Guides
Gaming electricity guides
Running costs for every major console and PC, worked out from published power measurements and today's UK electricity rates.
PS5 running costsPer hour, per month, and how the Slim and Pro compare.Xbox running costsSeries X and Series S, using Microsoft's own measurements.Switch 2 running costsDocked costs, and how it compares with Steam Deck.Gaming PC running costsMid-range vs high-end, and what drives the cost.Laptop vs PCWhich is cheaper to run per hour and per year.PS5 vs XboxWhich costs less to run over a year.Rest mode & standbyWhat PS5, Xbox and Switch use when they're "off".Gaming at nightEconomy 7 day and night rates for your region, live.Cut your costsSettings and habits that actually make a difference.PS4 & Xbox One costsOlder consoles compared with PS5 and Series X.Switch running costsOriginal, OLED and Switch 2: the cheapest consoles to run.Handheld PC costsSteam Deck and ROG Ally per hour, charging included.Graphics card costsRTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti and 5070 per hour and per year.Monitor & TV costsMonitors and TVs: the hidden half of your gaming bill.Cost per yearEvery console and PC per year at 1, 3 and 5 hours a day.Measure your power useUse a plug-in energy monitor to get your real figure.PS5 vs Switch 2The Switch 2 uses about a tenth of the power.Switch 2 vs Steam DeckBoth cost pennies. Here's which costs fewer.RGB lighting costsLess than you'd think, unless it stays on all day.Streaming costsWhat a streaming setup adds to your gaming bill.Quest 3 charging costA full charge costs about a penny.Laptop vs consoleWith the TV counted, it's closer than you'd think.