So, you were good enough this year that Santa dropped a PlayStation 4 down the chimney or your loved one bought you the best next-gen console for a special occasion.

What now? Where does one begin with such a powerful, versatile machine?

Buy a Big Game

It’s obviously the place to start. With all the fun things your PS4 can do, it will be first, foremost, and last a video game-playing experience for most of you.

Let’s say you didn’t get one of those bundle packs with games already included and literally have nothing to play. Where should you begin? We have a list of the best video games to buy to get you started playing and making the most of your PS4.

Download a Small Game

You’re going to need to become friend with the PlayStation Network (PSN), and there’s no better way to do so than to start shopping.

The PSN is essential to the PS4 experience. Sony has designed this machine to be a social experience, whether it’s in multiplayer combat, leaderboards, or social sharing of videos and screenshots. It will all come naturally as you experience the online portions of each game individually.

First, you should take whatever free game Sony is offering through PlayStation Plus right now. Prepare yourself for something new every month. You should also take the time to make your PS4 download faster, and then dive into a few games that don’t come with your PlayStation Plus membership.

  • Child of Light is a role-playing game that follows the journey of Aurora, who travels to the world of Lemuria.
  • Zen Pinball 2 is a classic, fun arcade game (no quarters required!) in a Star Wars theme.
  • The Walking Dead is a thrilling, addictive game that takes place not long after a zombie apocalypse.
  • Tales From the Borderlands is like a Choose Your Own Adventure video game full of twists and turns.
  • The Wolf Among Us is based on Bill Willingham’s comic book series “Fables" and closely follows the lives of several famous fairy tale characters.
  • Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama video game that follows along with the hit namesake TV show.

Set Up Your Entertainment Options

The TV/Video Services on the PS4 are robust and plentiful, easily serving as replacements for cable for an increasing number of people. You can access almost all of your favorites through the PS4 with quick app downloads, and most of them come with free trials.

Hook It Up to the Rest of Your House

Your PS4 can serve as an entertainment portal for many of your electronics.

If you have photos on your laptop or music you’d like to stream from it, that’s possible too, although the Wi-Fi speed needed for it to be seamless can be a bit much.

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