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The PlayStation 4 is an incredibly powerful gaming console, capable of rendering jaw-dropping graphics and providing immersive gaming experiences. However, all that performance comes at a cost – and that cost is electricity. Most PS4 owners have no idea just how many watts their console is using, even during normal operation or rest modes. This massive power draw can quickly add up, resulting in higher-than-expected electricity bills.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much electricity a PS4 uses under various conditions. You may be shocked at the overall wattage needed to power your gaming sessions. We’ll also provide tips to reduce your PS4’s energy usage, potentially saving you money in the process. And we’ll look at how the EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable power station can be the perfect companion for a PS4 by providing reliable off-grid power.
Understanding the PS4’s Power Draw
The amount of electricity a PlayStation 4 uses depends on a variety of factors. First, we have to distinguish between the original launch PS4, the slimmer PS4 Slim model, and the upgraded PS4 Pro.
In general, the PS4 Slim uses less power than the original PS4, while the PS4 Pro needs more juice to deliver its enhanced 4K and HDR graphics. But usage conditions also play a major role.
Power Usage During Gaming Sessions
When actively gaming, an original PS4 or PS4 Slim uses between 130-150 watts on average. This powers the GPU and APU to render graphics as well as the RAM, cooling fans, and other components. More graphically intense games can cause the wattage to spike further, sometimes up to 180W.
The PS4 Pro averages around 160W during gaming but can consume over 200W on its most strenuous settings. Games displayed in 4K resolution or with complex graphics push the PS4 Pro to its limit. When your console’s fans are whirring loudly, that’s a sign it’s drawing maximum wattage.
To put this in perspective, 180W is roughly the same amount of power as two bright incandescent light bulbs. So next time you hear the PS4 fans spin up, imagine two old-school bulbs illuminating your gaming. That’s a substantial power draw for a single appliance!
Media Playback and Downloads
You don’t have to be actively gaming to drain power. When parked on the home screen or playing media like Blu-ray movies or Netflix, a PS4 still uses 60-80W. Downloading games and system updates also consumes a steady 60W or more.
So your PlayStation is slurping electricity even during “light” use. Those hours spent watching shows or movies add up over time.
Rest and Standby Modes
Rest mode on the PS4 is akin to sleeping on a computer. It draws 10W or less to maintain network connections and allow for background downloads and updates. This is the lowest power state when the PS4 is still on.
On the other hand, standby mode is when the PS4 is fully powered down. It only sips 1-2W to detect when you press the power button and boot back up. This should be your default mode when not using the console for extended periods.
Estimated Yearly Energy Usage
Based on these power figures, we can estimate how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) an average PS4 consumes over a year:
- PS4 original or Slim – around 200 kWh
- PS4 Pro – up to 300 kWh
This assumes around 5 hours of gaming time per week, 2 hours of media playback, occasional downloads and updates, and proper standby when not in use. 200-300 kWh equals about $25-$45 per year in electricity costs, depending on your energy rate.
While not enormous, that’s certainly enough to take notice. Especially when you consider there are over 100 million PS4s in homes worldwide. The cumulative energy demand is massive!
Key Factors That Increase PS4 Power Draw
Not all games and usage scenarios are equal when it comes to PS4 power usage. Here are the key factors that cause your PlayStation to consume more electricity:
Display Resolution
The higher the rendering resolution, the harder the PS4 must work to process graphics. 4K displays are the most power-hungry. The PS4 Pro can run games natively at 4K which really pushes the APU and GPU to their limits compared to standard 1080p output.
Framerate
The smoother framerate, the more effort is required. At 30 FPS the PS4 runs efficiently. But targeting 60 FPS or unlocked framerates makes the console’s processors break a sweat, using more electricity in the process.
Game Visuals
More complex and detailed graphics suck power. Think expansive open-world environments, numerous NPCs and objects, particle effects like smoke/fog, ray tracing, etc. The more the PS4 renders on screen, the higher the wattage.
Connected Accessories
Attaching accessories like gaming wheels/pedals, PSVR, external hard drives, and USB devices can increase power consumption by a few watts. It takes energy to power their electronics.
Poor Ventilation
Lack of air circulation causes the PS4 to ramp up its internal fans to stay cool. This uses more electricity compared to an efficiently cooled console.
Time Played
It’s simple – the more hours you game during a day or week, the greater your PS4’s energy impact. Heavy gaming vs light use makes a difference over time.
By being aware of what contributes to higher power usage, you can tweak settings or usage habits to curtail excess electricity drain.
Tips to Reduce Your PS4’s Power Consumption
Minor changes in how you use and configure your PlayStation 4 can have a meaningful impact on its energy footprint. Try these suggestions:
Use Rest Mode Judiciously
Avoid leaving your PS4 in Rest Mode when not needed. The 10W draw isn’t huge, but adds up over time. Only use Rest Mode when actively downloading games/updates.
Adjust Power Saving Settings
The PS4 has several built-in power-saving options like dimming the controller lightbar, adjusting screen brightness, disabling the HDMI device link, and setting the automatic turn-off timer. Enable these in your System settings.
Eject Discs When Not Playing
Discs constantly spin while inserted, using extra power. Eject your game discs when you’re done playing rather than leaving them in.
Close Extra Apps and Game Tiles
Suspending games and apps instead of fully closing them keeps them ready in system memory, which consumes power. Close out games and apps fully when not in use.
Unplug Charging Accessories
Devices like controllers drain phantom power when left plugged into USB ports. Unplug fully charged accessories to avoid the standby draw.
Shut Down Instead of Rest Mode
When you won’t use your PS4 for an extended period, do a full shutdown instead of Rest Mode. The tiny standby power still adds up over time.
Check Ventilation
Ensure your PS4 has open space around it for ventilation. Built-up dust can also cause overheating and the fans to work harder. Clean periodically.
Upgrade to a PS4 Pro
Surprisingly, the PS4 Pro is more energy efficient than the original PS4 and Slim models due to its newer, optimized components. If looking to upgrade, the Pro consumes less power for its performance. When combined with the energy-saving tips above, the Pro is the greenest PS4 console choice.
Additionally, for the ultimate in energy efficiency consider powering your PS4 with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable home battery instead of the grid.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro – Reliable Off-Grid Power for PS4 Gaming
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is a revolutionary portable home battery that provides reliable power for appliances like the PS4 when the grid goes down. No more gaming interruptions from blackouts!
This compact battery packs up to 3.6kWh of capacity in its base configuration. The large capacity means you can game for multiple hours without running out of juice. Just a few hours of charging replenishes the full battery to keep your PS4 humming.
EcoFlow patented X-Stream technology enables incredibly fast 2.7-hour recharge times from 0% to 80% capacity. So you’ll never be without backup power for long. Plus the EcoFlow DELTA Pro can recharge from solar, and gas generators, or by plugging into your car’s 12V outlet in a pinch.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro delivers a hefty 3600W of AC power output from its standard outlets. This gives it more than enough headroom for powering a PS4, 4K TV, and any other gaming accessories simultaneously.
Intelligent software also monitors connected devices to optimize wattage delivery as needed, ensuring seamless uninterrupted gameplay. Additional batteries can scale capacity up to 25kWh total for extreme runtimes.
So for the ultimate PS4 gaming experience, keep an EcoFlow DELTA Pro handy. It lets you game anywhere, anytime – free from the constraints of the electrical grid.
Conclusion
After reading this, it’s clear the PlayStation 4 uses a substantial amount of electricity – up to 200-300 kWh per year. Much of this occurs while simply navigating menus or streaming video, not just high-intensity gaming. The costs add up over time, especially with over 100 million PS4s in the wild.
Luckily there are ways to reduce the PS4’s power hunger through smart usage habits and configuration tweaks. When shopping for a new console, the PS4 Pro offers efficiency gains over older models. The revolutionary EcoFlow DELTA Pro provides reliable off-grid power for gaming, freeing you from outlet constraints.
Keeping watch on your PlayStation’s power draw will help keep your energy bills in check and lessen its environmental impact. The PS4 delivers amazing experiences, but also requires some electrical savvy to use responsibly. With a bit of diligence, you can enjoy all that gaming goodness while keeping your home energy footprint in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does a PS4 use when powered off?
When fully shut down into standby mode, the PS4 only draws 1-2 watts of power. This is just enough to detect when you press the power button and boot the system back up.
Does the PS4 still use electricity in Rest Mode?
Yes. Rest Mode keeps the PS4 in a low-power suspended state so it can maintain network connections and run updates/downloads in the background. In Rest Mode it draws around 10W.
Should I unplug my PS4 when not using it?
For short periods of inactivity, using Rest Mode is better since it avoids disruptive shutdowns/restarts. But for extended days or weeks of disuse, fully powering down and unplugging the PS4 is recommended to eliminate standby power draw.
Will a PS4 Pro reduce my electricity bill compared to a standard PS4?
In most cases yes, thanks to its more efficient components and processor. The PS4 Pro allows for the same or better performance at marginally lower typical wattages than older PS4 models. Over years of use, the energy savings do add up.
What uses more electricity, a PS4 or Xbox One?
Both consoles use similar wattage ranges under load. However, PS4 system software is generally more optimized than Xbox OS, giving it a slight efficiency advantage in most gaming scenarios. Frequent system updates also improve software power management on PS4.
How can I measure how much power my PS4 is using?
You can measure the wattage draw in real time by using a “Kill A Watt” device or similar power meter that hooks between your PS4 and wall outlet. This will show the instant watts and cumulative kWh used over time.
