For millions of parents, the daily battle over screen time is exhausting. Kids glued to sofas, thumbs flicking controllers, bodies still for hours. A new console launching this June promises to change that — by making movement the only way to play.
What is the Nex Playground and how does it work?
The Nex Playground is a cube-shaped console priced at £269 (€319) that plugs into any TV. Unlike traditional consoles that require handheld controllers, this system uses AI-powered cameras to track players' full-body movements. To score points, kids must jump, dodge, dance, or stretch in real time.
The console launches on 22 June in the UK and Ireland. Pre-orders are already open through the company's website and select retailers.
Why this matters for families struggling with screen time
Childhood obesity rates in the UK have risen sharply, with one in three children leaving primary school overweight or obese. Sedentary screen time is a major contributor. The Nex Playground directly addresses this by turning TV time into active play — no gym, no outdoor space, no expensive equipment required.
For parents in apartments or areas with limited outdoor play options, this could be a practical solution. The console works in small living rooms and requires no special setup beyond a clear space in front of the TV.
How Nex Playground differs from Nintendo Wii and other active consoles
The Wii popularised motion gaming in 2006, but required handheld remotes. The Xbox Kinect (2010) offered controller-free play but was discontinued. Nex Playground's key difference is its AI-powered tracking that detects individual body parts — fingers, feet, head — without any wearable device.
The console also includes a built-in camera with privacy features: no video is stored or uploaded, and the system processes movement data locally. This addresses a major concern parents had with camera-based gaming systems in the past.
Who is this console for? Real-world impact on children
The target age is 5–12 years, though older kids and adults can also play. Early testers reported that children who normally resist outdoor play or sports were more willing to participate because the activity felt like a game, not exercise.
One parent tester noted: "My 8-year-old played for 45 minutes without realising she was exercising. She was sweating and laughing — something I never see with her regular console."
Official response and company background
Nex Playground is developed by a UK-based gaming startup that previously focused on educational apps. The company states the console underwent 18 months of testing with over 500 families. They claim the AI can track up to four players simultaneously, making it suitable for siblings or playdates.
In a press statement, the company said: "We wanted to create a console that parents feel good about buying. One that doesn't require nagging or timers to get kids moving."
What games are available at launch?
The console ships with five pre-installed games, including a dance challenge, an obstacle course, a sports simulation, a memory-movement hybrid game, and a multiplayer party mode. Additional games will be available for purchase through the console's digital store, priced between £5–£15 each.
The company has announced partnerships with children's fitness brands to develop more titles throughout 2025.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed: Launch date 22 June 2025. Price £269 UK / €319 Ireland. Cube-shaped design. AI motion tracking without controllers. Pre-orders open now.
Unclear: Global release timeline beyond UK and Ireland. Long-term game library depth. Durability of the camera sensor. Whether the AI works accurately in low-light conditions. Privacy audit by independent third parties has not been published.
Company moat: Why Nex Playground matters in the gaming market
The active gaming market has been underserved since Microsoft discontinued Kinect in 2017. Nintendo's Switch offers some motion play but still requires handheld controllers. Nex Playground's moat lies in its controller-free AI tracking, its focus on children's health, and its timing — as parents globally seek screen time solutions post-pandemic.
The company also benefits from first-mover advantage in the dedicated active console space, with no direct competitor at this price point.
Risks and balanced view
Not all experts are convinced. Some child development specialists argue that outdoor, unstructured play remains superior for physical and social development. Others question whether the £269 price point is accessible for lower-income families who may need this solution most.
Privacy remains a concern. While the company states no video is stored, the presence of a camera in a child's play area requires ongoing transparency. The company has not yet submitted to independent privacy audits.
There is also the risk of novelty wearing off. If the game library doesn't expand quickly, children may lose interest within months.
Wider trend: The rise of active gaming and hybrid play
The Nex Playground is part of a broader shift toward hybrid play — blending digital entertainment with physical activity. The global active gaming market is projected to grow at 12% annually through 2030, driven by parental concern over childhood obesity and screen addiction.
Similar products include the Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch and VR fitness platforms like Supernatural. However, Nex Playground is the first dedicated console designed specifically for children aged 5–12.
Practical guidance for parents considering the purchase
Before buying, parents should measure their living room space — the console requires at least 2 metres of clear space between the TV and players. The system works best in rooms with consistent lighting. Parents concerned about privacy can position the console to face away from windows or doors.
For families with multiple children, the four-player tracking is a strong selling point. However, each additional player reduces tracking accuracy slightly.
Future outlook
If successful, Nex Playground could expand to other markets by late 2025. The company has hinted at partnerships with schools and after-school programmes. A subscription model for unlimited game access is reportedly under consideration.
However, the console faces competition from smartphone-based active games and the rumoured next-generation Nintendo console, which may include enhanced motion tracking.
Our take
The Nex Playground addresses a genuine problem: how to get screen-obsessed kids moving without constant parental intervention. At £269, it's not cheap, but it's cheaper than many extracurricular activities. The real test will be whether the game library keeps children engaged beyond the first month. If the company delivers regular, high-quality content, this could become a staple in family living rooms. If not, it risks becoming another gadget gathering dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nex Playground console?
It's a cube-shaped gaming console launching 22 June 2025 in UK and Ireland at £269. It uses AI motion tracking to let kids play games by moving their bodies — no controllers needed.
How does Nex Playground get kids moving?
The console's camera tracks full-body movements. To play games, children must jump, dance, dodge, and stretch. The AI detects individual body parts and translates movement into in-game actions.
Is Nex Playground safe for children's privacy?
The company states no video is stored or uploaded. Movement data is processed locally on the console. However, no independent third-party privacy audit has been published yet.
What age group is Nex Playground designed for?
The console is designed for children aged 5–12, though older kids and adults can also play. The games are designed to be accessible for young children while challenging enough for pre-teens.
