eGPU for 2018 Mac Mini or Xbox X to run MS Flight Simulator

[RavingMac]

Looking for opinions and suggestions.

While we do have an old Wii Console, I am absolutely not a Gamer. But, having seen the teaser videos on the update to Flight Simulator coming out in 2020, I am almost foaming at the mouth waiting for it.
One way or another IT WILL BE MINE!

Most straight forward option is just to buy an Xbox (X or S), but then I will have a single use device because I’m just not into games . . .

On the other hand, the eGPU and a legal copy of Windows will cost a couple hundred more but will be more compact, but also means fooling with Windows, which I haven’t touched since I retired 4 years ago.

I could also just buy a Windows box, but that’s even more money and clutter

Leaning toward the Xbox, but interested in hearing other opinions

 

[chscag]

I absolutely love MS FS. I still have an older Windows version laying around somewhere, however, no Win box to run it on. And trying to run MS FS with Boot Camp is an effort in futility because of the graphics acceleration that's required.

Now if someone would gift me a new Mac Pro, Monitor (and stand of course) with the latest super graphics card.....

I would go for the Xbox version even if it is the only thing you'll run on it. Might sound like a waste of a gaming console, but believe me, if you're anything like I am when it comes to FS, you'll spend hours at a time flying and crashing. LOL

I was going to invest in the Mac FS called X-Plane but there are things about it that I don't like.

Let us know how you like the Xbox and the new FS 2020 module when it ships.

 

[MBAmtloin]

I was just wondering if any game be played in any machine?
Microsoft makes great things nowadays and people love the play station console.
since there are no games in my computer set up now i miss playing golf on my itouch in 2010,
i think EA sports had a great one which no one has matched.

 

[RavingMac]

Here’s a link to more info (lots of videos) about the new release, sometime in 2020 is all I have seen as an actual date.

New Microsoft Flight Simulator (FS2020): The Ultimate Guide


And here’s the official developer site

Home - Microsoft Flight Simulator

 

[chscag]

Looks great Mike. The previews seem to indicate that running the 2020 MS FS on a Windows box is going to require a powerful machine. Think Alienware.

If I decide to go for it, I definitely will be looking at the Xbox. Of course if I went that route, I need to think about replacing our rather oldish 50" TV. Lot of $$$ involved. Not sure my better half would agree! LOL

 

[RavingMac]

Looks great Mike. The previews seem to indicate that running the 2020 MS FS on a Windows box is going to require a powerful machine. Think Alienware.

If I decide to go for it, I definitely will be looking at the Xbox. Of course if I went that route, I need to think about replacing our rather oldish 50" TV. Lot of $$$ involved. Not sure my better half would agree! LOL

If you ever get out to Lubbock, let me know and I can fix you up on the TV. We downsized considerably in the move, and I ended up with two TVs I didn’t need, no one I knew wanted, and were too good to just pitch.

First is a 55in LG 1080P, second is a 40in Samsung 4K (at least I think I still have both. I’m certain about the LG, I shifted it while trying to organize my computer room the other day).

 

[RavingMac]

Well, decision is getting more pressing. FS 2020 now has a release date, 18 Aug 2020. And, preorders are open.

Unfortunately, Xboxes are in very short supply and I’m not willing to pay jacked up prices on old technology. Of course, I could just wait until Christmas when the new Xbox series X should be available but no guarantees it won’t have supply problems too, and I’ve never been good at waiting.
Anyone have experience gaming on the Mac mini with an eGPU?
Or, possibly on a 21in GPU equipped iMac? Though, honestly not keen on this alternative with the ARM Macs on the horizon.

 

[chscag]

Right now there is too much going on with Apple switching architecture again. I would love to run FS 2020 on a new Mac fully loaded with a top of the line graphics card. But as things are now, that's out of the question.

For me, it's either purchase a new Xbox or a Windows gaming machine. Since a decent Windows gaming machine with enough memory, graphics and a large fast SSD to run FS is going to exceed $3K, I'll probably do like you suggest above and wait on the new Xbox. And yeah, the Xbox is likely going to be hard to come by around Xmas.