Nex Playground Review: The Affordable Family Console
â–¼ Summary
– The Nex Playground is an affordable, family-friendly gaming console focused on motion-controlled games using a high-quality ultra-wide camera and AI motion engine.
– It is a compact, easy-to-set-up device with a library of over 40 approachable games, though most require a Play Pass subscription and are designed for short play sessions.
– The console’s technical performance is modest, with visuals reminiscent of older mobile or Wii games and occasional frame rate issues, but its motion controls are highly effective.
– Priced at $249 MSRP, it is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to mainstream consoles and reportedly outsold the PS5 and Xbox Series X during one week in November 2025.
– Its game library is varied and includes licensed titles for children, fitness games, and party games, all certified as kid-safe with no online play capabilities.
For families seeking an engaging, active gaming experience without the complexity or high cost of mainstream consoles, the Nex Playground presents a compelling and affordable alternative. This compact, camera-controlled system focuses on quick-play, motion-based games that are simple to pick up and surprisingly intuitive. While it doesn’t compete with the graphical prowess or deep libraries of a PlayStation or Xbox, it carves out a unique niche by making gaming accessible, safe, and fun for younger players and group gatherings.
Think of the Nex Playground less as a traditional console and more as a dedicated living room toy box. Its primary goal is to get people moving with minimal setup. You plug in the HDMI and power cables, and you’re essentially ready to go. The included remote handles navigation, but the real magic happens in front of the device’s ultra-wide camera, which uses an advanced AI motion engine to track your movements. This approach recalls the spirit of the Nintendo Wii but with modern, camera-based technology that requires no controllers to hold.
The value proposition is clear from the start. For a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $249, and often found on sale for $199, you receive the console and a starter pack of five games. These include full versions of familiar titles like Fruit Ninja and Whack-a-Mole, which effectively showcase the system’s capabilities. To access the full library of over 40 titles, a Play Pass subscription is required, priced at $49 for three months or $89 for a year. This subscription model won’t appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer to own games individually, but it does provide a steadily growing catalog.
The game variety is a significant strength, thoughtfully segmented for different age groups from preschool to around ten years old. The content is universally family-friendly, bolstered by a kidSafe+ COPPA certification and a complete lack of online play, which offers parents considerable peace of mind. You’ll find active party games, light fitness options like Nex Fitness, and even titles with light RPG elements such as Sword Slash Adventure. Popular licensed characters from shows like Bluey, Peppa Pig, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are also present, providing immediate appeal for younger children.
It’s important to manage expectations regarding performance. The internal hardware, featuring an Amlogic A311D2-NOD CPU and a Mali-G52 GPU, is sufficient to drive games at up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second, but the visual style is deliberately simple. The graphics often resemble higher-resolution Wii games or polished mobile titles from the early 2010s, with low-poly models and basic lighting. This isn’t a system for cutting-edge visuals or ray tracing. Some games, particularly in chaotic moments with lots of on-screen effects, can experience noticeable frame rate dips.
However, where the Nex Playground truly excels is in its core interactive experience. The camera and motion-tracking technology is impressively responsive and accurate. Swinging an imaginary tennis racket in Tennis Smash or drawing back a virtual bow in Arrow Party feels satisfying and precise, demonstrating how far camera-based controls have evolved. The system’s portability is another plus; its small, cube-shaped design and light weight make it easy to move from room to room, with an optional carrying case available.
So, who is this console for? It’s an excellent choice for parents seeking an affordable, safe, and active gaming option for their children. It’s perfect for playdates, family game nights, or short bursts of fun that encourage physical movement. The simple setup means almost anyone can get it running without frustration.
Conversely, it’s not the right fit for gamers seeking lengthy, narrative-driven adventures or technical visual showcases. The games are designed for short sessions, and the required subscription for the full library may be a barrier for some. If you prioritize owning games outright or demand high-fidelity graphics, you’ll want to look at more traditional consoles.
When placed beside alternatives, the Nex Playground’s unique focus becomes even more apparent. The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a far broader library of deep, traditional games and a versatile hybrid design, but at a higher entry cost. The Xbox Series S provides access to a vast catalog of modern and classic games through Xbox Game Pass, representing a different kind of value focused on conventional gaming. The Nex Playground doesn’t try to beat them at their own game; instead, it offers a specialized, motion-focused playground that successfully makes gaming approachable and physically engaging for a younger, family-oriented audience.
(Source: TechRadar)
