In an era where children are often glued to screens, the Nex Playground is making waves by promoting physical activity through gaming. Set to launch in the UK and Ireland on 22 June, this innovative cube-shaped console pivots away from traditional controllers, instead leveraging body movements and AI technology to engage players. With a strong debut in the US, where it captured the attention of families and topped sales charts during Black Friday 2025, the Nex Playground is poised to reshape how kids interact with video games.
A New Way to Play
The Nex Playground, developed by the American tech company Nex, aims to inspire children to get up and move through a diverse array of games that require physical activity. David Lee, the company’s CEO, emphasised the console’s focus on movement rather than high-end graphics or hardware. The device benefits from a built-in camera that tracks players’ movements, creating an interactive experience that feels fresh yet familiar—a nod to the motion-controlled fun that first captivated audiences with Nintendo’s Wii back in 2006.
What sets this console apart is its unique approach to gaming, combining the thrill of play with the benefits of exercise. Lee remarked that the Nex Playground’s design is a response to growing concerns about children’s sedentary lifestyles, aiming to encourage a healthier balance between screen time and physical activity.
Pricing and Subscription Model
Upon its UK release, the Nex Playground will retail for £269 (€319). This price includes five complimentary starter games, but to unlock the full catalogue of over 60 titles—including exciting partnerships with beloved franchises like Peppa Pig—a subscription is necessary. The annual game pass costs £90, while a quarterly option is available at £45.
Parents have expressed mixed feelings regarding the subscription model. Nick from Louisiana, a father of two, admitted that the subscription was initially a concern. However, he quickly realised that compared to the price of individual games for other consoles, the value offered by the Playground was quite compelling. Brian from Philadelphia echoed this sentiment, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the subscription when weighed against other forms of entertainment.
Easy Setup and Engaging Gameplay
Setting up the Nex Playground is reportedly straightforward, with users praising the intuitive interface. The console employs a wide-angle camera that tracks 18 points on the player’s body, creating a digital avatar that responds in real-time. While some parents noted that the tracking technology isn’t quite as precise as older systems like the Xbox Kinect, it still provides a fun and engaging experience.
I had the opportunity to try out the console and found it surprisingly immersive. The camera adapted quickly to my living space, allowing me to slice through flying fruit in a game reminiscent of Fruit Ninja and hit notes in a rhythm game that had me grooving to A-ha’s classic, “Take On Me.” Although some games felt more like tech demos than fully realised experiences, the variety offered by the subscription was a significant plus, allowing families to explore together without the worry of additional costs.
Privacy Concerns Addressed
Given the console’s reliance on a camera, privacy is understandably a top concern for parents. Lee reassured potential buyers that player privacy is paramount for Nex. The camera is designed solely for motion tracking, with no video data stored or processed in the cloud. Additionally, the Playground has received the kidSAFE+ COPPA certification, ensuring compliance with regulations aimed at protecting children’s online privacy.
For added security, the console comes with a lens cover, and parents have the ability to restrict access to certain games or content, offering peace of mind as their children engage with the device.
The Screen Time Debate
While the Nex Playground presents a dynamic alternative to passive digital entertainment, it doesn’t entirely eliminate screen time. Nick pointed out that although players will still be looking at a screen, the console encourages a more active form of engagement compared to traditional video games. Many parents reported that their children typically play for 30 to 60 minutes at a time, often using the console as a bridge to other activities.
For those worried about screen time, the Playground’s “Health & Fitness” category offers workouts like Zumba, complete with a virtual instructor guiding movements—a convenient option for busy families looking to incorporate fitness into their lives without the hassle of going to a gym.
A Growing Success Story
Though the Nex Playground may not directly compete with heavyweights like the Nintendo Switch, its sales performance is impressive. Since the console’s launch in December 2023, it has surpassed one million units sold in the US and Canada. As Chris Scullion, deputy editor of Video Games Chronicle, noted, while the Playground may not rival the Switch in sheer volume, its family-centric focus makes it a compelling option for parents seeking a modern equivalent to Wii Sports or Wii Fit.
In conjunction with its UK launch, Nex has announced a multi-year partnership with Wrexham AFC, aiming to integrate Nex branding into the club’s kit and foster community engagement. This collaboration could further solidify the Playground’s presence in family entertainment, showing that it’s more than just a console—it’s a movement toward healthier play.
Why it Matters
The Nex Playground is not just another gaming console; it represents a significant shift in how families can approach playtime. As concerns about childhood inactivity continue to rise, this innovative device offers a fun and engaging way to encourage children to get moving while still enjoying the digital worlds they love. By merging physical activity with interactive gaming, the Nex Playground stands to redefine family entertainment, making fitness a natural and enjoyable part of play.