No kid wants to dampen their excitement about opening a brand new console when they have to sit and slowly crawl through the install or update bar screen. I remember one Christmas when I was a kid, I had to leave my brand new PlayStation 2 switched on for a few days until the stores opened so I could rush out and get a memory card, because my parents didn't realize I needed one.
Memory cards aren't a staple of consoles these days, but other things can dampen the joy of a gaming Christmas, so we've compiled a list for parents, and we're checking it twice, so you can find out how to make your child's Christmas even better.
7
Open the console and check if it works
As much as we like to believe that our shiny new expensive gadget will work right out of the box, my many years of working in gaming retail stores have proven otherwise. You'd be surprised how many angry parents we've had after Christmas, declaring that we ruined their children's Christmas because The console was dead on arrival. This can only happen with electronics, unfortunately.
Although it may seem strange to open your child's presents before Christmas, it's the best thing you can do. Turn it on, make sure it's all working as it should be.
If the console isn't working, return it to where you bought it and get a replacement, then check if one works!
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6
Set up the console and update it
Once you know the console is working, don't rush to back it up. Let's finish setting it up! Go through the initial setup and create an account.
It's best if you do this so that you have the login details, rather than expecting your child to remember these important details.
next, Connect it to your internetand most importantly, Update it. This can usually be found under the Settings menu under System Update, or some words to that effect.
System updates can take an incredibly long time, especially if your internet isn't that fast You'll save your child a chunk of time on Christmas Day By doing this in advance for them.
5
Add parental controls
Depending on your child and their age, You want to set up parental controls on the console so you have more control over what content they can access and what games they can play.
Depending on the console you buy, we have helpful guides explaining how to set up parental controls:
4
Install the games
You've probably bought a game or two to go with that console, and so you can save time on the big day by installing it beforehand.
Game installations can also take a long time, therefore Pop in the disc or cartridge to installAnd when that's done, that's it Check to see if the games need an update Also. Now that you've done that, the console is ready to play as soon as you unbox it! Trust me, they'll be so glad they can plug it in and play right away.
Before you take the game out of its plastic wrapper, it might be a good idea Double-check the age rating on it and see if it's appropriate for your child.
If you're unsure about a certain game and why it's rated, you can Google it to see what earned it this certification and see other parents' opinions on it.
3
Choose online subscriptions and lockdown payment settings
Many consoles have their own types Subscription ServiceAnd within those, sometimes the price you pay and what you get in return. It's by no means necessary, but it can be nice, so it's worth looking into.
Most of the time, consoles offer a free trial – so it's always worth taking it for a test spin to see how much you'll actually use it. I recommend not accepting the test until Christmas, though, so you don't waste valuable testing time.
Check out the online subscription for the console of your choice and you want to check it out. Often, you will find Access to a selection of games, exclusive dealsAnd sometimes, subscriptions are required for online play as well.
If you put your payment details on the console to buy a subscription or game, make sure you go into settings to set a PIN code for payments so your kids can't spend without your authorization.
My son once spent over £100 on minecraft when he was very young… we should have added a PIN sooner…
The last thing you want is for the kids to argue on Christmas Day. It could possibly happen, but you can at least try and minimize it by making sure no one is left out. If you have Purchased a console for more than one childYou probably want to Invest in a second controller so they can play together.
You don't always have to buy the most expensive official controller; There are many third-party controllers that are very affordable options. Just be sure to check out the reviews and check if it's the right controller for your needs.
1
What other accessories do you need?
There are usually other accessories that are worth wrapping under the tree along with your console and games. For example, If you buy a handheld Like Nintendo Switch 1/2 or Steam Deck A carrying case is highly recommended to keep it safe.
If you have purchased an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|SI recommend investing in either Buying rechargeable batteries or a Play and Charge kit (console-specific rechargeable battery that takes the place of AA batteries), in the long run, it will save you money instead of replacing batteries all the time.
Thumb grips are another great little stocking filler accessory. Not only do they protect the rubber on a controller or handheld console, but you can buy special ones that help you aim in FPS games.
Headsets are a great addition For any budding gamer, and they will help them chat with their teammates. Just be sure to check the specs you're looking at, as not all headsets work with all consoles and some only offer chat audio instead of chat and game audio. Do your research.
While memory cards don't exist as much as they used to, as all modern consoles now have built-in memory, if you've bought a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, a microSD card or microSD Express card (for the Switch 2) isn't a bad idea, as those game installations can take up a lot of space.
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