How to save energy when playing videogames?

By Lauren On May 5, 2022 Last updated Jan 1, 2025

Playing video games can consume a considerable amount of energy, but there are effective ways to minimize power usage while still enjoying your gaming sessions.

PC

For PC users, there are many types of hardware and variables and we’ll keep the tips a bit more general. For example, disconnect as many devices as possible when you’re not using them, so they don’t draw power unnecessarily. But also check the options for saving energy on your operating system. Windows users can head to the Settings app > System > Power & Sleep. Here you set when the system and the screen turn off. Are you going away from home for a while? Then unplug the computer; that way you can be sure it’s off. MacOS users can do this by going to System Preferences > Energy Saver. One last general tip for laptop users: only use the charger when you are actually charging the laptop.�

Xbox

When the Xbox Series X and Series S are plugged in and turned on for the first time, they operate in Standby mode by default. That means the Xbox is on standby, downloading games and updates in the background. The console can also stream games to your smartphone. This also means that the device consumes more power: ten to thirteen watts. That’s a lot more compared to the power saving mode: 0.4 to 0.5 watts. During gaming, the Series X consumes 153 watts, compared to 74 watts on the Series S. Reason enough to take a look at the settings related to energy saving. Open the Settings application and press General in the menu on the left. At the bottom right is now Energy mode and startup. In the middle row you choose the mode of your choice: Standby or Energy saving. Keep in mind that the second option disables game updating and streaming, but you choose the most environmentally friendly and energy-saving option.

PlayStation

Whether you have a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, it does not matter for the energy savings. Saving energy is done in the same way on both consoles. Open the Settings and select the System option. On the PlayStation 5, you can now search for Energy Saving in the menu on the left. On the PlayStation 4, go to Settings and then Power Saving Settings. By default, the PlayStation 5 is set to shut down after twenty minutes of absence from gaming. He also goes out after four hours of media streaming. With the top option in the screen you determine the time units. The second option, Functions Available in Rest Mode, is also interesting to look through.

Here you set that the console charges the controllers in standby mode (or not) via the USB ports, and whether the game console is allowed to connect to the internet. If you don’t want the PlayStation 5 to connect to the internet in rest mode, it can’t download games or updates either.�

Here are some practical tips to help you reduce energy consumption:

1. Optimize Console Settings

Enable Power Saving Modes: Many gaming consoles and PCs have power-saving modes. Ensure these settings are enabled.
Turn Off Controllers: When not in use, turn off wireless controllers to save battery life.

2. Adjust Display Settings

Lower Brightness: Reduce the brightness of your TV or monitor to save energy.
Use Energy-Efficient Displays: Consider using monitors and TVs with high energy efficiency ratings.

3. Manage Game Settings

Lower Graphics Settings: Reducing the graphics quality in games can decrease the workload on your hardware, leading to lower energy consumption.
Limit Background Processes: Close unnecessary applications and background processes while gaming to ensure your system runs efficiently.

4. Use Efficient Hardware

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Components: Use modern, energy-efficient hardware components, such as SSDs instead of HDDs, and energy-efficient CPUs and GPUs.
Choose Efficient Consoles: Some gaming consoles are more energy-efficient than others. Research and choose a console known for its lower energy consumption.

5. Proper Maintenance

Clean Your System: Keep your gaming console or PC clean and free of dust to ensure it runs efficiently and doesn’t overheat, which can lead to higher energy use.
Regular Updates: Keep your system and games updated. Sometimes updates include optimizations that can reduce energy consumption.

6. Gaming Habits

Take Breaks: Take regular breaks to not only rest but also give your system a chance to cool down.
Power Down When Not in Use: Turn off your gaming console or PC when not in use, rather than leaving it in standby mode.

7. Efficient Power Supplies

Use Efficient Power Supplies: Choose power supplies with high-efficiency ratings (e.g., 80 PLUS certified) to ensure minimal energy loss.
Unplug Unused Devices: Unplug peripherals and chargers when they are not in use to avoid phantom power draw.

8. Gaming Environment

Cool Room: Play in a cooler room to reduce the need for your gaming hardware to work harder to stay cool.
Ventilation: Ensure your gaming setup has good ventilation to prevent overheating and excess energy use.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your gaming experience while being mindful of energy consumption.