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How much does a games console cost to run?

A games console typically draws around 160 W while running. Ratings vary widely between models, so check the label and change the figure below.

per kWh
W
g CO2 per kWh
Cost per year
51.20
= Exact Running cost of a games console
Cost per month
4.27
Cost per day
0.14
Cost per hour of use
0.04
Energy per year
182.9 kWh
Energy per day
0.5010 kWh
Carbon dioxide per year
45.7
Annual cost of standby alone
2.15
Show the working
  1. Power = 160
  2. Hours per day = 3
  3. Days per year in use = 365
  4. Electricity price = 0.28
  5. Standby power = 1
  6. Grid carbon intensity = 250
  7. kw = 160 / 1000 = 0.16
  8. daily_kwh = 0.16 * 3 = 0.48
  9. standby_kwh = 1 / 1000 * (24 - 3) = 0.021
  10. Energy per day = 0.48 + 0.021 = 0.501
  11. Energy per year = 0.501 * 365 = 182.865
  12. Cost per day = 0.501 * 0.28 = 0.140 28
  13. Cost per year = 182.865 * 0.28 = 51.2022
  14. Cost per month = 51.2022 / 12 = 4.266 85
  15. Cost per hour of use = 0.16 * 0.28 = 0.0448
  16. Carbon dioxide per year = 182.865 * 250 / 1000 = 45.7163
  17. Annual cost of standby alone = 0.021 * 365 * 0.28 = 2.1462

Values are shown to six significant figures here; the arithmetic itself runs on exact fractions and is only rounded where a number is printed.

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    The formula

    • daily energy = power in kW x hours
    • annual cost = daily energy x days x price per kWh

    Nameplate wattage is the maximum draw, not the average. A cycling appliance like a fridge or a freezer averages far less.

    Standby draw is small per device and adds up across a house: ten devices at 2 W each is 175 kWh a year.

    Running cost of a games console at different tariffs

    Price per kWh Per hour Per year at 3 h/day
    0.10 0.016017.52
    0.15 0.024026.28
    0.20 0.032035.04
    0.25 0.040043.80
    0.30 0.048052.56
    0.40 0.064070.08

    Frequently asked

    How many watts does a games console use?

    Typically around 160 W while running, though models vary. Check the rating plate.

    How much electricity does it use per day?

    About 0.48 kWh at 3 hours of use.

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