Open the settings menu before you play anything

Most people skip straight to 'play'. We've learned to visit the settings menu first, and it's changed how much we enjoy new games.

Start with graphics. Capping the frame rate or picking a medium preset keeps the phone cool during long sessions, and on a small display you rarely lose anything worth keeping.

Then audio and motion. Muting a repetitive soundtrack and reducing camera shake or flashy animations makes many games far more comfortable — and often more readable, too.

Finally, check for accessibility toggles: high-contrast modes, larger text, colorblind palettes. Games that bother with these usually got the same care everywhere else. Spend two minutes here and the next two hours will be better.