We already knew that the PlayStation 3 is a huge space hog, but now it seems that the game console is also munching down on your electric power bill.

Australian-based Choice Magazine decided to test the power consumption of your beloved electronics, including the current generation of game systems. You probably won't be surprised to hear that the PS3 and Xbox 360 are massive power whores. 

"Our tests also found that leaving a PlayStation 3 on while not in use would cost almost $250 a year in electricity bills (charged at 15c per kWh). This alone is around five times more than it would take to run a refrigerator for the same yearly period."

I had no idea that these boxes were so power hungry! According to their chart, even after US dollar conversion, your Xbox 360 and PS3 combined are stealing about 8 or 9 games out of your potential future library. On the other hand, if you left your Nintendo Wii on all year, it would only cost you about $25. 

Of course, I'm probably writing this for an auidence that has the air conditioner cranked, the stereo at full blast, and 3 computers and two consoles running all at the same time. I'm with you on all of that.

[Via Spong]