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While I love playing games, I’ve always been concerned about the potential of EMF radiation from Xbox consoles. If you’re the same, you might be wondering whether this is a big problem. Here’s a quick answer:
Xbox consoles produce plenty of EMF radiation, particularly RF radiation from the wireless controller and Wi-Fi signal. What’s worse is that Xbox consoles never truly turn off, meaning they’re always producing some level of EMF radiation.
In this article, I’ll look in more detail at the EMF radiation produced by Xbox consoles, whether this is a cause for concern, and what you can do about it.
Also read: Do PS4 Controllers Emit Radiation?
Do Xbox Consoles Produce EMF Radiation?
All electronic devices produce some kind of EMF radiation; this isn’t a secret. While some wavelengths (infrared, for example) are much less of a concern, others can be a bit more dangerous.
One of the main culprits is radio frequency (RF) radiation. This is used in a number of applications, but in an Xbox it’s used for almost all functions.
These include:
- Wirelessly communicating with an internet router
- Connecting the controller to the console
Controllers use Bluetooth to connect with the main console, but this is simply another form of RF radiation. The dangers of EMF radiation are fairly well known, and overexposure can lead to a number of health complications, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Disruptions to sleep patterns
- Fatigue
- Increased risk of cancer
- Decreased fertility
Most of these health issues are linked to high levels of EMF exposure, and while Xbox consoles aren’t the strongest source of RF radiation, they’re likely one that people will be exposed to a lot.
Of course, Xboxes are a bigger risk when they’re turned on and in use. Along with having the wireless controller close to your body, there’s the issue of the console communicating with the Wi-Fi router.
But one of the biggest complaints associated with more recent Xbox consoles, namely the Xbox One onwards, is that they don’t turn off. The consoles simply go to sleep when not in use, even if you go through the process of turning them off.
Unlike other brands of games consoles, Xboxes continue communicating with the internet when not in use. They do things such as search for updates and send data packages in their downtime.
Aside from how this’ll impact your electricity bill, it means the console is constantly sending out RF signals at all times.
This means that if the console is somewhere like a bedroom, you’ll be constantly exposed to these RF waves even when you’re not playing games.
One small consolation is that the signal strength is a lot lower when the console is asleep, but it’s still there. As with a lot of other modern devices, the big issue with Xboxes is that we simply don’t know what long-term impacts it’ll have on our health.
Console technology updates faster than scientific research can study it. So it’s understandable if you’re concerned about EMF radiation from your Xbox console. But what can you do about it?
Are Gaming Headsets an Issue for EMF Radiation?
Although not every gamer uses a headset when playing, they’re fairly popular accessories. The main advantage is that gaming headsets help to cancel out background noise and provide a microphone for talking to teammates.
Wireless gaming headsets are becoming the norm, but this obviously means another source of RF radiation, as they use Bluetooth to communicate with the Xbox.
The main danger with wireless headsets is that you’re putting a source of radiation very close to your brain. What’s more, you put them over your ears, which contain a thin and sensitive barrier.
This means that even small doses of radiation can become a problem, and so should be avoided at all costs.
How to Reduce EMF Exposure from Your Xbox Console
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to EMF radiation from your Xbox console.
I’d recommend trying as many as possible for best results, as these suggestions cover different areas, including the console itself and any accessories.
Here are my top suggestions for reducing EMF exposure from an Xbox.
1. Buy an EMF meter
The first step in any EMF project should be to buy an EMF meter.
This is the only sure-fire way to confirm your solutions are working, and it’s useful to have lying around for the future.
You can check out this video for more information on how to use an EMF meter.
2. Switch to a wired controller
The theory behind wireless controllers is that they improve accessibility because you’re not restrained by how far you can sit from the console.
But in reality, they produce their own range of issues, including RF radiation and having to deal with charging the battery.
The easiest way to solve these problems is to switch to a wired controller.
There’s no reason why wired controllers are any more restrictive, particularly if you buy one with a long cable.
In fact, I find they’re often more sensitive than wireless models. Although communication time between the controller and console is very short, the occasional dropout can be a big problem when playing a game.
3. Switch to a wired internet connection
You’ve probably already guessed that I’m going to suggest switching to wired options wherever possible.
The internet connection is no exception.
Not only will a wired connection reduce your RF radiation exposure, but it’ll also provide a faster connection.
Just be sure to buy an Ethernet cable that’s long enough to put some distance between your console and the router.
Also, be sure to disable wireless options on your Xbox directly when you set up the wired connection.
It should do this automatically when you plug in the Ethernet cable but check all the settings just to be on the safe side.
Disabling the wireless internet connectivity on your Xbox is one of the best ways to reduce your overall EMF exposure from the console.
4. Don’t keep it in your bedroom
While this might not be an option for everyone, try to avoid keeping your Xbox in a room where you spend a lot of time.
Because they can’t be completely turned off, you need to reduce your exposure by physically putting distance between you and the console.
In fact, I recommend keeping your sleeping space as a completely EMF-free zone.
5. Keep the Xbox in a Faraday cage
If you don’t have the option to keep your Xbox elsewhere, consider fitting a Faraday cage around it. In fact, this is a good option regardless of where in your house the console lives.
A Faraday cage for a Wi-Fi router (Amazon link) should be big enough, but be sure to check measurements first.
A Faraday cage is simply a metal box that blocks RF signals and is one of the most effective ways to reduce your exposure. Just be aware, though, that you won’t be able to use the console’s wireless functionality. After all, this is what it’s designed to block.
This means you’ll definitely need to switch to a wired controller and wired internet connection for you to continue using the console.
6. Completely unplug it when not in use
Xbox consoles don’t turn off when you turn them off, but no electronic device can continue working when it doesn’t have a power supply!
So just unplug it from the wall outlet when you’re done playing. The only issue with this is that the console will have to completely boot up each time, which does take a while.
It also won’t be able to check for and download updates when not in use, which can impact your playtime.
I generally wouldn’t recommend this most of the time, as it can impact the console’s functionality, but this is a good option if you can’t buy a Faraday cage or store the console away from your sleeping space.
7. Buy a new headset
The only low-EMF alternative to a gaming headset is airtube headphones.
These use plastic tubes to put some distance between the speakers and the ear buds, which helps to reduce the level of EMF radiation you’re pumping into your head.
If you want to retain as much gaming functionality as possible, be sure to buy a pair with a built-in microphone.
Of course, these earbuds won’t have the same kind of surround sound you’ll find with a gaming headset, but if you’re concerned about EMF radiation then they’re a good alternative.
Another option is to simply avoid headphones altogether because the Xbox One console has a built-in microphone so you can still chat with other gamers.
Some Final Thoughts
EMF radiation from Xbox consoles is understandably a source of concern. Hopefully, the suggestions I’ve given above will offer some ways for you to reduce your overall exposure.
The best advice I can give is to switch to wired wherever possible and be doubly conscious of how long your kids spend on the console, as they’re much more sensitive to EMF than adults.