We’re gradually starting to think about holiday shopping. For those of you who love video games, Sony and Microsoft have released a new version of their consoles. The PlayStation 5 Pro is an enhanced version of the PS5, and you can read more about it over here. As for Xbox consoles, we’ve seen the launch of the new Xbox Series X and S consoles, offering an increased storage capacity.
If you’re buying a new gaming console this year, here are a few points to consider to enhance the experience of the person you’re gifting it to.
Which model to choose?
First of all, you need to decide whether you want a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series or Nintendo Switch console. All three types of console have their own distinct advantages, including games that are exclusive to them. For example, everything to do with Super Mario Bros., Animal Crossing and Pokémon belongs to Nintendo. On Xbox, you’ll find Forza Motorsport, Age of Mythology and the forthcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. PlayStation, meanwhile, is the exclusive console for Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Last of Us and the recent Until Dawn.
First steps for software installation
Once you’ve bought your console, there are a number of steps to take before you can start playing. If you’re buying a console for a family member, it’s best to prepare the console in advance so that they can play it as soon as it’s out of the box. So, connect it to the Internet and create a user profile. Then complete the set-up steps, including installing the software updates required to get it up and running. You can create additional user profiles for each player at a later stage.
Plan for an additional controller
For a household, I’d say this is an essential step. There should be one controller for each player in the household. Many multiplayer games allow you to play at the same time, rather than taking turns. So, whether you’re playing with others or alone, it’s a good idea to have at least a second controller. Usually, the Nintendo Joy-Con battery and the Xbox controller batteries last a long time. However, the PlayStation DualSense controller is quicker to run down, despite its good overall battery life. Having a second, charged controller means you can continue playing without having to wait.
Other useful accessories
For hassle-free operation of a new game console, there are a few useful accessories to consider. As far as controllers are concerned, a charging station will ensure that you always have a fully charged controller to start playing. And for Xbox controllers that require AA batteries, there are specially designed rechargeable batteries. I’ve got one at home, and I couldn’t do without it!
For Nintendo Switch, consider getting a microSD card to add extra storage for downloadable games. From experience, I’d recommend choosing a well-known brand. SanDisk has a range of microSD cards in Nintendo colors. They look great, so they make ideal gifts! For PlayStation and Xbox, an external hard drive will add space for downloading games, which are getting bigger every year. On PlayStation 5, you can install a PS5 game on the console’s internal drive to play it, but PS4 games can be launched easily from the external drive. Console settings even offer the option of dividing up game downloads in this way.
Another must-have accessory is a good pair of headphones. Modern games use surround sound for immersive adventures. With a good pair of headphones, not only do you block out the other members of the household, but you also enjoy unparalleled immersion.
Another popular accessory for racing game fans is, of course, a racing wheel with pedals. With these, you’ll feel more engaged in the game, whether it’s Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport or any other console car racing game.
A subscription to the console’s online service
If your favorite gamer is playing with friends online, they need a subscription for their console. These enable you to play the game in multiplayer mode, enabling people to get together virtually and play together. Each console offers advantages with its online gaming subscription. Sony offers free games every month with PlayStation Plus. The brand also offers a list of virtual games available to subscribers, as does Microsoft with Xbox Game Pass. Fans of Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch Online will be delighted by a list of retro games.
Prepare the console that will delight your favorite gamer
As you can see, buying a gaming console involves a careful thought process. Once you’ve made up your mind, follow these tips to help you get started. Then, all that’s left to do is to enjoy your favorite games!
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