PS5 - new user with no idea - help!

[Woollyhat]

Hi,

My last console was a NES, which came with Mario, Tetris and a football game on a single cartridge in about 1991.

I’ve just bought a PS5 for my kids, and wondered what I will need to do when it is unboxed. I’m more thinking updates, accounts, family settings etc (kids are 6-8). I got a second controller and a controller charger when I bought it, and picked up a few games (Ratchet and Clank, Minecraft, Sing, Dance and a racing game).

I don’t want to spend Christmas Day battling downloads and wondering how I’m supposed to actually login etc - things were simpler in my day!

Also, what subscriptions would people recommend - and any games for youngsters, maybe like Zelda or Final Fantasy type adventure / puzzle games.

Any help appreciated!

[Spiral]

It's basically idiot-proof. There's an initial setup, lust like with laptops, where you need to create an account and link it to your console. Just follow the instructions. If you don't already have a Playstation account you'll need to create one (through the console set-up) and it'll prompt you to do that in the setup. You might also have to link a credit or debit card to the account for the purpose of purchasing online subscriptions (to play against other players and to access other services), or for buying and downloading games. Have a laptop or phone at hand because you'll probably need to verify the account by email. There will be a bunch of updates that happen automatically when you connect to the Playstation network, so definitely do this before Christmas day, but there may also be a bunch of updates for the games themselves, too, so after you've got the initial setup out of the way stick all the games in to see if you can get to the front menu of the games, and if there are any updates available it'll prompt you. These shouldn't take too long, but again, best to do it before Christmas day.

The subscriptions come in different tiers, but you have to pay for online play. Not since the PS3 has online play been free. I think they chuck a game or two every month with the different Playstation Plus subscriptions. Which tier you go for (if you go for it at all) will depend how many games you want a month.

[Bosscat]

It's basically idiot-proof. There's an initial setup, *lust like with laptops, where you need to create an account and link it to your console. Just follow the instructions. If you don't already have a Playstation account you'll need to create one (through the console set-up) and it'll prompt you to do that in the setup. You might also have to link a credit or debit card to the account for the purpose of purchasing online subscriptions (to play against other players and to access other services), or for buying and downloading games. Have a laptop or phone at hand because you'll probably need to verify the account by email. There will be a bunch of updates that happen automatically when you connect to the Playstation network, so definitely do this before Christmas day, but there may also be a bunch of updates for the games themselves, too, so after you've got the initial setup out of the way stick all the games in to see if you can get to the front menu of the games, and if there are any updates available it'll prompt you. These shouldn't take too long, but again, best to do it before Christmas day.

*So able to view porn then

[wilks_bfc]

Can’t comment specifically on the PS5, but I would definitely try to set up before hand to at least do the inevitable software update and create accounts.

I know that when I got the chance to play on the PS3 I had, there was always an update, that took an age to do, and by the time it was done I couldn’t be bothered

[claretburns]

The info supplied by Spiral is spot on. I would also add once the original set up is done, the ps5 will still have updates on a normally weekly basis but if you have a good internet connection (much better via ethernet cable than wifi) then these future updates should be done with 10 minutes of being turned on.

[turbo5]

My lad 15 (lives on his ) I think it's attached to him.
Have you bought the disk version (means you can use disks to play games watch films etc) or the digital version where everything has to be streamed and downloaded.
Then you have monthly subscriptions for the playstation network (PSN) or playstation plus one gives you access to play games online against other people, storage Etc the other gives you free games every month to download.
Just make sure you have internet access and HDMI connections. the controllers may need charging. The all process of setting up creating accounts, verification, etc can take a while. I am no experts but I would look online on google on basic instructions on what you need etc

[Spiral]

By the way, if you don't have a Playstation account (it doesn't sound like you do), in the process of setting up an account you're going to be asked what you want your gamertag to be. This is like this forum's username, so in my case, 'Spiral'. This is the name that will be publicly visible to other players if you or your kids play online. You can't really ask them what they want their gamertag to be without spoiling the surprise for them that they're getting a PS5, so you have to either do the setup on Christmas day and let them choose their own gamertag, or you go for one you think they'll like and do the setup before Sunday. I'm not 100% sure if you can change your gamertag once it's linked to an account. Don't put your own name, nor your kids names in the gamertag.

[Spiral]

I know kids are impatient, but if I were a kid I think I'd rather have to wait a bit on Christmas day for the setup and get a gamertag I like.

[Taffy on the wing]

*So able to view porn then

Even Nuns watch porn.....according to the Pope.

[Notsosuperstevedavis]

They’ll be happy enough just playing what you’ve bought them to need to even contemplate subscriptions this side of the new year I’d suspect.

The only time they’d need a subscription is if they had a mate down the road they wanted to play with at the same time.

Failing that the games you’ve got will play just fine

PS5 updates dont take half as long as the PS4 updates used to.

Dont worry about the ‘hassle’ and just let them enjoy the surprise.

[Bosscat]

Even Nuns watch porn.....according to the Pope.

I'm having Nun of that .. Nick Pope would never blaspheme like that even after moving to Newcastle Utd

[GodIsADeeJay81]

You can set it all up with one username, then install the games you've got so it's ready to go, just don't pay for the online part yet.

I think you only need to pay for online access one account on the console, which is handy.

[KRBFC]

You can set it all up with one username, then install the games you've got so it's ready to go, just don't pay for the online part yet.

I think you only need to pay for online access one account on the console, which is handy.

Handy as long as you remember to remove the debit card, kids will click buttons and figure out how to get V Bucks on your card.

[Hurstwood_Claret]

It's basically idiot-proof. There's an initial setup, lust like with laptops, where you need to create an account and link it to your console. Just follow the instructions. If you don't already have a Playstation account you'll need to create one (through the console set-up) and it'll prompt you to do that in the setup. You might also have to link a credit or debit card to the account for the purpose of purchasing online subscriptions (to play against other players and to access other services), or for buying and downloading games. Have a laptop or phone at hand because you'll probably need to verify the account by email. There will be a bunch of updates that happen automatically when you connect to the Playstation network, so definitely do this before Christmas day, but there may also be a bunch of updates for the games themselves, too, so after you've got the initial setup out of the way stick all the games in to see if you can get to the front menu of the games, and if there are any updates available it'll prompt you. These shouldn't take too long, but again, best to do it before Christmas day.

The subscriptions come in different tiers, but you have to pay for online play. Not since the PS3 has online play been free. I think they chuck a game or two every month with the different Playstation Plus subscriptions. Which tier you go for (if you go for it at all) will depend how many games you want a month.

All this and
- set up your account before hand. Just punch into google PlayStation account setup.
- if your kids are young, use parental controls. They are very good, far better than Xbox
- I have the top subscription for PS. £30 every 3 months. Highly recommend.
I also have EA play, £20 per year. Incredibly good value for the amount of games .

[Woollyhat]

Thanks everyone - really appreciate the advice.

I’ll get it out if the box and do the updates etc, and get the controllers charged. I’m sure they’ll be excited, but the parental controls sound good - I don’t want them to be able to play it too much!

I have now signed up for a PS account (on my phone, not unboxed the console yet) and I think there is an offer on for the initial subscription, so I think I’ll go for the most comprehensive package for the first year and see how it goes.

No doubt I’ll be back for more top tips, but thank you so far.

Final ask is about games that are suitable for younger children - any fairies out there? I went for the disc edition, so PS4 games are in scope too.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Minecraft is massively popular, my 7yr old loves it, she plays it on 3 different platforms

Best thing is to just ask your kids what they want to play, they'll know and just make sure they're age appropriate.


Keep well away from Call of Duty, GTA etc.

[jedi_master]

Thanks everyone - really appreciate the advice.

I’ll get it out if the box and do the updates etc, and get the controllers charged. I’m sure they’ll be excited, but the parental controls sound good - I don’t want them to be able to play it too much!

I have now signed up for a PS account (on my phone, not unboxed the console yet) and I think there is an offer on for the initial subscription, so I think I’ll go for the most comprehensive package for the first year and see how it goes.

No doubt I’ll be back for more top tips, but thank you so far.

Final ask is about games that are suitable for younger children - any fairies out there? I went for the disc edition, so PS4 games are in scope too.

Not sure how old your kids are, but a few suggestions from me that I’m sure would cater to most ‘kid’ ages:

Sonic Frontiers
Lego Star Wars
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Spider-Man
Sackboy: A Big Adventure

If they’re into football then FIFA 23 is the obvious choice too, if they want a racing game maybe something like the new Need for Speed too.

[jedi_master]

Not sure how old your kids are, but a few suggestions from me that I’m sure would cater to most ‘kid’ ages:

Sonic Frontiers
Lego Star Wars
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Spider-Man
Sackboy: A Big Adventure

If they’re into football then FIFA 23 is the obvious choice too, if they want a racing game maybe something like the new Need for Speed too.

I’m thick, just seen your first post said 6-8!

My daughter is 5 and she absolutely loves playing Disney Dreamlight Valley, if that helps!

[Jellybean]

Lego city undercover is a great game for this age group, got us through the lockdown periods!

Also played an RPG called Journey which we all enjoyed, very atmospheric. Human fall flat is great fun, and rocket League is played a lot!
Gang beasts and Fall Guys also highly recommended