New video game console aims to get kids moving

By Decode Today News

A new entrant in the video game console market is challenging conventional wisdom by prioritizing active play over cutting-edge graphics. The Nex Playground, a distinct cube-shaped machine from US technology firm Nex, is set to launch in the UK and Ireland on June 22, promising to transform children's screen time into a dynamic, full-body experience. Its unique approach, which ditches traditional controllers in favor of AI-powered body tracking, has already made waves in the competitive gaming industry, particularly after an impressive performance during Black Friday 2025 in the United States. David Lee, chief executive of Nex, emphasizes that the Playground's design philosophy is centered on encouraging movement among children. The console utilizes a built-in wide-angle camera and artificial intelligence to track 18 points on a player's body, translating their physical movements directly into on-screen actions. This innovative system allows users to interact with games using their hands, feet, and entire body, aiming to combat concerns around passive screen time that continue to vex parents and policymakers globally. The concept of motion-controlled gaming is not entirely new, with Nintendo's pioneering Wii console having launched back in 2006. However, Nex Playground distinguishes itself by foregoing handheld controllers entirely, offering a more immersive and unencumbered physical experience. Its unexpected success in the US market, where research firm Circana reported it as the third best-selling console during Black Friday 2025 – even outselling Microsoft's formidable Xbox Series S and X – signals a significant demand for this alternative approach to digital entertainment. The device, which launched in the US and Canada in December 2023, has now surpassed a million lifetime units sold, demonstrating a growing appetite for its unique offering. Upon its launch in the UK and Ireland, the Nex Playground will be available for £269 (€319). While five starter games are included free of charge, access to the console's full library of over 60 titles, including popular kid-friendly tie-ins like Peppa Pig, requires a subscription. A yearly game subscription is priced at £90, with a quarterly option at £45. This subscription model, while initially a point of "biggest hesitancy" for some parents like Nick from Louisiana, who has had the device for his three and five-year-old children for six months, is seen as reasonable when compared to the cost of individual games for other platforms. "When you consider the fact that a single Switch game costs about $70 or $80, it's really not too egregious," Nick observed. Brian, a parent from Philadelphia, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I do think there's plenty of value here, especially when you consider the dollars per hour of this activity versus many others." Parents who have already adopted the Playground commend its user-friendliness. Corey, a parent from North Carolina with children aged seven and four, remarked that "The initial set-up was extremely smooth, and the interface is simple and easy." The console's camera quickly configures itself to the playing area, making it adaptable to various living room sizes. During a hands-on trial, the system allowed for slicing virtual fruit in Fruit Ninja with bare hands and hitting notes in the rhythm game Starri to the tune of A-ha's "Take On Me." While some initial games felt akin to "tech demos," according to Corey, others offered more substantial gameplay. The subscription model, he noted, "lets me not worry about any of that and just dive into whatever my family wants to explore." However, the camera tracking technology, a core component of the Playground's appeal, received mixed feedback. Brian from Philadelphia felt it was sometimes "a little lacking" and less precise than older motion-gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect. Despite this, the experience was largely positive, with the console proving capable of delivering active fun. The full "Play Pass" subscription notably includes a dedicated "Health & Fitness" category, featuring daily Zumba workouts complete with an on-screen instructor. This feature provides a convenient way to get a full-body workout at home, offering a compelling alternative to traditional gym classes. Privacy is a paramount concern for any device featuring a camera in the home, especially one marketed to children. David Lee of Nex stressed that player privacy is the "number one priority." He explained that "The camera is only for tracking motion; we don't save the video anywhere; it is processed in real time, locally on the device, rather than in the cloud." To further ensure safety and compliance, the Playground boasts a kidSAFE+ COPPA certification, indicating adherence to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a US law safeguarding personal data from children under 13. The console also includes a physical lens cover for the camera, and parents can customize game access based on their children's age appropriateness. The Nex Playground positions itself as "an alternative to passive or open-ended digital entertainment" in response to "a growing national conversation around children's screen time habits." While children using the device are still looking at a television screen, parents like Nick view its active gaming as a valuable "compromise to have them get up and moving." Parents reported their children typically play for half an hour to an hour per session, often using the games as a structured transition into other activities. Brian noted that while the Playground meant "compromised on increased screen time," the games fostered active play in a way that typical cartoons or movies could not. While the Nex Playground may not directly compete with major consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, which had sold over 17 million units by the end of 2025, its performance and unique focus carve out a distinct niche in the gaming market. Chris Scullion, deputy editor of Video Games Chronicle, who bought the cube seven months ago for his daughter, believes the device will likely never "realistically challenge" the sales figures of market giants. However, he highlights the system's "clear family focus" as making it "a more compelling offer" for parents seeking a modern equivalent to the beloved Wii Sports or Wii Fit. The console's strong sales over Black Friday demonstrate its ability to capture a significant segment of the family gaming audience. The company's ambitions extend beyond traditional console sales. Nex recently announced a multi-year partnership with Wrexham AFC, a move that will integrate Nex branding into the club's kit sleeves, fan activations at the Racecourse Ground, and community programming. This strategic collaboration suggests that Nex Playground's long-term success might stem not from a direct rivalry with established gaming giants, but from a broader initiative to redefine how families interact, play, and spend quality time together through technology. This holistic approach could see the Playground become a significant player in the evolving landscape of digital entertainment and active lifestyle technology.

Redefining Family Play

The launch of the Nex Playground in the UK and Ireland signifies a compelling moment in the evolution of video games. At a time when conversations about screen time and children's activity levels are more critical than ever, Nex offers a tangible solution that merges digital engagement with physical movement. Its commitment to privacy, combined with an accessible subscription model and a growing library of family-friendly content, positions it as a thoughtful alternative within the gaming industry. As Nex expands its reach and integrates into wider community initiatives like its partnership with Wrexham AFC, the Playground could set a new standard for how technology fosters active, connected experiences for families worldwide. The journey of this innovative console will be a key indicator of where the future of active home entertainment is heading.

Decode Today News

Ads

Breaking News

New video game console aims to get kids moving