Chris Trottier on Nostr: I've compiled this handy chart to explain which computer OS is best for what type of ...
I've compiled this handy chart to explain which computer OS is best for what type of gaming.
PC gaming used to mean Windows.
Not anymore. Each major OS now excels at a different kind of gaming, and depending on what you play, the “best” platform might be completely different.
I got the good fortune to be able to game on all major computer OSes: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
I've come to the conclusion that it's no longer about one size fits all. Windows is no longer the default gaming OS. And actually, every OS has something to offer gamers. So let's talk about the strengths of each platform.
**Windows** - the best for multiplayer due to anticheat largely being Windows-only. The other advantage is that *most* new games are made for Windows. Finally, Xbox PC Games Pass is good if you want access to AAA titles but don't want to buy them outright. On top, backwards compatibility for previous generations of Xbox are coming to Windows.
**Mac** – the best platform for casual gaming. Apple Arcade offers unbeatable value for $5/month, which gives you access to 250 titles—mostly indie and casual. Titles often also work across Apple's ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Finally, you can play games made for iPhone and iPad.
**Linux** – the best platform for emulation, legacy, and handheld gaming. Custom gaming OSes like Batocera, ArkOS, and OnionOS don't just play console games, they create a console-like experience. Proton and Wine allow you go play Windows games that are no longer playable on Windows. SteamOS and Bazzite have better optimization for handhelds than Windows, with features like auto-resume when pressing the power button.
So the question is no longer “Which OS is best for gaming?” The real question is “Best for what?” Windows still dominates multiplayer and new releases. Mac excels at affordable casual gaming across devices. Linux has become the home of preservation, emulation, and handheld PCs. Instead of one platform replacing the others, the modern PC gaming ecosystem is starting to specialize.
