There is a limit to the processing power you get out of a Mac, especially if you (like me) are using a MacBook Air. And a virtual machine, by definition, doesn't have access to all of your machine's capabilities. But the list of compatible games, compiled from other users, shows which devices have successfully played various titles. Check that page for your favorite games before you dive in.

If nothing else, this is a lot easier than my previous method for running Windows games on a Mac, which involved setting up a version of Wine that's no longer supported. I even got a few non-Steam games installed. Sideloading on SteamOS means booting into Desktop Mode, which you can find in the SteamOS sidebar under Power. You'll end up in a Linux-based desktop, complete with a web browser. You can download games, put them in the folder of your choice, and point Steam to them. I couldn't add custom art, but I got multiple games up and running this way.

Honestly, Valve should update the official Steam Mac client with similar compatibility tech so it can run Windows games natively. It would be a huge hit with Mac users.

If you're a power user, I recommend checking out the settings for FX Steam Launcher, which you can open from the menu bar or with the keyboard shortcut Command-comma. You can change the resolution for your virtual Steam Deck, configure the sound to your liking, and submit game statistics.

It's remarkable software. And, with an HDMI cable and a gamepad, you can plug your MacBook into your TV and game from your couch. That's what I plan on doing when I'm done writing this article (which I guess is right now).