Apple's Mac mini 2026 with the M6 chip is delivering better-than-expected results in console emulation despite its compact body. New tests show the device is not just for office and professional work — it's also a strong option for retro gamers.

Flawless smoothness on GameCube, PSP and PS2

YouTuber ETA Prime, known for hardware testing, put the M6-powered Mac mini 2026 through a range of emulators. The results showed the machine runs classic console games without breaking a sweat:

  • GameCube (Dolphin): In the emulator with native Metal graphics support, Auto Modellista and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron run at a locked 60 FPS at 8K resolution (12X scaling).
  • PSP (PPSSPP): Running over Vulkan, Tekken 6 and God of War: Chains of Olympus work flawlessly at 10x scaling, locked at 60 FPS.
  • PS2 (PCSX2): With Metal support, Gran Turismo 4 (12x scaling) and God of War 2 (8x scaling) deliver a full-speed 60 FPS experience.

Roadblocks on the PS3 side

The picture changes when moving to PlayStation 3 games via RPCS3. The Vulkan-based RPCS3 doesn't offer graphics as stable on macOS as it does on Windows and Linux. Testing showed popular titles like Skate 3 wouldn't launch at all.

The problem lies in the fact that RPCS3 developers focus primarily on Linux and Windows, with the macOS version advancing through independent developer contributions. This leads to compatibility and performance fluctuations in PS3 emulation.

All in all, the M6-powered Mac mini 2026 is an emulation monster on the GameCube, PSP and PS2 front; PS3 fans should stay cautious for now.