12140 Wickchester Ln Suite #100, Houston, TX 77079

The Green Way to Play Video Games

The Green Way to Play Video Games

Although energy efficiency is rarely at the top of the list of things gamers worry about, a recent study conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute might do a little more than open some eyes, especially for green consumers who value energy efficiency and lower electric bills.

Turns out Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3 (PS3) and Nintendo’s Wii aren’t created equal, especially when it comes to the amount of electricity they use. In fact, the Institute found a staggering difference. When breaking tackles and throwing bombs on the gridiron in Madden NFL 11, the latest installment of a popular video game franchise, the Xbox drew 87.9 watts and the PS3 drew 84.8 watts, not including the connected televisions. But the diminutive Wii drew just 13.7 watts.

That’s a huge difference. To calculate what that difference in consumptions means for gamers and their residential electric bills, the Institute calculated the consoles’ electricity consumption over the course of a year, using a 2006 Nielsen Company study that estimated serious gamers play for five hours and 45 minutes a day. The Xbox used 184 kilowatt-hours and the PS3 used 179 kilowatt-hours, which puts them in the same league as washing machines or television sets. But the Wii used just 29 kilowatt-hours.

The Institute said that the difference can be attributed to the advanced, high-definition graphics in the Xbox and PS3, which consume significant power and are absent in the Wii.

Sources

“An Efficient Way to Play Madden FootballThe New York Times, Dec. 17, 2010.

Translate »

WAIT!

Here’s a chance to get 200 points every month in Spark Energy Rewards*

Points can be used on local shopping deals, dining, daily deals, travel,
and even gift cards. Terms for the rewards can be found here.
Interested?

*Certain Terms and Conditions apply. This offer is available to first-time customers only. Customers must sign up for a fixed-rate energy plan. The plan may include a monthly service fee depending on the product. Use promo code which is showing above to qualify. Rate expires at the end of the term. Canceling or changing supply service prior to the end of the fixed-rate term may subject the customer to an early termination fee based on the product details. To be eligible to receive Spark Energy rewards, customers must enroll in a fixed term plan and maintain an active Spark Energy account in good standing (no past-due balance owed) for 45 days after the beginning of service. May not be redeemed for cash. This offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice prior to customer acceptance. This offer is nontransferable and cannot be combined with any other offers. This offer applies to services areas where Spark Energy LLC is active. The offer expires on 12/31/2021. See the Terms of Service and Electricity Facts Label (applicable only for TX) at www. SparkEnergy.com for more details.
© 2021 Spark Energy LLC. All Rights Reserved.