You know how you can make someone’s Christmas or Boxing Day? By giving them that game system they always wanted.
Sure, it could be a chore to track down, particularly if it’s a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. But the look on the faces of your loved one – old and young alike – would be worth it when they unwrap the system and get eager about what they can play first on it.
But if you’re buying a game system, there’s a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before you stick it under the tree. With that, here are five tips on how to make the gift even better, since you can get ready and avoid any setbacks.
1. Open It and Make Sure It Works
While it can be said that most systems work fine out of the box, you never know if there’s going to be any sort of setback. Look at the PlayStation 2 when it launched, and how some people even needed to flip it upside down to get it to work properly. (Weird, right?) So, yes, it doesn’t hurt to actually take it out of the box and make sure it’s properly tested. Does it turn on? Is the controller okay? Does everything work with the picture and sound?
You can always wrap it back up like new once you’re done, put it back in the box and, trust us, they’ll barely notice as they’re ripping it open themselves. (Unless you forgot to delete that Skyrim game save. Nice move, dummy.)
2. While It’s Open, Check For Updates
The next important step is making sure that the system has all its proper day-one updates. On Christmas Day, you might be running into all sorts of server problems, since everyone else is likely updating their system as well. Beat the holiday rush and update it beforehand while you have it open, then repackage it and stick it under the tree. That way, you’ve got it all set to hook up and play. No waiting!
3. Got More Than One Kid? Get More Controllers
Sure, the system may be for all the kids in general (or college buddies or girlfriends or whatever), but the thing you need to keep in mind is that there’s only one controller with the system, for the most part. So that means you’re going to need more controllers. While you’re out purchasing the system, go ahead and fork over that extra cash and get a second one. Or even a third or a fourth if it’s a Nintendo Switch and you’re looking to dominate in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You’ll thank us later when there are less people waiting to game.
4. You Might Want To Include a Game If You Can
Having a game system is nice, but it’s absolutely pointless if there’s not a game included with it. What are your kids gonna do, stare at the menu screen and dream of what they want to play? No. You need games. Fortunately, there are some great deals that include some freebies, such as a free digital copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Nintendo Switch. And so many titles are marked down right now, it’s not that big a deal at all to pick up two or three must-play games (maybe ones your kids requested?) to go along with it. You’ll thank us later when they’re screaming in joy over their games, rather than wondering what they’re going to play on it.
5. Don’t Forget To Be Excited Yourself
Look, part of the joy of giving a system to someone this holiday season shouldn’t be going entirely their way. Take the moment and soak it in. You went to great lengths to get them this hardware and the games and controllers along with it; and as much of a hit that it takes on your wallet, you’re getting essential happiness from the person you gave it to. Maybe your girlfriend will love you forever over the fact you got her Luigi’s Mansion 3. And we have yet to see kids complain about enjoying a round of Sonic Frontiers. So, yeah, indulge and be happy. You’ve made their day, and the look on their face shows that yours should be the same.
And if you need further proof of this, enjoy the classic Nintendo 64 unwrapping video below.
You’re welcome.
Want to really make your day and win a game system for free to give to your loved ones? That’s where we come in with our special giveaway!
