In the vast world of marathon gaming nights, friends often gather over Xbox Live to indulge in thrilling virtual adventures. Yet, lurking in the background of these exciting sessions is the concern about the electricity consumption during those extended playtimes. Our protagonist finds solace in a guide that sheds light on the energy usage of their beloved Xbox One console, armed with a calculator to reveal the true costs of their gaming escapades.
Unveiling the Power Consumption of Xbox One
The amount of electricity an Xbox One draws is influenced by its model and usage. The original Xbox One falls within the range of 70 to 120 watts, while the more powerful Xbox One X can go as high as 180 watts. Our storyteller mentions how the Xbox One X boasts 4K game capabilities, unlike its predecessors.
The Evolution of Xbox One
The first version of the Xbox One graced the United States in November 2013, followed by the sleeker Xbox One S three years later, and then the formidable Xbox One X after another year’s wait. As the story unfolds, it emphasizes that even when in standby mode, the Xbox One draws a minimal amount of power. However, our narrator shares an intriguing tip that unplugging the console from the outlet can halt power drainage entirely.
Uniting the Xbox and TV Power Usage
Our storyteller introduces the idea that the TV, the Xbox’s faithful companion during gaming sessions, is an additional electricity consumer. Depending on the TV size, screen type, and gaming activities, the combined wattage usage of both devices can range from approximately 100 to 250 watts.
Xbox One’s Energy Efficiency in Comparison
With intriguing insights, the tale compares the Xbox One’s energy consumption to its console counterparts. The original Xbox One falls somewhere between the energy usage of the original PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch.
The Per-Hour Electricity Consumption
Calculating the electricity usage per hour, our narrator informs that gaming on an Xbox One consumes up to 120 watt-hours while idling requires around 70 watt-hours. Notably, the Xbox One S model is more efficient, utilizing only 35 to 90 watt-hours per hour during use.
Crunching the Numbers
Recognizing that watt usage alone may not mean much to most, our protagonist raises the curtain on the monetary aspect of gaming. The cost of running an original Xbox One console for an hour, based on an average electricity cost of $0.14 per kWh, is approximately 1.7 cents.
The Power Supply Journey
A fascinating snippet emerges about the evolution of the Xbox One’s power supply. While the original version used an external unit, later models like the Xbox One S and Xbox One X featured internal power supplies, enabling global compatibility across different voltage standards.
Power-Saving Options for Xbox One
Our narrator explores the two power-saving modes available for Xbox One owners. The instant-on mode, consuming 15 watts while on standby, allows for faster start-ups and voice-activated control. On the other hand, energy-saving mode, with a power draw of approximately 1 watt, presents a cost-saving option but requires a tad more patience during console start-up.
The Bottom Line
In a gripping conclusion, the protagonist reveals that for an average gamer residing in a high-cost electricity area, the annual cost of gaming on an Xbox One amounts to around $12. However, for those seeking to save more, the Xbox One S emerges as the energy-efficient hero, slashing energy consumption during gaming by approximately 25%. Ultimately, the wise advice dispensed is to utilize energy-saving mode or power off the console completely when not in use to avoid wasteful expenses of up to $30 annually.
