The wrapping paper is scattered across the floor, the box is open, and that distinct “new electronic” smell is wafting through the room. Whether you finally got your hands on a PlayStation 5—perhaps even the powerful Pro model—or the massive Xbox Series X, you’re officially part of the current generation. It’s a great feeling. But before you dive headfirst into a massive open-world adventure or a high-stakes competitive shooter, you should take a few minutes to get the “boring” stuff out of the way.
The initial setup is usually pretty quick, but the default settings aren’t always the best for your specific display or your privacy. Taking a moment now means you won’t have to pause your game later to fix a flickering screen or an annoying notification. The following steps will help you ensure your new console is running optimally.
1. Use Mobile Apps for Setup
The very first thing you should do—even while the console is still pulling its first massive system update—is download the official PlayStation or Xbox app on your phone. While adding another app to your phone might feel like a chore, it makes the initial setup significantly less painful.
Typing in long, complex passwords or email addresses using a controller and an on-screen keyboard is frustrating. With the apps, you can usually just scan a QR code on your TV screen to sign in. Beyond that, these apps are actually useful later on. You can use them to start game downloads while you’re away from home or to manage your storage when you realize you don’t have enough space for a new patch. It’s just easier.
2. Optimize Your Visuals
Modern consoles are smart, but they cannot always predict your hardware capabilities. They try to guess what your TV can handle, but they often leave performance on the table. If you have a TV that supports 4K and HDR, you need to make sure the console is actually using those features correctly.
On the PS5, head into Settings, then Screen and Video. You’ll want to look at the “Adjust HDR” section. This is crucial because it calibrates the brightness levels specifically for your screen. If you have a 120Hz display, make sure “120Hz Output” is set to Automatic. On the Xbox side, go to General, then TV & Display Options. Make sure you check the “4K TV Details” to see what your TV supports. If “Allow 4K” or “HDR10” isn’t checked, you’re missing out on the best possible visual experience.
Also, a quick tip for your TV itself: make sure “Game Mode” is turned on. It reduces input lag, which is the delay between you pressing a button and the character moving. Without it, everything might feel a little “mushy” or slow.
3. Secure Your Privacy and Account
Security is vital for protecting your digital library. The first thing you should do once your account is live is enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Both Sony and Microsoft have had issues with account security in the past, and you don’t want to lose your library because of a weak password. Use an authenticator app if you can; it’s safer than SMS codes.
Then, take a look at your privacy settings. By default, these consoles often share a lot of data about what you’re playing and for how long. If you don’t want others seeing that you’ve spent forty hours on a niche dating sim, you can change your “Online Status” and “Gaming History” to private. You should also check who can send you messages. Setting this to “Friends Only” is a great way to avoid unwanted messages from salty opponents in multiplayer games.
4. Download Essential Apps
Your console is more than a gaming machine; it’s probably going to be the central hub for your living room. Before you spend a dime on games, grab the must-have free software.
For communication, Discord is now fully integrated into both platforms. It’s much better than the built-in party chats, especially if your friends play on different systems. For media, the usual suspects like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ are obvious, but don’t forget Spotify or Apple Music. Both consoles allow you to play music in the background while you game, which is perfect for grinding in an RPG or driving around in a racing game.
If you’re on PS5, make sure you don’t delete Astro’s Playroom. It comes pre-installed and serves as a fantastic tech demo for the DualSense controller. It’s actually a great game in its own right, and it’s completely free.
5. Manage Power and Storage Settings
Finally, decide how you want your console to “sleep.” Both systems have an “Instant-On” or “Rest Mode” that allows the console to download updates while it’s turned off. This is a lifesaver, as it means you’ll rarely have to wait for a patch when you sit down to play.
However, this does use more electricity. If you’re trying to keep your power bill down, you might prefer the “Energy Saver” mode, though it means you’ll have to wait through a longer boot-up sequence each time.
Also, take a quick peek at your storage settings. New games are massive. If you have an old external USB hard drive from your previous console, you can plug it in now. While you can’t play the newest PS5 or Xbox Series X games directly from an old drive, you can store them there to save space on the internal SSD. It’s much faster to move a game from a USB drive to the console than it is to download it all over again.
What was the first game you booted up on your new console? Or did you spend your first three hours just browsing the store? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and the latest gaming news!
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Sources:
- www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-get-started-guide/
- www.support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/getting-started-set-up/set-up-new-series-x-s-console
- www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/ps5-xbox-series-x-settings-to-change/
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