Gaming’s Hidden Energy Costs Revealed

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Have you ever wondered how much energy your gaming habits consume? Gaming consoles vary significantly in energy usage, with some models costing gamers more than others. This article explores the energy demands of popular gaming systems, gamer preferences for eco-friendly features, and practical ways to save on electricity while gaming.

Based on energy consumption data and a survey of 1,000 gamers, the findings provide valuable insights into gaming’s hidden energy costs and how to lower them effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Xbox Series X leads in annual energy costs at $37, followed by PlayStation 44 CUH-10xx at $26.
• Nearly half of gamers (48%) are willing to pay more for energy-efficient consoles, with Xbox fans being the most likely.
• PC is gamers’ favorite platform, with 43% preferring it and spending 14 hours of weekly gameplay.
• Fortnite fans face the biggest bills, averaging $156 in monthly electricity costs.
• The most addicting games are Elden Ring, God of War, and Cyberpunk 2077.

Power Rankings: The Energy Costs of Gaming Consoles

• Xbox Series X has the highest annual energy consumption and cost ($36.99 per year), followed by PlayStation 4 CUH-10xx ($25.56 per year).
• Nintendo Switch has the lowest annual energy consumption and cost.

Gamers’ Energy Footprints

• PC is the most popular console, with 43% of gamers using it the most often and spending an average of 14 hours per week gaming on it.
• More than 3 in 4 gamers (78%) are willing to pay more for a more energy-efficient console, and Xbox players would be the most likely to do so (80%).

• Based on the average weekly hours spent playing, the most addicting games/series are:
  • Elden Ring
  • God of War
  • Cyberpunk 2077
• Fortnite players have the highest average monthly electric bill — $156 on average.

Top Appealing Eco-Friendly Gaming Features

1. Energy-saving modes (67%)
2. Trade-in discounts for old consoles (54%)
3. Solar charging options (44%)
4. Games optimized for lower power use (42%)

Top Ways Gamers Have Tried to Reduce Gaming Energy Consumption

1. Turning off the console completely when done (47%)
2. Using energy-saving modes (31%)
3. Limiting gaming hours (17%)
4. Switching to lower-power devices (11%)

More Sustainable Gaming: Tips and Tricks

With millions of players worldwide, gaming consumes a significant amount of energy and contributes to a substantial carbon footprint. Fortunately, small changes in your gaming habits and setup can make a big difference. Here are some simple steps to get started:

Optimize Your Settings

• Lower the resolution. Gaming in 4K is visually stunning but consumes way more energy than 1080p. Dialing it back can reduce your energy use.
• Enable energy-saving modes. Many consoles and PCs include power-saving settings — check yours and make sure to activate them.
• Turn down the brightness. A dimmer screen not only saves energy but also eases eye strain.

Unplug the Extras

• Standby mode is sneaky. Devices in standby continue to draw power. Unplug consoles, controllers, and chargers when they’re not in use.
• Use smart power strips. These automatically cut power to idle devices, saving energy effortlessly.

Go Green With Your Gear

• Eco-friendly accessories. Choose energy-efficient monitors, LED-lit keyboards, and rechargeable batteries for your controllers.
• Solar chargers. Sustainably power handheld or wireless gadgets with solar charging options.
• Upgrade wisely. When it’s time for new equipment, consider energy-efficient GPUs or consoles.

Methodology

We collected energy consumption data for various gaming consoles to estimate their average electricity use and cost. We used the 2024 average cents per kWh from EIA and the total energy consumption (TEC) of each console to determine costs. For TECs given in ranges, the average was used. TEC is calculated by multiplying the measured power consumption of consoles in commonly used modes (e.g., gaming, media, navigation, and standby) by the estimated typical time spent in each mode.

It’s important to note that actual costs can vary depending on individual usage habits and local electricity rates. For instance, if you play games for extended periods or have higher electricity rates, your annual cost could be higher. Conversely, using energy-saving settings and limiting standby time can reduce energy consumption and costs.

We also surveyed 1,000 Americans to explore video game playing habits. Of the respondents, 88% played video games at least monthly, and only these respondents were shown.

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