Which first console to give as a gift
For most people new to video games, the console to give is a Nintendo Switch 2, with one easy game to start. If the person mainly enjoys puzzle, word and card games, you may not need a console at all: a game for the phone or tablet they already own is a smaller gift that suits them better.
Four questions to ask before you buy
You can often answer these without spoiling the surprise.
- What do they enjoy now? Someone who plays word games on their phone may be happy with more phone games. Someone who enjoyed bowling on a Wii years ago will feel at home with a Switch 2.
- Who will they play with? If grandchildren visit, pick the console the grandchildren know, or one with family games for the same sofa.
- Where will they play? The Switch 2 plays on the TV and also in the hands, like a large phone. A PS5 or Xbox plays on the TV only.
- Do they have a TV with a spare HDMI socket? A console connects to the TV through it. Our first console checklist shows where to look.
Which console suits which person
| If the person | Give | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Is new to games and wants to play on the TV | Nintendo Switch 2 | Most of the easiest games we rate play on Nintendo Switch |
| Plays with grandchildren | Nintendo Switch 2 | Up to four people can play many of its family games on one screen |
| Mainly enjoys puzzles, words and cards | A game for their phone or tablet | They already know how to use the device |
| Loves films and wants big story games | PlayStation 5 | It plays large story games that look and feel like films |
| Wants to try many games before choosing | Xbox Series S | A monthly Game Pass subscription gives access to a library of games |
Our best console for seniors guide compares costs, and the console chooser gives a suggestion from a few questions.
What to put in the box with it
A console on its own has nothing to play. Add one game, chosen for a beginner. These are gentle starting points on the Switch 2:
- Nintendo Switch Sports, if they enjoyed Wii Sports or like to keep active.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, if they will play with family. Turn on Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate and the game keeps them on the track.
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, if they like cards and board games.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons, if they would enjoy a calm daily visit to their own island.
The Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Con 2 controllers. If they will often play with someone else, check the game’s page for how many controllers it needs, and add one if it needs more. One accessory catch: the leg strap for Nintendo Switch Sports football and the Ring-Con for Ring Fit Adventure need the original Switch Joy-Con.
Set it up before you give it
A new console asks for a Wi-Fi password, an account, a system update and often a game download before anyone can play. That can take a while, and it is the part a new player finds hardest. If you can, do it first:
- Charge the console and the controllers.
- Connect it to Wi-Fi and download the system update.
- Create their account, or sign in to yours if they would rather.
- Download the first game and start it once.
- Turn on a PIN for purchases in the parental controls or family settings, so nothing gets bought by accident.
- Make the text larger if the system and the game allow it.
Leave the receipt in the box, so they can exchange it if it does not suit them.
If you are unsure, start smaller
A phone or tablet game shows you whether they enjoy games before you spend a few hundred dollars. Our video game gifts for someone who has never played suggests games by what they already enjoy.
Next steps
- Take the console chooser with them in mind.
- Read the Switch 2 guide for costs and what to know before you buy.