Will gamers be as interested in 'Cyberpunk 2077' on Mac as they were in the Switch 2?

'Cyberpunk 2077' release on Mac lacks the fervor it had on Switch 2, testing Apple M-series chips.

: Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Apple's Mac, but with less excitement compared to its release on the Switch 2. The game is a graphical benchmark for Apple’s M-series chips, especially with MacBook performance varying across models. M1 Macs can handle the game at lower settings, while higher models like M3 Ultra are needed for enhanced graphics. Apple has worked on game optimizations, such as ray tracing, with many Mac users eager to play more titles.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is launching on macOS for Apple silicon on July 17, 2025, bringing the base game and the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion to Mac users for the first time. This debut represents a milestone in Apple’s push into AAA gaming, with CD Projekt Red optimizing the title for Apple’s M-series chips and leveraging Metal, spatial audio, HDRXDR, MetalFX upscaling, and even frame interpolation to deliver a high-quality experience.

System requirements range from a minimum-spec M1 Mac with 16 GB unified memory for 30 fps at lower resolutions, to the top-end M3 Ultra or M4 Max with 36 GB RAM to achieve 60 fps at 1440p and enable medium ray tracing. The Mac version includes dynamic “for this Mac” presets tailored to specific Apple chips, AMD FSR upscaling, frame generation, HDR support, and cross-progression via Steam, Epic, GOG, or the Mac App Store. These enhancements suggest a fully native experience—far beyond a simple port—showcasing Apple’s investment in bolstering Mac gaming.

In parallel, the Nintendo Switch 2 version, released June 5, 2025, has drawn significant praise. Reviewers like Digital Foundry note solid performance: a 30 fps “Quality” mode and a 40 fps “Performance” mode in both docked and handheld contexts. Community discussions echo this sentiment—one user remarked: “Between Quality and Performance, I’m going to choose Performance every time… super-impressive port.”

That said, the Switch 2 port isn't without limitations. Visual fidelity and resolution are notably scaled back compared to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and high-end PC/Steam Deck, with texture quality and lighting downgraded to fit hardware constraints. Still, many players value portability and convenience over graphics, with some stating: “If you care more about convenience, flexibility, and portability… then the Switch 2 version is absolutely ‘better’ version for you.”

Comparing the two, Mac gamers are set to receive a robust, high-fidelity experience—potentially even reaching 120 fps on top hardware—while Switch 2 owners get a portable, optimized rendition that compromises visuals for portability. Enthusiasm for Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac appears strong, fueled by native optimization and Apple’s growing credibility in gaming. However, the user base is narrower than console audiences, and success may depend on how many Mac users own high-end M-series Macs. Ultimately, while Mac gamers could show solid enthusiasm, it's unlikely to mirror the mass portable craze seen with Switch 2.

Sources: TechRadar, The Verge, GamingBolt

gamingConsole GamingPC Gaming