First off, EPA learned that all three major game console manufacturers have introduced next generation boxes (i.e. Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii) incorporating key elements of those energy efficient standards.
Consumers are already reaping the benefit of EPA’s work. That work with game console makers. Now since these boxes now feature power management. That’s the capability as called for in EPA’s voluntary standards. So that’s meaning they will go into a low power sleep mode when not being used. During for game play or streaming videos.
Since EPA began engaging with manufacturers, consoles have seen a dip in energy consumption from 162W to 69W for the Xbox 360. As well, and most interesting 181W to 58W for the PlayStation 3. If all game consoles sold in the United States met EPA’s voluntary efficiency standard, the energy cost savings would grow to $1.6 billion each year. That’s equal to 22 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Gone. You know would be prevented. Also, equal to the emissions from more than 2.1 million vehicles.
Most gamers do not realize how much energy their game consoles use. In 2008, an NRDC study found that game consoles consume an estimated 16 billion kWh per year. That’s roughly equal to the annual electricity use of the City of San Diego. Recognizing the need to tamp down this energy use without tamping down the excitement of video game play. EPA worked with game console makers and efficiency advocates to develop efficiency standards for game consoles that resulted in significant savings.
The latest news about game consoles is just one of many topics discussed in “Plugged In with ENERGY STAR: EPA’s Consumer Electronics Podcast.” (Featuring the Consumer Electronics Association, tech expert and USA Today contributor Rob Pegoraro and ENERGY STAR) From TVs to soundbars and tablets, this podcast has everything a consumer needs to know before hitting the stores on Black Friday.
