Gaming
Best power stations and inverter trolleys for gamers
We’ve assembled a list of portable power stations and inverter trolleys capable of powering the latest video game consoles and entry-level gaming PCs for at least two hours of load-shedding.
South African gamers have the option to utilize portable power stations or inverter trolleys to maintain their gaming setups during load-shedding periods, offering a cost-effective alternative to full backup systems.
The latest gaming consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, have peak power ratings of 350 watts and 315 watts, respectively, when combined with a large-screen TV over 50 inches, gaming sessions can consume 400–500Wh per hour.
For entry-level solar-linked systems with a 5kWh battery, gamers could enjoy up to 10 hours of gameplay before depleting the battery, considering typical load-shedding durations in various parts of South Africa.
In regions where load-shedding slots last up to four hours from stage 5 onwards, a 1,000Wh backup would suffice to support the gaming systems and TVs during power cuts.
PC gamers face a more intricate calculation of power draw, as gaming PCs’ power consumption varies based on components, with graphics cards and processors being primary power consumers.
Power usage fluctuates based on game performance demands and in-game events, necessitating consideration of various factors when estimating power requirements for different gaming systems.
When selecting a power station or trolley for gaming setups, distinguishing between maximum power output and storage capacity is crucial. The chosen system must meet the peak demand of the gaming setup and provide consistent power over time.
It’s essential to be cautious when opting for power trolleys with lead-acid batteries, as they have limited lifecycles and poor depth-of-discharge ratings compared to lithium-ion batteries, which offer enhanced reliability and longevity.
Below is a table listing several power stations and inverter trolleys with sufficient battery capacity to support gaming systems through at least two hours of load-shedding, catering to entry-level, mid-tier, and premium PC or gaming console setups.
| Power stations for gaming consoles and PCs | ||||
| Model (maximum output/storage capacity) | Price | Entry-level PC or gaming console | Mid-tier PC | Premium PC |
| Axpert Type Inverter trolley 720W/1,280Wh | R9,990 (GeeWiz) | 2.5 hours | 2 hours | Max power too low |
| Elecstor 1,500W/1,485Wh | R9,999 (Evetech) | 3 hours | 2.25 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Gizzu Challenger Pro 1,000W/1,120Wh | R10,999 | 2 hours | Under 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Gizzu Hero Max 1,000W/1,024Wh | R12,499 (Incredible) | 2 hours | Under 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Ecoflow Delta 1,800W/1,260Wh | R11,979 (Takealot) | 2.5 hours | 2 hours | 1.25 hours |
| Axpert Type Inverter Trolley 720W/2,560Wh | R13,990 (GeeWiz) | 5 hours | Under 4 hours | Max power too low |
| GeeWiz portable UPS 2,200W/2,000Wh | R17,995 (GeeWiz) | 4 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Mecer Inverter Trolley 1,440W/2,56oWh | R15,999 (GeeWiz) | 5 hours | Under 4 hours | Under 3 hours |
| Switched 3,000W Solar Power System 3,000W/3,072Wh | R19,999 (Incredible) | 6 hours | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| Mecer Axpert Type Inverter Trolley 3,000W/5,120Wh | R24,995 (GeeWiz) | 10 hours | 7 hours | 5 hours |
