EcoFlow produces many great portable power stations, but which ones can power a games console, and is there a best one?
All EcoFlow portable power stations can run a games console. However, the play time will depend on the battery capacity and the required output to power the console. The smallest EcoFlow RIVER 2 will run a PlayStation 5 for just under one hour, while the DELTA Pro lasts just over 16 hours.
While PlayStation is the most popular games console in 2023, let's look at some other consoles and which EcoFlow is best to run them.
Table of contents
Different game consoles have different power needs, and each EcoFlow's portable power station model has varying capacities. So, how long will the top games consoles in 2023 run on an EcoFlow?
PlayStation 5 - 201 watts
| Model |
PlayStation 5 Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 0 hours, 57 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 1 hours, 56 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 2 hours, 52 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 4 hours, 08 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 9 hours, 04 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 16 hours, 18 minutes |
Xbox Series X - 153 watts
| Model |
Xbox Series X Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 1 hours, 14 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 2 hours, 33 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 3 hours, 46 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 5 hours, 25 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 11 hours, 55 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 21 hours, 25 minutes |
Xbox Series S - 74 watts
| Model |
Xbox Series S Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 2 hours, 34 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 5 hours, 16 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 7 hours, 47 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 11 hours, 13 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 24 hours, 38 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 44 hours, 16 minutes |
Nintendo Switch (OLED) - 6 watts
| Model |
Nintendo Switch (OLED) Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 31 hours, 34 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 64 hours, 51 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 96 hours, 00 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 138 hours, 14 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 303 hours, 47 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 546 hours, 00 minutes |
Steam Deck - 22 watts
| Model |
Steam Deck Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 8 hours, 37 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 17 hours, 41 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 26 hours, 11 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 37 hours, 42 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 82 hours, 51 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 148 hours, 55 minutes |
These are based on estimated power consumption when the console is active and running a game.
How do you calculate how long your games console will run?
To calculate how long your games console will run, you will need the following:
- The battery capacity of the power station,
- the power consumption of the games console, and,
- the power station efficiency (values here).
To help, I built a simple calculator for each model of EcoFlow.
Alternatively, you can use the following calculation to determine how long your games console will run for any portable power station.
Runtime calculation
Battery capacity (watt-hours) / Games console power (watts) * Power Station efficiency (%) = runtime (hours)
To build my calculator, I used the following details.
EcoFlow Power Station battery capacity
| Model |
Battery Capacity |
| RIVER 2 | 256Wh |
| RIVER 2 Max | 512Wh |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 768Wh |
| DELTA 2 | 1,024Wh |
| DELTA 2 Max | 2,048Wh |
| DELTA Pro | 3,600Wh |
Games console power consumption
The easiest way to find each games console's maximum power consumption was on the manufacturer's website. Unlike other appliances, most consoles don't have a sticker indicating the wattage. But if you have kept the user manual when you purchased the console, it should be written inside.
Remember, your games console power consumption will change whether you are playing or installing a game. For all of the estimates below, I am using the power consumptiom while playing a game.
Games consoles need:
| Games console |
Power |
| PS5 |
220 watts or 201 watts for newer versions |
| Xbox Series X |
153 watts |
| Xbox Series S |
74 watts |
| Nintendo Switch (OLED) |
6 watts |
| Steam Deck |
22 watts |
If you want to run your games console entirely from your portable power station, you may also need to consider other devices, including:
- WiFi router
- TV
- Controller charging
Each added device will draw extra power, which should be considered with your setup.
Different EcoFlow's have varying efficiencies, and there will be a difference between AC and DC powering.
However, most games consoles use AC power, so let's look at the AC inverter efficiencies by each model:
| Model |
AC Inverter Efficiency |
| RIVER 2 | 74% |
| RIVER 2 Max | 76% |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 75% |
| DELTA 2 | 81% |
| DELTA 2 Max | 89% |
| DELTA Pro | 91% |
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Play Station Runtime
I know it's older, but I ran a PS4 in my living room with my RIVER 2, continuously drawing just over 135 watts while playing a game.
The display shows that I could run my PS4 for nearly 2 hours.
If you want to play on your games console, you will need a TV and, more often than not, a connection to the internet (WiFi router).
I plugged in an extension lead and connected my 55" OLED TV, along with my BT Wifi Router, which all together pulls 187 watts. The display suggests that I could play for a little over an hour.
I then took it a step further and plugged in the controller to charge while playing. In total it was pulling 189 watts so only 2 watts more. This has very little impact on the overall runtime.
Straight out of the box, your EcoFlow should be configured to run A/C appliances, including a games console.
But, before using your EcoFlow to power your games console, you should first charge its internal battery.
Your user guide will explain how to charge your specific power station. You can find a digital copy of the RIVER 2 Pro user guide on the EcoFlow website here.
In general, one of the easiest ways to charge your EcoFlow will be using the included power cable, or USB-C in a wall outlet tied to the grid.
Once your power station is charged, you can plug your games console straight into the A/C outlet on the EcoFlow.
However, if you are planning to power multiple devices, you may choose to plug an extension cord with multiple outlets into your EcoFlow. This could allow you to power additional ancillaries needed for use with your games console, including:
Want to learn more? See my article exploring running a TV with an EcoFlow.
While the smallest EcoFlow could power your games console with added devices, you you might find its battery lacking as I did. That's why we recommend the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro as the best portable power station for a games console.
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
We recommend the RIVER 2 Pro when choosing an EcoFlow to run a games console.
Boasting a 800W output and a 768Wh battery, it can run a games console, full-size TV and router for almost 3 hours!
While the RIVER 2 Pro's maximimum output of 800W is a little over-kill for a games console, it provides the potential to power more power hungry appliances.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro also provides X-Boost
X-Boost allows you to crank up the output to 1600 watts. It works by reducing the voltage of the connected appliance. This is great for items that include a heating element, such as an electric heater or hairdryer. However, you can't use it for all appliances, as it can damage the circuitry. Typically, anything with complicated electrics, such as washing machines or a device with a display, should be avoided.
What other EcoFlow's could be suitable to power a games console?
If you are running a portable games console such as the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, save your money and stick with the RIVER 2.
However, if you are like my brother, and a more serious gamer, you could even find the RIVER 2 Pro's battery too small. In this case, I would suggest moving into the DELTA series. Their batteries are easily expandable, providing the potental for a full night (and morning) of gaming.
While I have been very happy with each of EcoFlow's portable power stations, you may want to consider other great brands or cheaper alternatives.
We have tested models from three of the top brands in this space; EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Jackery.
| Portable Power Station |
Inverter Power |
Battery Size |
| Bluetti EB70 |
1000 watts |
716 Wh |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro |
800 watts |
768 Wh |
| Jackery 1000 |
1000 watts |
1002 Wh |
Based on its inverter output, battery capacity, build quality, and price, the RIVER 2 Pro is one of the best in its class.
Although, unless you want to be able to charge your portable power station using USB-C, I would recommend the Bluetti EB70 as the best portable power station to run a games console.
While the EB70 has a slightly smaller battery, it is normally cheaper than the River 2 Pro for a very similar offering.
The EB70 also charges around 4 times faster than the EcoFlow from AC (the wall).
Why I wouldn't consider the Jackery 1000 to power a games console
The Jackery 1000 is a robust portable power station; however, it cannot be truly compared to the other two products. It is a considerable step-up in price, and while providing a larger output and battery capacity, it isn't needed for most to run a games console.
You will often find EcoFlow and Bluetti products on sale. Check out their latest prices below:
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Latest Price
Bluetti EB70 Latest Price
Jackery 1000 Latest Price
A great feature that EcoFlow offer with all their portable power stations is that you can charge your battery while powering a games console.
This can be a great option to use your EcoFlow as a UPS to keep your games console running during a power outage.
Picture this:
You are having regular but intermittent power cuts at home. You could use your mains power to keep your EcoFlow fully charged while using your games console, and when the power cuts, the console continues to run from the EcoFlow.
You could even plug in your TV and WiFi router, which would give you plenty of time to save your progress, or continue playing online (as we know, you can't pause an online game).
But what if you are on the road or don't have access to mains power?
Three other great ways to keep your power station charged are:
- Solar power
- DC power
- USB-C Charging (5/9/12/15/20V, 5A, 100W Max)
Solar power
EcoFlow works excellently with solar panels. Whether you have yours hard mounted on the roof of your house or portable for camping, using the sun's rays to charge your battery is a great way to boost performance.
While EcoFlow sells solar panels specifically for their power stations, they can be expensive compared to others on the market. However, they come with all the necessary adaptors for your portable power station and are easy to set up staight from the box.
EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel
EcoFlow's 160W Solar Panel is compatible with most of their portable power stations, including the RIVER 2 Pro which I recommend to run a games console.
EcoFlow's RIVER 2 Pro portable power station will include a solar charge cable pre-terminated to MC4, a widespread solar connector. (DC5521)
But, if you use your own solar panels, be careful; you must ensure that they are within the specification of your EcoFlow.
Important!
Ensure you refer to the owner's guide, which will tell you the Open Current Voltage (OCV), maximum input current, and maximum input power.
Do not exceed these parameters, or you will damage your power station!
DC power
Charging your portable power station with DC power is one of my favourite ways to extend its runtime.
EcoFlow offers pass-through charging, meaning you can charge your power station while simultaneously running a games console.
So, even if you own their baby RIVER 2, you can get hours of extra runtime by charging with DC.
You can charge your EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro (recommended) with:
- Car Charging (12V/24V, 8A, 100W Max)
- Solar Charging (11-50V 13A, 220W Max)
Powering by another DC battery is one of my favourite ways to add extra battery capacity cheaply!
My setup allows me to more than double my battery capacity for much less than buying the next model up.
This allows me to charge my EcoFlow RIVER 2 at 95W, which is more than enough to extend the battery on the RIVER 2 while running a games console.
As you can see too, unlike some other portable power stations, EcoFlow's provide a digital display telling me exactly how long it has left to run.
To replicate, you will need the following:
- 12V battery
- 12V to 19V 5A step-up converter
- XT60i pigtail. However, I could not find any reasonably priced ones that would ship from the UK. Therefore, I purchased a Solar to XT60i cable, and cut it in half.
- Basic wiring tools (wire cutters, strippers, crimpers)
While powering your games console off-grid with a portable power station is a great solution, it will only be suitable for some.
Some other alternative ways to power your games console include:
- solar
- diesel generator
- gas (propane) generator
- buy a games console which has a battery built-in (for example a handheld device such as a Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally)
- UPS
To stay as green as possible, we always recommend, where possible, powering your devices using solar power.
About the author
Andy Vickery has been DIY'ing energy projects for years. From solar and home electrics, to car rewires, Andy is passionate about sharing his personal experiences.