Think back to the excitement of being a child at Christmas, staring at a large present, and then discovering it’s exactly what you hoped for – like finally unwrapping a brand new video game console!
I’m guessing a lot of us are gonna be ripping open new consoles this holiday season – PS5s, maybe even the new Nintendo Switch 2, Xboxes, Steam Decks, or a Nex Playground. Picture the scene: wrapping paper everywhere, and grandpa probably already napping on the couch. It’s gonna be good!
Let’s remember to be mindful of the environment even during the holidays. (Sorry, that sounded a bit preachy!)
When you buy new electronics, it’s important to consider the environmental impact and your contribution to carbon emissions.
We’re excited to partner with Playing for the Planet, a group helping the video game industry become more environmentally friendly. Together, we’re sharing some simple tips to make your holidays a little greener. Let’s dive in!
5 ways to help the planet while you play with your shiny new tech
5. Check your settings
Gaming systems are usually built for maximum performance, but modern consoles often include ways to save energy. Be sure to explore the power-saving settings on your new console.
The PlayStation 5 from Sony has a power-saving feature that can cut energy use in half, and it still allows you to play many popular games – even new, high-end titles like Call of Duty and Ghost of Yōtei. This could lower your electricity bill and be better for the environment!
More and more games, like Fortnite and Arc Raiders, are starting to include features that help you save energy, such as automatically reducing power usage when you’re not actively playing.
4. Think about the right size TV
Bigger isn’t always better, especially from the planet’s point of view!
A new report shows that a 65-inch TV uses almost twice the energy of a 43-inch TV, so think about size when choosing a TV or monitor for gaming.
It’s a matter of personal preference when it comes to screen size, but it’s something to consider when you’re ready to buy a new TV.
3. Stick to your Smart TV apps
Over the past several generations of gaming consoles, it’s now standard to find streaming apps like Netflix built right in.
Most TVs today come with built-in apps that let you stream shows directly, so you don’t need to connect any extra devices.
I just learned something really cool from Playing for the Planet! Apparently, it’s actually better for the environment – and saves energy – to watch things on the apps built into my Smart TV instead of firing up my game console just to stream shows. Who knew?
2. Don’t stream games if you don’t have to
Playing games directly over the internet, without needing to download or install them, has become a popular way to experience new titles lately.
If you intend to play a game for an extended period, Playing for the Planet suggests downloading it directly to your console or purchasing a physical copy instead of streaming it.
Now that the game is downloaded onto your console, you won’t use up extra energy by streaming it from the internet each time you want to play. Plus, you’ll save on your internet data usage!
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1. Consider refurbished
When you’re looking to upgrade your gaming setup – whether it’s with a new console, TV, or accessories – consider buying a refurbished item. It can be a smart way to save money.
Playing for the Planet highlights that using refurbished devices is good for the environment in multiple ways. It cuts down on electronic waste, lowers carbon emissions, and reduces the need for new materials – plus, it keeps old technology in use instead of throwing it away.
I owned a refurbished PlayStation 4, and it lasted me a long time – right up until the PS5 was released. It worked perfectly and even handled newer games like The Last of Us Part 2 without any issues throughout that console generation.
Here are some ideas for making your gaming more environmentally friendly with your new setup. Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy playing!
You can learn more about Playing for the Planet on its website.
Authors
Rob Leane leads gaming coverage at TopMob, reporting on the latest releases and news for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, mobile, and VR. He creates content for TopMob’s website, social media, and video platforms, and also writes the weekly gaming newsletter. Before joining TopMob, Rob worked at Den of Geek, Stealth Optional, and Dennis Publishing.
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2025-12-25 11:37