Video game energy use explained

Video game console owners, or those considering the purchase of one, may want to think about the system's energy consumption, in addition to its many other features. This becomes especially important since the annual rate of energy consumption of gaming systems in some homes can come close to that of a refrigerator. Each of the three, top-selling systems on the market – Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3 – has energy usage levels that vary significantly.

It is obvious the system specifications of each console are different; energy use is different as well. The more advanced consoles use more energy. The year manufactured is also a factor in how much energy consumed. In recent years, newer models of each console have made marked improvements in reducing the annual kilowatt hours used, some by as much as half.

The optical disc drive within a game console takes a sizable amount of energy to run. Playing games from the hard drive instead of the disc drive will result in significant energy savings.

The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 both serve as substitutes for DVD players but, when used as such, require more energy than a dedicated player. The more energy-efficient HD or Blu-ray players use around 20-40 kWh, several times less than either console.

Annual cost and energy used by console
Console

Active Power / Standby Power W

Annual Active Power Usage kWh/$

Annual Standby Power Usage kWh/$

Total Annual Cost

Original Xbox

172/2.2

361/$32.49

14.7/$1.32

$33.81

Xbox 360 S

88/0.7

184.7/$16.62

4.7/$0.42

$17.04

Nintendo Wii

16/1.9

33.6/$3.02

12.7/$1.14

$4.16

Original PlayStation 3

189/1.1

396.7/$35.70

7.3/$0.66

$36.36
PlayStation 3 Slim

85/0.5

178.4/$16.06

3.3/$0.30

$16.36
Annual active power usage is equal to five hours and 45 minutes each day (average time of 75 percent of all console users, according to Nielsen Company) and annual standby power usage is equal to the remaining 18 hours and 15 minutes in a day. Cost is figured at $0.09/kWh.
Source: Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center 

Turning off a console after use is by far the best means of conserving energy. As seen above, the usage while in standby mode, in most cases, is only pennies for every dollar spent on active power consumption.Controller

Tips and hints for energy smart gaming
  • Know the energy usage of your video game console.
  • Newer consoles are more energy-efficient.
  • Play games from the hard drive instead of the disc.
  • Use a dedicated DVD player instead of a gaming console for watching movies.
  • Turn off (standby) consoles when not in use.


Information provided by Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center http://wpweb2.tepper.cmu.edu/ceic/index.htm.