Thinking of investing in the latest next gen consoles? Both the new PS5 and Xbox are now available to purchase. However, the question is, are you ready to get the most from next gen consoles?

Here, we’ll look at some of the steps you should take to ensure you have the best setup.

Have you got a 4k TV?

One of the main things you’ll need to enjoy the new graphics of the next gen consoles, is a 4K TV. While the new consoles boast 8K resolution, very few TVs actually come with this capability. You’ll also find that most games offered on the new consoles only allow for 4K graphics. So, don’t waste your money looking for an 8K TV just yet, a 4K model will work just as well.

Upgrading your components

As well as a good quality TV, you might need to upgrade your components too. For example, to get a boost in performance with the new console, you’ll need an HDMI 2.1 connection. You’ll find most TVs come with a 2.0 connection, so check which one you have before upgrading.

You can also upgrade your connectors for better performance. Taking a look at the technical specs of the new consoles will help you to see which components need upgrading. Just remember, you won’t be able to get the very best out of the next gen consoles for at least a year.

Backing up your games

Both the new Xbox and the PlayStation allow backwards compatibility. This means you’ll get to play your old games on the new consoles. However, it’s a good idea to keep all of your older games on a separate external hard drive.

You’ll find a lot of advice online showing you how to do this. Transferring games to a drive is a slightly different process on the PlayStation than it is on the Xbox. By keeping the games on the external hard drive, it frees up space on the console, providing much better performance. You’ll also have all of your games ready to play directly on the drive. It also allows you to take it with you when you’re travelling.

Overall, if you want to get the best from the new consoles, it’s important to understand their specs. Is your current set-up designed to get the most out of the latest graphics and performance? If not, you might want to upgrade before you invest in these next gen consoles.