Setting up your gaming console
PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch — here’s what to plug in, what account to use, and how to get your saves and games back.
First switch-on
Plug into your TV and a power outlet. Most consoles need a system update on first boot — it can take 5–30 minutes depending on the console and what version you’re on. Plug into wired Ethernet if you can, it’s a lot faster than Wi-Fi for that first download.
Disc-edition consoles (PS5 disc, Xbox Series X) — the drive is fine, but it may be quiet on first power-up. Pop in any disc to test before settling in.
Signing into your PlayStation account
On PS5 / PS4, go to Settings → Users and Accounts → Sign In. If you already had a PSN account, sign in with that — all your purchased games and saves come back automatically (cloud saves require PS Plus on PS4).
If you don’t have an account, create one — it’s free, and you need one for online play, PS Store, and trophies.
Signing into Xbox / Microsoft account
On Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, sign in with your Microsoft account during setup. All your purchased games and saves come back automatically (cloud saves are free on Xbox).
If you have Xbox Game Pass, your subscription follows the account — no extra setup needed.
Linking your Nintendo account
On Switch, create a User profile and link it to your Nintendo account via System Settings → User → Link Nintendo Account. Your eShop purchases and cloud saves (Nintendo Switch Online required) come back this way.
Restoring saves and games
- PlayStation: Cloud saves require PS Plus. Without it, you’ll need to transfer saves from your old console via USB or LAN cable.
- Xbox: Cloud saves are free — they appear automatically when you sign in.
- Switch: Cloud saves require Nintendo Switch Online and only work for supported games. Otherwise transfer the local save data using a system transfer.
Pairing controllers
Controllers we ship sync to the console automatically when first plugged in via USB — connect with a cable for 30 seconds and they’ll pair. After that, they connect wirelessly.
- PS5 / PS4: hold PS + Share / Create button to enter pairing mode.
- Xbox: hold the small pair button on the top of the controller until the Xbox button flashes fast.
- Switch Joy-Con / Pro Controller: hold the small sync button on the side until lights run back and forth.
