PS5 Wattage Explained: How Much Power Does a PS5 Use?
The PlayStation 5 packs powerful hardware and high-end graphics, but all that performance also means it draws a fair amount of electricity. So, how much power does a PS5 actually use? This guide will break down PS5 wattage usage in different modes, compare it with other consoles, discuss factors that affect the power consumption, and share tips to reduce energy costs. Just make sure to continue reading.
How Many Watts Does a PS5 Use in Different Modes?
How much wattage does a PS5 use? It depends on the activity and settings. Here is the PS5 wattage consumption in general.
Gaming mode: 160–220 watts
Streaming video (e.g., Netflix): 50–90 watts
Idle (menu screen): 50–60 watts
Rest Mode (default settings): 3–5 watts
Rest Mode (with downloads or charging): 10–15 watts
Alternatively, you can learn about your PS5 wattage usage by different models and modes.
PS5 Model | Standby | Gaming | Streaming |
CFI-1216A | 4.2 W | 209.8 W | 56.1 W |
CFI-1216B (Digital) | 3.3 W | 200.8 W | 54.6 W |
CFI-1116A | 3.2 W | 199 W | 54.1 W |
CFI-1116B (Digital) | 3.8 W | 208.8 W | 56.4 W |
CFI-1016A | 3.7 W | 169.9 W | 55.6 W |
CFI-1016B (Digital) | 3.7 W | 198.3 W | 54.5 W |
As you can see, your PS5 draws some power even if it is not actively used. Meanwhile, it seems energy-saving settings or fully powering down the console can help reduce unnecessary PS5 wattage usage.
How Does PS5 Power Usage Compare to Other Consoles?
As introduced earlier, your PS5 wattage usage is subject to the modes and settings. Compared to other popular consoles, the PS5 has slightly higher power consumption due to its advanced hardware. Here’s a brief comparison.
Console | Gaming Mode | Streaming Mode | Rest/Standby Mode |
PS5 (Disc) | 160–210 W | 54–56 W | 3.0–5.0 W |
PS5 Digital | 190–200 W | 54–56 W | 3.0–5.0 W |
Xbox Series X | 180–200 W | 50–55 W | 0.5–1 W (Energy Saver) |
Nintendo Switch | 10–18 W | 6–7 W | 0.3–0.5 W |
PS4 Pro | 150–170 W | 40–50 W | 5–8 W |
Xbox Series S | 75–90 W | 30–35 W | 0.4–1 W |
What Affects the Power Consumption of a PS5?
Your PS5 power consumption is not only subject to the modes. There are several factors that might affect the PS5 wattage usage. Here are the major ones:
Game Intensity: Demanding titles like open-world games or those optimized for 4K require the PS5 to work harder. This increases your PS5 wattage compared to less intensive or retro games.
Resolution & Performance Mode: Playing in 4K resolution or using Performance Mode requires more graphical resources for higher frame rates and sharper visuals. These settings also lead to higher PS5 wattage usage.
External Devices: If you connect your PS5 to accessories like DualSense controllers or wireless headsets, it might result in additional energy load on the system.
Ambient Temperature & Ventilation: Your PS5 wattage also increases in warmer environments or poorly ventilated spaces. This is because cooling fans have to work harder to maintain safe temperatures, leading to higher power consumption.
Background Processes: Downloading game updates and saving data to the cloud in Rest mode will increase your PS5 power consumption beyond the expected standby levels.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a PS5?
Now you should have a basic grasp of PS5 wattage. So how much does it cost to run a PS5 in Australia? Let’s do simple math based on the average rate of $0.30 AUD per kWh.
Gaming mode: 200 watts = 0.2 kWh
Daily gaming (3 hours): 0.2 kWh × 3 = 0.6 kWh
Monthly use: 0.6 × 30 = 18 kWh
Monthly electricity cost: 18 × $0.30 = $5.40 AUD
Even in Rest Mode, your PS5 draws power as follows:
Average standby power: 3.5 watts = 0.0035 kWh
Monthly standby usage: 0.0035 × 21 × 30 = 2.20 kWh
Standby cost per month: 2.20 × $0.30 = $0.66 AUD
Based on the calculation above, your total monthly cost could be over $6 AUD for regular gaming and standby.
Tips to Reduce PS5 Power Consumption
Your PS5 indeed consumes a significant amount of electricity, especially during intense gaming sessions. Want to lower your PS5 wattage and energy cost? Try these practical tips:
Enable power-saving mode: Configure shorter timeouts and disable features like auto-downloads. You can go to Settings > System > Power Saving for adjustments.
Turn off HDMI Link: Disable "Enable HDMI Device Link" to prevent auto-wake functions from turning on your console unnecessarily.
Fully shut down the console: Instead of using the Rest Mode, you can reduce your PS5 wattage usage by fully shutting down your console when not in use.
Lower resolution when possible: Avoid using the 4K resolution and play in 1080p to reduce power draw.
Unplug accessories: Unplug external hard drives, charging cables, and unused controllers to avoid more power consumption.
Use a high-efficiency power supply: You can use smart plugs or surge protectors to help monitor and limit power usage.
Can You Use a Portable Power Station to Run a PS5?
The short answer is yes. A portable power station can run a PS5, and it's especially useful when the power goes out or you're away from a wall outlet.
Now that you know how many watts your PS5 uses, it's much easier to figure out what kind of power station you’ll need. Matching the console’s wattage helps you avoid buying one that’s either underpowered or more than you actually need.
As mentioned earlier, the PS5 uses around 200 to 250 watts while gaming. So, you’ll need a portable power station that can handle at least 200W of continuous output. For shorter gaming sessions, look for one with a minimum battery capacity of 250Wh.
One option worth considering is the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station. It offers a 300W rated output, with X-Boost up to 600W, which is more than enough for the PS5. Its 245Wh capacity (76.8Ah@12V) comes close to the required range for light to moderate use. Better still, it features a <10ms UPS function, which provides uninterruptible backup, great for keeping your PS5 safe during sudden power cuts without losing progress.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
Conclusion
By now, you’ve got a clear idea of PS5 wattage, it’s easier to manage your energy use and plan for different situations, whether you’re gaming every day or just want a reliable backup when the power cuts out. Knowing how much power your PS5 needs also makes it simpler to pick the right gear. If you're thinking about finding the best portable power station, EcoFlow has some great options that can handle the PS5 without any hassle.
FAQs
Does a PS5 use up a lot of electricity?
A PS5 uses more electricity than previous consoles, but it's expected given its powerful hardware. During gameplay, it typically draws around 160 to 220 watts, which is reasonable for a high-performance system. For most users, the impact on the electricity bill isn’t huge, especially with smart settings and power-saving features to help manage overall energy use.
Is 600-watt UPS enough for PS5?
Yes. Given the PS5 wattage for gaming is around 200 watts, a 600W UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can handle a PS5. This also leaves enough headroom to support additional accessories like a monitor, external hard drive, or charging controller.
Can I use a battery backup or generator for PS5 during power outages?
Yes. Just make sure the power source can offer at least 200-250W of continuous output to ensure stability and supply for any additional accessories. For instance, you can use a battery backup like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station to power your PS5 safely.