Author: Richard

### MacBook Neo: Gaming Performance Assessment

From AAA titles natively available on Mac, to Windows games utilizing translation layers, to Switch emulations, Andrew Tsai set out to evaluate whether the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) truly performs well in gaming. Here’s how it fared.

#### MacBook Neo Continues to Exceed Expectations

Upon Apple’s unveiling of the A18 Pro-powered [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn), equipped with its 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 8GB of unified memory, inquiries arose: *Is that sufficient?*

Naturally, the response was evident from the beginning: *That depends. What will you be using it for?*

Nonetheless, as [reviews](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/10/macbook-neo-review/) of the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) emerged, it became apparent that Apple’s budget-friendly computer was capable of [managing far more](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/10/photographer-tyler-stalman-tests-the-macbook-neo-with-pro-photo-and-video-workflows/) than many initially thought regarding productivity and general applications.

Gaming, however, often tells a different tale. Despite Apple’s endeavors to establish the Mac as a formidable gaming option, the reality is that the gaming community never fully adopted it to the extent Apple envisioned.

With this perspective, [Andrew Tsai](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrjfG3R8wrA) chose to test the following 10 titles on a 512GB [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn), alongside Switch emulation:

– Cyberpunk 2077
– Minecraft
– World of Warcraft
– Control
– Resident Evil Requiem
– Resident Evil 2 (remake)
– Counter-Strike 2
– Elden Ring
– Dark Souls Remastered
– Mewgenics

Overall, the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) performed better than many anticipated, with its 8 GB of memory being its primary limitation. Unsurprisingly, native macOS games outperformed Windows games running via translation layers, and performance was consistently influenced by the game’s memory demands.

For example, Cyberpunk 2077 only functioned smoothly with all settings minimized and at 720p, while Minecraft achieved frame rates between 50 and 300 fps at 1080p, varying by preset configurations.

When it came to titles running through translation layers, results fluctuated significantly, with games like Counter-Strike 2 being “entirely unplayable,” while Mewgenics ran “virtually without issues.” It is, after all, a straightforward 2D game utilizing OpenGL.

If you are a gaming enthusiast, and even if some of these findings may appear intuitively obvious, Tsai’s video is still worth viewing for its intriguing insights on what the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) could mean for the Mac gaming community both presently and in the future.

#### Worth Exploring on Amazon

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**Bartender 6.4.2: A Solution for macOS Tahoe Users**

After extensive troubleshooting of compatibility challenges arising from updates in macOS Tahoe, the creators of Bartender have made noteworthy progress in fixing the bugs that affected users. Bartender, a widely-used application for managing menu bar icons on macOS, encountered multiple obstacles following the launch of macOS Tahoe 26, prompting many users to leave the app behind.

### The Challenges Faced

Users reported a range of problems, including erratic cursor behavior, phantom clicks, and performance issues that interfered with their productivity. These difficulties were intensified by the app’s failure to adequately handle the new menu bar layout introduced with macOS Tahoe. The ensuing frustration led to users experiencing unpredictable system behavior, making efficient work nearly impossible.

### Developer Response

In reaction to feedback from users, the Bartender development group, known as Applause, put in significant effort to locate and resolve the core problems. Following rigorous testing and user feedback, they found that the cursor-related issues were intricately linked to the app’s functioning. This discovery led to the launch of Bartender version 6.4.1, which included a new feature called Layout Mode.

### New Features in Bartender 6.4.1

The Layout Mode provides two options for users:

1. **On-Demand**: This setting enables users to organize their menu bar icons only at their request, reducing interruptions.
2. **Live**: This setting automatically rearranges icons when alterations are identified but may lead to brief disruptions.

The On-Demand feature was particularly aimed at addressing the problems users had encountered, such as ghost clicks and cursor hijacking.

### User Experience

Despite initial reservations, many users, including those who had previously discontinued use of Bartender, opted to revisit the app after the rollout of version 6.4.2. Reports suggest that users utilizing the On-Demand option have not faced any of the earlier problems, resulting in a more seamless and dependable experience.

### Conclusion

For individuals who had abandoned Bartender due to the issues introduced by macOS Tahoe 26, the recent updates could merit a reconsideration. The enhancements made by the development team have reinstated functionality and reliability, making Bartender a useful tool for managing menu bar icons once more. Users are encouraged to discover the new features and determine if the app can improve their macOS experience.