How much energy does my games console use? Exact cost to run Xbox, PS5, Nintendo Switch and more

Rachel Cronin
·4-min read
Sony's PS5 was revealed as the most expensive device to run
-Credit:Getty


Whether you're a PS5 user or a fan of the Nintendo Switch, your energy bills can vary dramatically depending on your choice of gaming device.

A study by Cases.gg has revealed which popular gaming console consumes the most energy.

Each popular console's power usage was monitored over a 24 hour period. This included two hours of gaming, one hour of streaming, four hours in sleep mode and 17 hours in shutdown mode.

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Researchers were then able to determine the cost of running each device in order to identify which consoles cost more or less to use. Here's their list of the most energy efficient gaming devices, ordered in least to most expensive to run.

The energy cost of using a PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and more

Microsoft's Xbox One S costs £18.74 per year to run
Microsoft's Xbox One S costs £18.74 per year to run -Credit:Getty

1. Nintendo Switch OLED

Nintendo's Switch OLED was determined by the study as the most cost-effective games device, costing just £2.46 per year to run. This console, released in 2021, saves £42.16 per year compared to Sony's PS5.

2. Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch ranks as the second most energy-efficient console, using 11,132.5 watt-hours annually and costing just £2.73 per year to operate. The Switch was cheaper than any Xbox or PlayStation model to run, making it a budget choice for cost-conscious gamers.

3. Microsoft Xbox One S

With an annual running cost of £18.74, Microsoft's Xbox One S took third place for energy efficiency among gaming consoles, consuming 76,467.5 watt-hours per year.

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 22: A man handles a Nintendo Switch gaming system during Milan Games Week & Cartoomics 2024 at Fiera Milano Rho on November 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Milan Games Week is the most important video games festival in Italy, featuring the latest news of gaming industry, the most exciting esports tournaments and amazing digital entertainment moments. (Photo by Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)

4. Microsoft Xbox Series S

The Microsoft Xbox Series S ranks fourth in energy consumption, using 81,322 watt-hours annually, which costs around £19.92 per year to run. Despite its higher running costs, this console remains popular among gamers due to its compact design and impressive performance.

5. Sony PlayStation 4

Costing £20.42 per year to run, and consuming 83,329.5 annual watt-hours, the PS4 comes in at fifth place.

Although it uses more energy than other devices, the PlayStation 4 remains a gaming favourite, and is a reliable choice for gamers who value a high performing console.

Understanding your console's energy consumption can help you make informed budgeting decisions
Understanding your console's energy consumption can help you make informed budgeting decisions -Credit:Getty

6. Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro uses the least amount of power while in shut-down mode compared to all other consoles. However, it uses 64.9 per cent more energy than the standard PS4. It ranks sixth in energy efficiency, consuming 137,422.5 watt-hours annually, with a yearly running cost of £33.67 .

7. Microsoft Xbox Series X

The Microsoft Xbox Series X is the least cost-effective console in the ranks. It has the highest energy consumption among Xbox consoles, and uses more energy in sleep mode than the other gaming devices. This Xbox stands seventh in energy efficiency, consuming 150,927.5 watt-hours annually, with a yearly cost of £36.98 .

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 22: A man handles a Nintendo Switch gaming system during Milan Games Week & Cartoomics 2024 at Fiera Milano Rho on November 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Milan Games Week is the most important video games festival in Italy, featuring the latest news of gaming industry, the most exciting esports tournaments and amazing digital entertainment moments. (Photo by Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)

8. Sony PlayStation 5

In last place in terms of energy efficiency is the Sony PlayStation 5. Its yearly running cost of £44.62 makes it 118.5 per cent more expensive to run than the PlayStation 4.

Commenting on the results, Gabriele Asaro, Head of Research of Cases.gg, said: “Hopefully, this list will guide users in choosing consoles that deliver the gaming experience they desire while helping them save on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

“With rising energy prices and the likelihood of playing more than two hours a day during the dark and cold winter months, being mindful of energy use is more important than ever.

“By understanding each console’s energy consumption, gamers can make informed decisions that support smarter budgeting and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.”

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