Virgin Media offers gamers a helping hand as The Nintendo Switch 2 lands at Virgin Media Gamepad

• Virgin Media Gamepad, the ultimate gaming destination at The O2 in London, has today welcomed the addition of the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 console, allowing gamers to play the system with friends for free
• Virgin Media broadband and O2 mobile customers can book a slot to play the new console in The Cave – Gamepad’s exclusive VIP gaming lounge. Slots are also available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis
• New research shows that gamers spend an additional two hours gaming each day when they get a new game or console, on top of their average three to four hours of daily gaming
• To help gamers play without limits at give them the tools to perform their best – with over half of gamers unsure how to properly prepare for a gaming session (52%) – Paul Holmes, from Olympus Physiotherapy, will be at Virgin Media Gamepad on Friday 6 June to offer free hand massages and physiotherapy advice

Friday 6 June, 2025: Virgin Media Gamepad – the ultimate gaming destination at The O2 in London – has today installed the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 into The Cave, allowing gamers to enjoy the new console with their friends in its VIP lounge.

New research, commissioned by Virgin Media, reveals that gamers typically play an additional two hours gaming each day when they get a new game or console, on top of their average three to four hours of daily gaming.

With 72% of gamers spending more time than usual following a console launch, Virgin Media is helping gamers better prepare for longer gaming sessions, with over half (52%) feeling unsure of how to set up for success and properly warm up.

2 in 10 gamers also feel they could improve their gaming performance if they had insight in how to best physically prepare, so to give gamers a power up, physiotherapist Paul Holmes, from Olympus Physiotherapy, will be at Virgin Media Gamepad on Friday 6 June, offering free hand massages and consultations designed to help them play on.

Paul Holmes has also shared his top tips to help gamers across the nation reach their maximum potential:

• Warm-Up Your Digits: Just like any physical activity, a quick hand and wrist warm-up can prepare you to play. Gentle stretches like wrist rotations, finger flexes and extensions for even just a couple of minutes can make all the difference.
• The 20-20-20 Rule… For Your Body Too! Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to stand up, stretch tall, look away from the screen, and give your hands and legs a shake; it’s not only great for your circulation, but for keeping your gaming sharp too.
• Ergonomics is Key: Pay attention to your posture. Sit comfortably, with your wrists in a neutral position as much as possible. Ensure your setup supports your arms and wrists to avoid strain.
• Flex Your Wrists: When taking breaks, you can do a quick wrist stretch to keep the blood flowing. Extend one arm straight out, palm facing up. With your other hand, gently pull your fingers down towards your body and hold for 30 – 45 seconds. Repeat with your other hand.
• Listen to Your Body: If you start to feel discomfort, don’t just push through it. Take a proper break. The game will still be there! A light stretch of the neck or legs and gentle massage of the forearms and hands can help alleviate tension.

A spokesperson for Virgin Media O2 said: “The launch of a new console like the Nintendo Switch 2 is a massive moment for gamers, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer them the chance to get their game on and try it for free at Virgin Media Gamepad. Gaming is a great way to unwind, connect with friends and explore new worlds, and it deserves properpreparation and care so gamers can get the most from their gameplay. That’s why we’ve partnered with Specialist Physiotherapist, Paul Holmes, to offer complimentary hand massages and consultations to help gamers play without limits and focus on the thrills of the new console.”

Paul Holmes, Owner & Specialist Physiotherapist at Olympus Physiotherapy, London said: “The excitement of a new console often means gamers spend more hours than usual gaming in one go, and there’s some easy ways they can set themselves up for a successful gaming session. I’m really excited to partner with Virgin Media and to be at Gamepad, helping gamers with some advice and on-the-spot relief so they can enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 to the fullest and maintain healthy gaming habits.”

Virgin Media broadband and O2 mobile customers eager to be among the first to experience the next generation of Nintendo gaming can book their free slot in The Cave via the Priority app. Limited walk-in slots will also be available each day for the public.

Virgin Media Gamepad is open seven days a week and open to all, between the hours of 2pm to 7pm (excluding Christmas Day).

As well as the The Cave, gamers can enjoy areas including The Playground – equipped with 16 of the latest Xbox consoles and The Stage – Gamepad’s state-of-the-art livestreaming studio.