Nintendo Switch vs. Nintendo Switch 2: running cost
A Nintendo Switch is cheaper to run: about $2 a year versus $4 for a Nintendo Switch 2 at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $2 difference.
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 13 W | 25 W |
| Watt range | 4–18 W | 8–35 W |
| Typical use | 2 hours a day | 2 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 14 kWh | 22 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.2¢ | 0.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.7¢ | 1.1¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.20 | $0.33 |
| Cost per year | $2 | $4 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $6 | $10 |
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What drives the difference
- Nintendo Switch: A docked Switch draws about 10-15 W, one of the lowest-power consoles. Handheld play only costs the energy to recharge the battery.
- Nintendo Switch 2: The Switch 2 draws roughly 20-30 W docked, about double the original Switch but still far below other current consoles.
Ways to cut either cost
Smart plug
Cuts the dock's idle draw on a schedule.
See options on Amazon Smart plug
Schedules the dock off overnight.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a Nintendo Switch or a Nintendo Switch 2?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a Nintendo Switch 2 costs about $4 a year versus $2 for a Nintendo Switch. That's $2 more, or 1.6× as much.
How many watts do Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 use?
A Nintendo Switch typically draws 13 W (range 4–18 W). A Nintendo Switch 2 draws 25 W (range 8–35 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.