Nex, a US-based technology company, is shaking up the gaming landscape with its exciting new console, the Nex Playground, which is set to launch in the UK and Ireland on 22 June. Unlike traditional gaming devices that focus on high-end graphics and intricate hardware, this cube-shaped console is all about encouraging children to get off the sofa and move. By using advanced AI technology and a built-in camera, the Nex Playground replaces conventional controllers with body movements, making physical activity a central component of play.
A Game-Changer for Active Entertainment
The Nex Playground has already made waves in the US, emerging as the third best-selling console during Black Friday in 2025, astonishing industry experts by outselling even the popular Xbox Series S and X. While motion-controlled gaming is not a new concept—thanks to pioneers like Nintendo’s Wii—parents and policymakers remain concerned about the increasing screen time among children. The Playground aims to address these worries by providing an engaging alternative that promotes physical activity while still allowing kids to enjoy gaming.
Pricing and Subscription Model
With a retail price of £269 (€319) upon its UK launch, the Nex Playground comes bundled with five starter games to entice users. However, to access the full library of over 60 games—including exciting collaborations with beloved characters like Peppa Pig—a subscription is necessary. A yearly subscription is priced at £90, while a quarterly option costs £45.
Parents who have already adopted the Playground in the US shared mixed feelings about the subscription. Nick from Louisiana, whose children are aged three and five, admits the recurring cost was a concern initially, but he has come to see it as a reasonable investment compared to the price of single games on other platforms. “Considering a single Switch game can set you back $70 or $80, it’s not too bad,” he noted. Similarly, Brian from Philadelphia, who purchased the console for his six-year-old son, expressed that the value it offers—especially in terms of active engagement—makes the subscription worthwhile.
Setting Up for Success
Setting up the Nex Playground is a breeze, according to users. Corey, a North Carolina parent, praised the intuitive interface and seamless initial setup for his children, aged seven and four. The console utilises AI and a wide-angle camera to track 18 points on the player’s body, translating their movements into an on-screen avatar. Although some users, like Brian, have noted that the tracking can feel less precise compared to older systems like the Wii or Xbox Kinect, the overall experience remains engaging.
During my own hands-on testing of the Playground, I was impressed by how quickly the camera adjusted to my living space. I found myself slicing through virtual fruit in Fruit Ninja and attempting to keep up with the rhythm in the music game Starri. While some games felt a bit simplistic, the overall variety allowed for an enjoyable experience. Corey expressed that the subscription model alleviates any worries about game quality, enabling families to explore a wide range of options without hesitation.
Safety and Privacy at the Forefront
In an age where privacy concerns are paramount, Nex is prioritising player safety. David Lee, the company’s CEO, reassured users that the camera is solely for motion tracking, with no video footage being saved or processed in the cloud. The Playground boasts a kidSAFE+ COPPA certification, ensuring compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which regulates how children’s data is handled. Additionally, the console includes a lens cover and parental controls for managing game content.
Balancing Screen Time with Active Play
The Nex Playground positions itself as a solution to the ongoing debate surrounding children’s screen time. While users still interact with a television screen, the console encourages movement and physical activity, providing a compromise that many parents appreciate. Users reported that their children typically engage with the console for 30 minutes to an hour per session, often using it as a transition into other activities or as structured playtime.
Brian observed that while the device might increase screen time, it simultaneously promotes active play in ways that traditional cartoons or movies cannot. I also noticed a mix of low and high-intensity games within the starter pack, with some requiring only minor arm movements while others demanded more vigorous full-body participation. The extended game library even includes a specific “Health & Fitness” category, featuring activities like Zumba workouts led by an on-screen instructor.
A Family-Friendly Future
Despite not being a direct competitor to major gaming consoles, the Nex Playground has proven its commercial viability, achieving over a million units sold since its launch in December 2023 in the US and Canada. Chris Scullion, deputy editor of Video Games Chronicle, highlighted that while the Playground may not rival the Nintendo Switch 2, which has sold over 17 million units, it offers a compelling alternative for families seeking a modern twist on classics like Wii Sports and Wii Fit.
As part of its UK and Ireland launch strategy, Nex has also secured a multi-year partnership with Wrexham AFC. This collaboration will integrate Nex branding into the club’s kit sleeves, host fan events at the Racecourse Ground, and engage in community programming. The success of the Nex Playground could very well hinge on its ability to foster family connections and encourage active play, rather than simply competing in the console war.
Why it Matters
The introduction of the Nex Playground marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, challenging conventional notions of entertainment by blending physical activity with digital play. As concerns around children’s health and screen time continue to grow, products like the Playground could play a pivotal role in reshaping family dynamics and encouraging a more active lifestyle. By prioritising movement, Nex is not just launching a console; they are redefining how families engage with technology and each other in an increasingly digital world.
