Portable Power Stations Compatible with PlayStation
A summary of portable power stations with the specs needed to enjoy PlayStation during car camping or outdoor activities.
Posted at: 2024.9.23
Power Requirements of PlayStation Consoles Over the Years
Let’s take a look at the power requirements for each generation of PlayStation (PS) consoles. While individual models within the same generation may have slight variations in power consumption, the general trends are consistent.
| PlayStation Model | Power Requirement (Max Power Consumption) |
|---|---|
| PlayStation (Original, 1994) | About 10W–15W |
| PlayStation 2 (2000) | About 45W–50W |
| PlayStation 3 (2006) | About 170W–200W (Initial Model) |
| PlayStation 3 Slim (2009) | About 70W–100W |
| PlayStation 4 (2013) | About 150W–165W |
| PlayStation 4 Slim (2016) | About 110W |
| PlayStation 4 Pro (2016) | About 310W |
| PlayStation 5 (2020) | About 350W–370W |
Starting from the PlayStation 3, the power consumption increased along with improvements in graphical performance, culminating in over 350W for the PlayStation 5.
Portable power stations with AC output around 300W mark the boundary between small and medium models, so if you're using a PlayStation 4 Pro or PlayStation 5, selecting the right portable power station becomes crucial.
Portable Power Stations Capable of Running a PlayStation
Now that we understand the power requirements of various PlayStation models, let’s go over the specs that a portable power station needs to have to run a PlayStation.
- AC Output Port
- Pure Sine Wave Output (Avoid modified sine wave)
- AC Output of 200W or Higher (350W+ for PS4 Pro, PS5)
A portable power station that meets these three criteria will be able to power a PlayStation.
Most portable power stations include an AC output port, so the key factors to consider are the pure sine wave and wattage rating.
There are two types of inverters in portable power stations: pure sine wave inverters and modified sine wave inverters. Since PlayStation consoles are precision devices, using a pure sine wave inverter is highly recommended. Using a modified sine wave inverter could lead to damage or malfunction.
Next, the AC output wattage is critical. While power consumption varies by model, it’s ideal to choose a portable power station that supports “the PlayStation’s maximum power consumption + 50W.” This margin ensures stability since the inverter and other internal components may consume extra power, especially when operating near their limits. Selecting a power station with slightly more wattage capacity provides peace of mind.