Millions warned not to make huge PS5 and Xbox mistake – it could ruin Christmas day

ATTENTION gamers and their loved ones: don’t let a simple mistake ruin Christmas.

If you’re buying a new console for December 25, there’s something you have to do first.

There’s nothing worse than opening a new console on Christmas Day and realising that you probably won’t be playing any games for a while.

That’s because consoles usually need a lot of time to get set up properly.

For a start, your PS5 or Xbox will almost certainly need some very large software updates straight out of the box.

And if you’ve got a PS5, you’ll probably need to update your DualSense controller too.

Then once that’s done, you’ll then need to get some games.

It can take hours just to download a single game – and then more time to get it installed.

All of this can really suck the fun out of a Christmas morning.

So if you’re going to buy someone a Sony or Microsoft console for Christmas (or you’re gifting one to yourself) then make sure you set it up ahead of time.

“During the excitement, it’s easy to forget to get things set up before you wrap that big present,” a Sony blog post explains.

“I remember when my children were younger and I needed to assemble a bike for my daughter’s Christmas presents.

“I’d put it off for days, but setting aside an evening was actually much easier than I had imagined.

“The thought of getting your game console set up can be similar but is just as important so your child can jump on it and have fun safely as soon as it’s unwrapped.”

How to set up a console as a gift

Setting up a console as a gift is actually very simple.

That’s because you’ll be guided through most of the process as soon as you plug the console in and turn it on.

Remember: if you want to fully set it up, you’ll need the login details of the gamer you’re buying it for. They might not want to share that.

It’s a little easier if it’s someone’s first console – which may be the case if you’re buying it for a child – as you can make an account for them.

But ultimately, you could just make a temporary account for yourself to get the software updates done, and then log out once the lucky recipient opens the gift.

Bear in mind that if you install digital games on your own account, they won’t be able to play them on theirs.

So if you buy a game digitally, make sure you only do that on the recipient’s account.

Even if you install a game from a disc, that will only install it on your account.

Once you’re done installing software updates, place the console back in its box and get it wrapped for Christmas morning.