What a gaming console costs to run in each state
The table assumes a current console drawing 200 W for three hours of play a day.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $4.52 | $54 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $5.11 | $61 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $5.15 | $62 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $5.78 | $69 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $6.05 | $73 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $6.07 | $73 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $6.74 | $81 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $7.65 | $92 |
Playing, handheld and rest mode
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld or older console | 20 W | 0.7c | $7 |
| Current console while gaming | 200 W | 7c | $73 |
| Console in rest mode | 45 W | 1c | $16 |
| Mode | Power | Cost a year if left in this mode 21 hours a day |
|---|---|---|
| Active standby, such as rest mode | 44.9 W | $114 |
| Passive standby | 5.4 W | $14 |
How to cut console running costs
Check the power mode setting
Consoles let you choose between a rest or instant-on mode and an energy saving mode. Energy saving mode uses far less while the console is off.
Turn off controller charging in rest mode
Charging controllers through the console keeps it drawing power.
Use auto-off
Set the console to turn off after a period of no play.
The rest of the setup
The TV, soundbar and console together can draw a few hundred watts while gaming. See our TV running costs and standby power guides.
Questions about gaming console running costs
A current console drawing 200 W costs about 7c an hour on the Ausgrid reference rate. A handheld or older console drawing 20 W costs about 0.7c.
It can. The SA Government measured a console at 44.9 W in active standby. Left in that mode 21 hours a day, that is about $114 a year on the Ausgrid reference rate.
Switch from rest or instant-on mode to energy saving mode, turn off controller charging while off, and set auto-off.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.