• [Dailystar Icon]
• Tech
• Gaming
• Video games

Must-try tip will make your Christmas gaming better so you don't miss out on big day

If you're looking to give the gift of gaming this Christmas, there's one major thing you can do to ensure things run smoothly on the big day get everything updated

[People playing video games at Christmas]

Avoid disappointment and update your console now

If you're giving the gift of gaming this Christmas, we hope you've been using our gift guides to select the perfect gift but more on those shortly.

This time around we've got our top tip for parents, family, or partners picking up a console for that special someone, something that keeps the fun coming and doesn't hit pause for players.

Here's what you need to do this Christmas if you haven't already.

Make sure you update your console before Christmas Day

[Man and son opening presents]

Plug it in, update, and then wrap it up

If you've picked up a console for a lucky loved one this year, there's one thing you need to ensure you do plug it in before the big day, and download any updates the console requires.

Sadly, these days consoles struggle without an internet connection, meaning your shiny new gift is as useful as a paperweight until you've downloaded assorted updates.

All consoles (and PCs) need them, but on particularly busy days like Christmas, servers can grind to a halt with all new players logging in, essentially causing a traffic jam for the updates.

Getting your new console purchase updated nice and early, before wrapping it up, is a great way to avoid that and it saves on having to find the Wi-Fi password on the big day, too.

The good news is that whichever console you pick up, 2025 is shaping up nicely. While Nintendo Switch 2 is expected, the console will be backward compatible with current Switch titles, so you can start building a library.

Meanwhile PlayStation owners can look forward to Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2, and Marvel's Wolverine, while Xbox players will be able to enjoy South of Midnight, Avowed, and the return of Fable.

Third-party titles include Monster Hunter Wilds, and, if reports are to be believed, Grand Theft Auto 6 but we're still waiting for the next trailer.

For more of our recommendations for Christmas, check out our gaming guides for:

• Xbox
• PlayStation
• PC
• Nintendo Switch

Be sure to check out our rundown of the biggest gaming Christmas wants over the last decade, too.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.