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Thread: Consoles ranked by energy efficiency

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    Default Consoles ranked by energy efficiency

    https://energyusecalculator.com/elec...ameconsole.htm

    This only covers modern consoles but itd be great if there were a list for retro consoles like this. I am guessing that a Model 1 Genesis attached to a Model 1 Sega CD along with 32X attached all with their own power source probably isnt the greenest way of playing video games

    I have to imagine the GBA SP (along with the AGS-101) has to be at the top of the list for game systems that contribute the least to climate change and do the least damage to your electric bill. I rarely have to charge mine. especially because I keep it in dim mode. the obvious factor here with the portables is that a seperate big ass monitor isnt involved.

    the GB Micro is probably even better than the SP I imagine

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    I remember various old Pong type systems just running off of batteries, I'm sure they're pretty energy efficient.

    Just add one of those floppy based cart backup units to that Genesis tower you've got going and you'd be set, bonus points if used with a parallel cable to a computer instead of just floppy disks. And of course nothing but glass CRTs for extra energy efficiency, double bonus if you run the sound through a stereo receiver instead of the built in TV speakers.

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    You should use a Kill-A-Watt Electrical Monitor or the like to make your own chart of classic consoles and handhelds as well as other electronics. Then you could add to the knowledge base and bridge the gap between classic and modern consoles.
    Last edited by Nz17; 12-25-2019 at 04:34 PM.

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    As pedantic as it sounds, the Sega triple combo doesn't use as much power as you think. I've had mine hooked up using a GameCube power supply with a homemade pigtail, which is still less than watts with all 3 powered on. Using all three original AC adapters would be even less.

    Almost all 8 and 16 bit consoles use less than 10 watts (9 volts X <1 amp).
    Last edited by Az; 12-29-2019 at 03:57 AM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Az View Post
    As pedantic as it sounds, the Sega triple combo doesn't use as much power as you think. I've had mine hooked up using a GameCube power supply with a homemade pigtail, which is still less than watts with all 3 powered on. Using all three original AC adapters would be even less.

    Almost all 8 and 16 bit consoles use less than 10 watts (9 volts X <1 amp).
    did you measure it or are you going by what youve read

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    Quote Originally Posted by gbpxl View Post
    did you measure it or are you going by what youve read
    Amps X volts = watts, a GC adapter is 12v at 3.5 amps, the max you're gonna get out of it is roughly 40 watts.

    The Sega consoles are all 9v (I think the either the model 1 Genesis or CD is 10v) all at 1 amp or less. Using all 3 consoles wide open at maximum draw with original AC adapters would be less than 30 watts.

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    I could have sworn a forum did a look at the old, old systems and their power consumption though it was awhile ago. Anything that was cart-based is barely going to register as it's solid-state.
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