The gaming landscape is about to change with the upcoming release of the Nex Playground, a groundbreaking cube-shaped console set to hit the shelves in the UK and Ireland on 22 June. Priced at £269 (€319), this innovative system aims not just to entertain but to motivate children to get active.
A New Way to Play
Unlike traditional gaming consoles that rely on handheld controllers, the Nex Playground uses advanced AI technology and a built-in camera to track players' movements. This approach allows kids to engage in gameplay that transforms their body movements into action on-screen, making exercise a fun part of their gaming experience.
A Surprising Success
The console, developed by the US tech firm Nex, quickly gained popularity, emerging as the third best-selling console during Black Friday sales in 2025, even surpassing established competitors like the Xbox Series S and X.
Subscription Model: What to Expect
When the Nex Playground launches, it will come bundled with five starter games at no extra cost. However, to access its full library of over 60 games—featuring beloved characters from shows like Peppa Pig—players will need a subscription. The subscription model offers flexibility:
- Annual subscription: £90
- Quarterly subscription: £45
Parents in the US have voiced mixed feelings about the subscription cost. For instance, Nick from Louisiana noted initial hesitance due to the price, but he later concluded that it remains a worthwhile investment compared to purchasing individual Switch games.
Easy Setup for Family Fun
The setup process is user-friendly, allowing families to start moving right away. The console employs a wide-angle camera that tracks 18 points on the player's body to create an avatar, enabling immersive gameplay experiences. Some users, however, noted that the tracking could be somewhat less precise compared to older systems, but overall feedback has been positive.
Prioritizing Privacy
Understanding the concerns surrounding technology and children, Nex CEO David Lee emphasized player privacy as a top priority. The camera only processes motion data locally—without storing videos—and adheres to kidSAFE+ COPPA certification, ensuring compliance with laws protecting children's online privacy.
Balancing Screen Time with Active Play
The Nex Playground positions itself as a healthy alternative to traditional screen time, encouraging kids to get up and move rather than being sedentary. Parents reported that their children typically engage with the console for about half an hour to an hour, often using it as a playful transition into other activities. While the console might not completely eliminate screen time, it provides a physical component to gaming that aligns with parents’ desires for a more active lifestyle.
Conclusion
The Nex Playground is set to redefine how kids interact with gaming. By blending fun and fitness, this innovative console could be a game-changer for families seeking balance in today’s digital age.
Source: BBC News - Technology
