In a world where gaming often leads to sedentary lifestyles, the Nex Playground is breaking the mould. Set to launch in the UK and Ireland on 22nd June, this innovative cube-shaped console is designed to encourage physical activity among children by swapping traditional controllers for body movements. With a focus on fun, fitness, and family engagement, the Nex Playground is already making waves, having sold over a million units in North America since its debut in December 2023.
An Exciting New Player in the Gaming Arena
Forget about jaw-dropping graphics and high-octane action—Nex, an American tech firm, is bringing something refreshingly different to the gaming landscape. According to David Lee, the company’s chief executive, the Nex Playground aims to promote an active lifestyle for kids by leveraging motion-tracking technology powered by artificial intelligence and built-in cameras. The console has already gained traction in the US, astonishing industry analysts by ranking as the third best-selling console during Black Friday 2025, even outperforming the Xbox Series S and X.
While motion-controlled gaming isn’t novel—remember the Nintendo Wii?—the Nex Playground presents a unique approach to the ongoing debate about children’s screen time. To find out if this console can genuinely encourage kids to get moving, I reached out to parents who have already embraced it in the US, and I also took it for a spin myself.
Pricing and Subscription Model Explained
Priced at £269 (€319) upon its UK release, the Nex Playground offers five starter games for free. However, to unlock the full potential of its library of over 60 games, users will need a subscription. The annual fee is set at £90, while the quarterly option costs £45. Despite initial hesitations about the subscription model, parents like Nick from Louisiana have found it to be a reasonable investment. “When you consider that a single Switch game costs about $70 or $80, it’s really not too egregious,” he noted. Brian from Philadelphia echoed this sentiment, stating, “There’s plenty of value here, especially when you think about the dollars per hour of activity compared to other options.”
Easy Setup and Engaging Gameplay
Setting up the Nex Playground is a breeze, according to parents like Corey from North Carolina, who found the interface user-friendly right from the get-go. The system employs AI and a wide-angle camera to track 18 body points, creating a digital avatar that mirrors the player’s movements. While some parents, including Brian, noted that the camera tracking could sometimes feel less precise compared to older technologies like the Wii or Xbox Kinect, it generally performed well in a compact living space.
During my test run, I sliced through flying fruit in Fruit Ninja and danced along to A-ha’s classic “Take On Me” in a rhythm game. Many games felt like engaging tech demos, while others provided more substantial play experiences. As Corey aptly put it, “The subscription lets me not worry about any of that and just dive into whatever my family wants to explore.”
Privacy is a primary concern for Nex, and Lee assured that the camera only tracks motion without saving any video data. The console boasts a kidSAFE+ COPPA certification, ensuring compliance with regulations regarding children’s online privacy. Parents can also use features to restrict access to certain games or music, adding an extra layer of control.
Balancing Screen Time with Active Fun
The Nex Playground positions itself as an alternative to traditional passive entertainment, entering the dialogue around children’s screen time habits. Parents I spoke with reported that their kids typically played for 30 minutes to an hour, often using the console as a bridge to other activities. Brian admitted that while they compromised on increased screen time, the engaging nature of the games was far superior to that of standard cartoons or films.
Did I break a sweat? In the initial starter pack, three games required minimal arm movement, but the rhythm game and mini-games encouraged full-body engagement. The subscription also features a dedicated “Health & Fitness” category, including daily Zumba sessions led by an on-screen instructor. While I might not have mastered every move, it definitely got me moving more than a traditional gym class would.
A Family-Centric Approach with Growth Potential
While the Nex Playground may not directly compete with major consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2— which has sold over 17 million units by the end of 2025—it has carved out a niche for itself. With its recent sales performance, the company is poised to appeal to families seeking a modern twist on the classic Wii Sports or Wii Fit experience.
To bolster its family-friendly image, Nex has announced a multi-year partnership with Wrexham AFC, incorporating Nex branding into the club’s kit sleeves and engaging fans through community programmes. If this venture proves successful, the Nex Playground could find its greatest success not just as a gaming console but as a catalyst for family bonding and active play.
Why it Matters
The Nex Playground represents a significant shift in how we think about gaming and physical activity. By prioritising movement over passive screen time, it offers a compelling option for parents looking to encourage healthier habits in their children. As the conversation around children’s screen time continues to evolve, the Nex Playground could play a pivotal role in redefining what it means to connect through gaming—making it not just a pastime, but a pathway to a more active and engaged lifestyle for families everywhere.
