Three tested scenarios
| Scenario | Assumptions | Annual energy | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend gaming example | 180 W, 2 h/day, 2 days/week; 10 W standby for 23.429 h/day; $0.18/kWh | 123.057 kWh | $22.15 |
| Example gaming pattern | 180 W, 2.5 h/day, 5 days/week; 10 W standby for 22.214 h/day; $0.18/kWh | 198.404 kWh | $35.71 |
| Daily gaming example | 180 W, 5 h/day, 7 days/week; 10 W standby for 19 h/day; $0.18/kWh | 397.850 kWh | $71.61 |
Standby fills average non-gaming time without overlap. All scenarios use $0.18/kWh.
How the estimate works
For weekly gaming schedules, the calculator averages active hours across seven days before limiting standby time.
What changes console energy?
- Console model, game workload, resolution, and frame-rate mode.
- Streaming or media playback compared with another efficient device.
- Auto-sleep delay, remote wake, network downloads, and charging.
- Television and audio-system energy, which this console-only estimate excludes.
Ways to reduce cost
Enable automatic power-down, choose the lowest-power off or sleep mode that still supports features you need, and avoid leaving games paused for long periods. A smart plug can interfere with updates or remote functions and only makes economic sense if net savings are positive.
Measure modes separately
Record representative gaming power and sleep/off power, or measure total kWh across several representative days. If a multi-day measurement already includes idle time, do not add separate standby for the same hours.
Related: television cost · methodology · accuracy guide
Last reviewed: August 14, 2026