“Game Mode” in Apple’s recently released macOS Sonoma operating system prioritizes CPU and GPU performance for gaming purposes on Macs. For those curious about how Game Mode works, Apple has published a support document providing more information on how to use the new feature.
Apple says Game Mode gives your game the highest priority access to your CPU and GPU, lowering usage for background tasks. The mode also doubles the Bluetooth sampling rate, reducing input latency and audio latency for wireless accessories like game controllers and AirPods.
Turn on Game Mode
Requires a Mac with Apple silicon and macOS Sonoma or later
Game Mode turns on automatically when you use these steps to view your game in full screen:
- Move your pointer over the green button in the upper-left corner of the game window.
- Choose Enter Full Screen from the menu that appears.
When you enter full screen in this way, a Game Mode menu appears in the menu bar. You can use this menu to confirm that Game Mode is turned on for your game.
Turn off Game Mode
Game Mode turns off automatically when you stop viewing your game in full screen.
You can also turn off Game Mode while your game is still in full screen: From the Game Mode menu in the menu bar, choose Turn Game Mode Off. It remains off for that game until you turn it on again—even if you quit and reopen the game.
macOS gamers may also want to take a look at another Apple support document that discusses connecting and customizing a game controller in macOS.
