New video game console aims to get kids moving

A new video game console, the Nex Playground, is set to launch in the UK and Ireland on June 22, prioritizing physical movement over cutting-edge graphics. The company behind the device, US tech firm Nex, aims to encourage children to be more active through its unique approach to gaming.

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But when you consider the fact that a single Switch game costs about $70 or $80, it's really not too egregious.

The cube-shaped console ditches traditional controllers, instead utilizing AI and a built-in camera to track players' body movements. This motion-controlled gaming concept, while not entirely new, arrives amid ongoing parental and political concerns about children's sedentary screen time. The Nex Playground's innovative design aims to offer an engaging alternative.

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I do think there's plenty of value here, especially when you consider the dollars per hour of this activity versus many others.

Despite its relatively low profile, the Nex Playground made a surprising impact in the U.S. market. Research firm Circana revealed it was the third best-selling console during Black Friday 2025, surpassing sales of the Xbox Series S and X. This suggests a strong consumer interest in its active gaming proposition.

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The initial set-up was extremely smooth, and the interface is simple and easy.

When it launches, the Nex Playground will cost £269 (€319). While it includes five starter games, access to its library of over 60 games, including those featuring popular characters like Peppa Pig, requires a subscription. Yearly subscriptions cost £90, with quarterly options at £45. Parents who have used the console in the U.S. find the subscription model offers good value when compared to the cost of traditional console games.

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The camera tracking technology sometimes felt "a little lacking" and less precise than older motion-gaming systems such like the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect.