help you? Please click on 'Yes' below or choose it as the answer to your problem.
Yes and No (and kinda…)
If you are looking to fire up your Chromebook and dive into a gaming experience that matches that of a gaming console or PC made in the last decade (or even farther back in some cases), you can’t. Full stop… Do not buy a Chromebook if your primary goal is playing games with it.
Chrome OS is a browser-based operating system which means the device’s architecture is focused on delivering a snappy, reliable web browsing experience. Innovations in the Chrome browser and Chrome OS have made productivity tasks like desktop publishing, basic photo editing, and media playback possible in very reliable ways, but video games are a different animal.
This is not to say there are no options for some playtime on your Chromebook, you need to just temper your expectations based upon what is technically possible. You aren’t going to be natively running Steam or any Windows PC games on your Chromebook; you are truly limited to browser-based experiences. That being said, the Chrome Browser can run HTML5 and Flash based games fairly well (the language of most browser-based games); anything requiring Java, however, is going to be a no-go.
Browser-based games
Luckily there are a lot of fun games that take advantage of a browser-based environment. As Chromebooks have risen in popularity, the Chrome Web Store has swollen with developers publishing titles that will play on Chrome OS. Most of these games are rather simplistic compared to modern PC or console games, but there are certainly some gems. Digital Trends posted a helpful list of 20 of the Chrome Web Store’s best game options to get you started (I can’t get enough of Spelunky!).
As with any application store, there is plenty of bloat, suspiciously familiar clones, and downright broken pieces of software. Do yourself (and your hardware) a favor and read the reviews of any game you are tempted to download before you add it to Chrome. If they are looking for more access or information than you think a game should have, find a less invasive game to play.
Social Media Games
For a lot of people, Facebook games like Farmville were their first experiences being totally engrossed with a video game. Unfortunately, many of these games were poorly optimized to begin with (even when played on a powerful PC or Mac); throw them onto a Chromebook working with only 2GB of RAM, and you are not going to get the smoothest experience in most cases.
If there are particular social media games you are interested in, there are a few things you can do to ensure the best odds of getting into the game:
- Ensure the game is running in either Flash or HTML5 (Java won’t work and Shockwave is shaky at best)
- Close all open programs and start your game in a fresh Chrome browser session
- Use a Chromebook with 4GB of RAM if possible
Again, social media-based games are finicky – so don’t be surprised if your Chromebook isn’t able to deliver the full experience your PC, Mac, or Linux browsers can.
Streaming games from a second Computer
When all else fails, you can always stream a Java or stubborn web-based game from another internet-connected computer using Chrome Remote Desktop. While this isn’t the optimal solution for games requiring quick-twitch reflexes, social games tend to be in the right wheelhouse for more passive, laid-back play. This makes streaming a realistic option in most cases.
Some low-level PC games will be playable this way, as well. I played through several full games of Civilization IV and V on my Chromebook by streaming them over Chrome Remote Desktop (DirectX 9 mode worked best). Ultimately, whether a game will work remotely depends a lot on video drivers and the actual software that is running on the source computer. There will also typically be some noticeable video and input lag so you can certainly forget about action or timing-based games.
Android Apps for Chrome
Google has been rolling out support for Android Apps on the Google Play store on some Chromebook models. There is the promise for an even more expanded rollout, but as with many Google rollouts, there are few details about exactly when and how this expansion will continue.
Hardware-wise, this is an area where your Chromebook’s RAM and processor matter. 4GB of RAM and an Intel Celeron-based architecture will typically provide a higher degree of compatibility and gaming performance than a 2GB setup and/or a slower processor.
For those fortunate enough to have a Chromebook that can run the Android Apps from the Google Play store, there is a plethora of games to try. Much like the Chrome Web Store, be sure to check reviews and descriptions of any software you are looking to install; for every solid game offered on the Play Store, there are four times as many clones and broken apps. Using a 4 star and up rating search seems to weed out a lot of the worst offenders while still leaving plenty of options.
Another thing to consider is that most of these games were designed for a touch-screen interface. While there are some touch-enabled Chromebooks, the majority of users will be stuck with sub-optimal keyboard and mouse controls for most games.
Gaming with emulators
Thanks to platforms like Nintendo’s Virtual Console and (legally questionable) DIY projects like the RetroPie, retro video game emulation is becoming increasingly common-place. When you look at the hardware in the old video game consoles from the 90s and earlier, it would stand to reason that the superior hardware of a modern Chromebook should handle these games without a problem.
Once again, the web-based interface of Chrome OS rears its head as a potential roadblock. There are some emulators that run fairly well locally in Chrome OS (like the GameBoy Advance emulator VBA-M), but most suffer from performance issues and slowdowns that make gameplay difficult (especially on lower-RAM models).
All hope is not lost! Web-based emulators open the prospects a bit wider as the majority of the heavy lifting is done on sites’ host servers rather than on your Chromebook.
For example, The Internet Arcade on archive.org is a viable web-based option for those looking to play some golden-era arcade classics on their Chromebook. Classic titles like Q-Bert, Paperboy, Food Fight, and Defender are all available in streaming form at playable framerates (even on mid-tier Chromebooks with only 2GB of RAM). Other web-based emulation sites like game-oldies.com are available, but, even with off-site servers doing some of the heavy lifting, most don’t match the performance of the offerings on archive.org.
As always with emulators, be sure you are following the applicable laws in your area for proper ownership of the software titles you emulate.
Playing with controllers
Regardless of whether you are running games locally or through web-based options, controls will be another possible stumbling block. Controller support is also very limited on Chrome OS. Some users have found ways to get Bluetooth or USB gamepads to work, but this is the exception rather than the rule for most programs. The keyboard is going to be the main interface for gameplay.
Taking into account the limited control options and the limited power provided by most Chromebooks, users will have the best success emulating slower-paced games like RPGs or turn-based experiences.
Old School PC Games on a Chromebook
One potential diamond in the rough for Chromebook gaming is a program called DOSBox. DOSBox is an open-source piece of software that emulates DOS, the basic interface for most PCs in the pre-Windows era.
Installing games on a Chromebook using DOSBox isn’t for the faint of heart. Users report varying degrees of success depending on their hardware and the programs they are trying to run, but since most of these games were designed for mouse and keyboard they remain intriguing options to explore.
For less-adventurous users, the browser-based versions of DOSbox-emulated games available on archive.org may be the easiest option. For these games, the tricky configuration work is done for you on the server-side so you can just jump in and play (although forget about saving your progress in games like Maniac Mansion!).
Linux on a Chromebook
If none of these options seem like they will adequately scratch your gaming itch, you do have one more option (at least with most Chromebook models). It is possible load a Linux operating system like Ubuntu either alongside Chrome OS or as a Chrome OS replacement. This will allow you to load Linux compatible games, some Windows programs (through software like Wine), or even use your Chromebook for Steam In-Home Streaming from another PC on the same network as your Chromebook. Check out LifeHacker’s guide for how to dive into the world of Linux with your Chromebook.
Final Verdict
Once again, if you are interested in a device focused on gaming, a Chromebook isn’t it. However, if you are a Chromebook user looking to add some fun distractions to your device, there are legitimate options out there for you.
Some of the more complex gaming options will require specific or more powerful hardware (Android Google Play Store, Linux) while others will require some extra effort to configure (DOSBox, offline emulators).
In the end, you can turn your Chromebook into a passable gaming machine; but other, equally inexpensive alternatives exist that will provide you with much richer, and more user-friendly gaming experiences like the Raspberry Pi 3 (a small form-factor computer) or emulation-friendly gaming consoles like the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii-U, or Sony PSP.
What ways have you found to play on your Chromebook? Share some of your favorite Chromebook gaming tips and experiences in the comments below!
Despite what the average internet person will tell you, MacBooks are good at what they do. That’s something important to remember in a time where fanboying is such a prevalent issue in the tech consumer base. People seem eager to take sides; binary criticism removing the reality that machines can have both good and bad qualities. MacBooks are good at what they do, and they also have their disadvantages.
One of the things MacBooks aren’t good at (mostly due to their architecture) is playing games. If you’re looking for high-performance gameplay, Windows machines are objectively better for gaming. Despite this, there are plenty of games and workarounds that’ll still enable you to have fun with friends or in your dorm room after a long stressful day even on a MacBook.
Note: I’ll only be listing the methods and games I’ve personally found to work well. There are likely tons of games and methods that work great, but I haven’t tried yet. While I’m aware you can always install Windows via Boot Camp, I’ll only be touching on methods and games that don’t require altering the OS or running a virtual machine. Below is a screenshot of my machine’s specs for reference.
3d lenticular software, free download. Actually Getting Games
Do you like games? Do you like sales? Do you often fantasize about purchasing AAA games for prices ranging from Big Mac to Five Guys? Steam is the way to go. You can get Steam here, and I highly recommend you do. Steam is great because of its frequent sales, interface, and ability to carry over your purchases between machines easily. A good amount of Steam titles are supported on Mac OS, so if you’ve been previously using a Windows machine and have a huge library, you won’t have to repurchase all of your games if you switch to a new OS. You can also purchase some games off of the App Store, though the selection there is far smaller in comparison.
Configuration
If you’re planning on playing an FPS on your MacBook, you’re likely going to want a mouse. A mouse is far more accurate and comfortable than a trackpad when it comes to interacting with most game interfaces. However, after plugging in your mouse you might find that it feels…weird. It accelerates and slows itself down sporadically and probably feels like it’s fighting you. No need to worry! This is a simple fix.
First, launch Terminal and enter the following command:
defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.scaling -1
This will disable Mac OS’s built in scaling and allow you and your mouse to have healthy bonding time without it suddenly deciding to perform an interpretive dance in the style of the plastic bag from American Beauty.
Can You Remote Play Xbox One On A Mac
Another bonus piece of advice would be to go to System Preferences > Keyboard > and check the option to use the function keys without having to press the fn key. If you’re playing games that require usage of the function keys, you’ll find it easier to only have to hit one key vs having to take your hand off the mouse to hit two.
Finally, I recommend you keep your system plugged in and on a desk. Just like with most laptops, demanding processes like games can drain the battery faster thanUsain Bolt can run across campus and make your laptop hotter than that fire mixtape you made in highschool.
Solo game recommendations
So, you’ve set up your mouse and keyboard, installed steam, and you’ve got some free time to play some games. What now? Well, not every game that is listed as “compatible” with Mac OS actually works well with Mac OS. Some games lag and crash, while others might run at a high frame-rate with no problems. Here are a few games I’ve found work well with my system. (Reminder: Performance may vary)
“h a c k m u d” is a game that is set in a cyberpunk future where you’re a master hacker. This isn’t Watch_Dogs though. You’re not “hacking” by pressing a single button; rather, every single bit of code is typed by you. If you don’t know how to code, the game does an alright job at teaching you the basics of its own language (which is like a simplified mix of HTML and Java). The first hour of the game is spent locked in a server where you’ll have to solve some interesting logic puzzles. Once you escape the server, the game suddenly becomes a fully functional hacking MMO entirely populated by actual players. The game runs well on Mac OS, as it’s almost entirely text-based.
Do you like classic CRPGs? If the answer is yes, you’ll probably love Pillars. It’s a CRPG that fixes a lot of the problems the genre faced during its golden age, while not losing any of its complexity and depth. The game runs well, though do expect a loud and hot system after just a few minutes.
Do you often dream of being a bad-ass ninja in the matrix? SUPERHOT is a game where the central gimmick is that time only moves when you move. More accurately, time moves at a fraction of a second when you aren’t moving your character. This allows for moments where you can dodge bullets like Neo and cut them in half mid-flight with a katana. The game runs great, though your system will quickly get super hot (pun intended).
Enter the Gungeon is a cute little rogue-like bullet hell where your goal is to reach the end of a giant procedurally generated labyrinth while surviving an endless onslaught of adorable little sentient bullets that want to murder you. The game is addictive and runs well, though one common issue I found was that the game will crash on startup unless you disable the steam overlay. It’s a shame though that you can’t enjoy the co-op feature…
…or can you?
MacBook Party
Who wants to play alone all the time? This is college, and like a Neil Breen movie, it’s best enjoyed with friends by your side. Here’s a tutorial on how to set up your MacBook for some local gaming fun-time.
First things first, you’re going to want some friends. If you don’t have any friends installed into your life already, I find running “heystrangerwannaplaysomegameswithme.exe” usually helps.
Can You Play Xbox On Apple Tv
Next, you’re going to want to get one of these. This is an adapter for Xbox 360 controllers, which you should also get a few of here. Plug in the USB adapter into your MacBook. Now, Mac OS and the adapter will stubbornly refuse to work with each other (symbolic of the fanboying thing I mentioned at the beginning of this post), so you’re going to have to teach them the value of teamwork by installing this driver software.
Once you’re all set, you should be able to wirelessly connect the controllers to the adapter and play some video games. One optional adjustment to this process would be to connect your MacBook via HDMI to a larger display so everyone can see the screen without having to huddle around your laptop.
Enter the Gungeon has a great two-player co-op mode. I’d also recommend Nidhogg and Skullgirls for some casual competitive matches between friends.
And there you have it! Despite what some very vocal individuals on the internet might tell you, it is possible to enjoy some light gaming on a Macbook. This is the part where I’d normally make some grand statement about how the haters were wrong when they said it couldn’t be done; but alas, that would merely be fueling a war I believe to be pointless in the grand scheme of things. Are we not all gamers? Are we not all stressed with mountains of work and assignments? Are we not all procrastinating when we should be working on said assignments? While our systems may be different, our goals are very much the same. And with that, I hope you find my advice helpful on your quest for good video games.
Can You Play Xbox On A Macbook Air
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Can You Remote Play Xbox On A Mac
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