Gaming console setup in Exeter
Professional gaming console setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Gaming console fully set up. Connected to TV, internet working, account logged in, ready to play. PlayStation, Xbox, Switch - all done properly.
Christmas Present Causing Stress
Bought a PlayStation 5 for the kids? Exciting. Except you've opened the box and there's cables, updates, account creation, WiFi passwords, and the TV is showing "No Signal" despite everything being plugged in.
Modern consoles are brilliant when they're working - but getting from "unopened box" to "actually playing a game" involves HDMI troubleshooting, internet connection, account creation (with payment details and parental controls), game downloads that take hours, and system updates nobody told you about.
💡 Pro tip: New consoles always have massive system updates first time you turn them on. This can take an hour or more before you can play anything. It's normal, just annoying.
Common Setup Problems
| ✅ Set Up Properly | ❌ What Usually Happens |
|---|---|
| TV showing console picture | "No Signal" despite cable plugged in |
| Connected to internet | Can't find WiFi or wrong password |
| Account created and working | Confused by multiple account types |
| Games downloading | No idea how to get games onto it |
| Parental controls configured | Kids can access/buy anything |
What I sort out:
- HDMI connection to TV (right input, right settings)
- Internet connection (WiFi or ethernet)
- Account creation/login (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Account)
- System updates (download and install)
- First game setup (disc or digital download)
- Parental controls if needed
- Controller pairing
- Subscriptions explained (PS Plus, Game Pass, etc)
- Basic usage training
What's Included
🎮 Complete Console Setup
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Connect | HDMI to TV, power, controllers paired |
| Internet | WiFi or ethernet configured |
| Account | Create new account or login existing |
| Updates | Download and install system updates |
| Games | Get first game downloading/installing |
| Training | Show you how to use it all |
📦 You're Left With
- Console ready to play
- Internet connected and working
- Account set up properly
- Understanding of how to get more games
- Parental controls if needed
Pricing
| Setup Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic setup (console, internet, one account) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Full setup (multiple accounts, parental controls, games) | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Troubleshooting existing console | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Time varies with system updates and number of accounts needed.
Perfect For...
✅ Christmas/birthday present - Want it working before giving it
✅ Not tech-savvy - Just want kids playing, not reading manuals
✅ Multiple accounts - Family sharing or separate kid accounts
✅ Existing console not working - Can't get online or something broken
Why Choose Us for Gaming console setup in Exeter?
Connected to TV with HDMI working
Internet connected (WiFi or ethernet)
Account created and logged in
Games downloading, ready to play
What to Expect
Step 1: Physical Setup
I connect console to TV via HDMI (and sort out any "No Signal" issues), plug in power, pair controllers. Get picture showing on TV first.
Step 2: Internet & Account
Connect to your WiFi (or run ethernet cable if preferred). Create account or log into existing PlayStation Network/Xbox Live/Nintendo Account. This involves email, passwords, security questions.
Step 3: Updates & Games
Download system updates (this can take ages, I'll warn you). Set up parental controls if it's for kids. Get first game downloading. Show you how store works, how to buy/download more games, basic console operation.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to set it up yourself? Here's the process:
🔌 Physical connection
- HDMI cable from console to TV
- Power cable to wall socket
- Turn on console and TV
- Select correct HDMI input on TV (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc)
- If "No Signal", try different HDMI port or different cable
📡 Internet connection
- WiFi: Go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection
- Enter WiFi password carefully (case sensitive)
- Test connection
- Ethernet: Just plug cable from router to console (easier, faster)
👤 Account creation
- PlayStation: Need email address, password, date of birth
- Xbox: Same, plus "gamertag" (username)
- Nintendo: Email, password, Nintendo Account created
- Payment method optional (credit card for buying games)
⚙️ System updates
- Console will prompt for update on first use
- This can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on speed
- Don't turn off during update
- Required before playing online games
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Using wrong HDMI input on TV
- WiFi password wrong (it's case sensitive)
- Turning off console during system update
- Not understanding difference between console account and subscription (PS Plus, Game Pass)
- Forgetting account password immediately after creating it
- Kids using adult account (no parental controls)
💡 Pro trick: If you're setting up for kids, create a main adult account first, THEN create child accounts linked to it. This lets you control what they access, spending limits, and playtime. Much easier than trying to add parental controls later.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎮 Subscriptions explained: PlayStation Plus (PS5), Xbox Game Pass (Xbox), Nintendo Switch Online - these are optional subscriptions for online play and free games. You don't NEED them to use the console, but online multiplayer requires them. I'll explain options but choice is yours.
Disc vs Digital: Games come on disc (buy from shop, insert in console) or digital (download from store). Digital is convenient but takes ages to download and can't be resold. Disc games still need installing/updates though.
Storage space: Modern games are HUGE (50-100GB each). Consoles come with limited storage. If you plan to download loads of games, you might need external storage eventually. I'll advise if that's needed.
Controller charging: PlayStation and Xbox controllers need charging (USB cable). Switch controllers charge while attached to console. I'll show you how to charge them.
4K and HDR settings: If you've got a 4K TV, console should auto-detect and use it. Sometimes needs enabling in console settings. I'll check this during setup for best picture quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What consoles can you set up?
All of them - PlayStation (4/5), Xbox (One/Series X/S), Nintendo Switch, even older stuff like PS3 or Xbox 360 if needed. The process is similar: connect to TV, internet, create/login to account, start downloading games. I've done hundreds.
Will you set up my accounts and parental controls?
Yes - I create accounts (or log into existing ones), set up PlayStation Plus/Xbox Game Pass if you have it, configure parental controls if it's for kids, and get first game downloading. All explained so you know how to use it.
Can you set it up even if I don't know the WiFi password?
I'll need the WiFi password to connect to internet - without it the console can't download games or play online. It's usually on a sticker on your router. If you really can't find it, ethernet cable is alternative (if router is nearby).
Is this for new consoles or can you help with one I already have?
Both. New console setup from the box, or troubleshooting existing console that's not working properly. Sometimes people have a console but can't get online, or don't understand the account system. I sort whatever the issue is.
Will you help me buy/download games?
I'll show you how the store works, help you redeem codes if you have them, and get first game downloading. Buying games is your choice - I just make sure you know how to do it yourself. And yes, I explain digital vs disc versions.
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