A novel video game console designed to get children moving is set to launch in the UK and Ireland on 22nd June. The Nex Playground, developed by American technology firm Nex, distinguishes itself from high-fidelity graphics-focused competitors by prioritising physical activity through body-tracking technology. Priced at £269, the cube-shaped device ditches traditional handheld controllers in favour of an AI-powered camera system that monitors players' movements.
The console has already garnered attention in the US, where it unexpectedly became the third best-selling console during Black Friday 2025, according to research firm Circana, even outselling some Xbox Series models. Its UK launch will see it offer five free starter games, with access to a library of over 60 titles, including popular children's franchises like Peppa Pig, requiring a subscription. A yearly subscription will cost £90, while a quarterly option is available for £45.
Parents in the US who have already adopted the Playground highlight the subscription model as an initial point of consideration, though many find it offers good value compared to the cost of individual games for other consoles. The setup process is described as straightforward, with the system utilising its wide-angle camera and AI to track 18 points on a player's body, translating these movements into an on-screen avatar. While some users noted occasional minor imprecision in the tracking compared to older systems like the Wii or Xbox Kinect, the overall experience allows for interactive gameplay, such as slicing virtual fruit or hitting notes in rhythm games.
A significant concern for any device featuring a camera in a home environment is privacy. Nex CEO David Lee has stated that player privacy is the company's 'number one priority'. He confirmed that the camera is used exclusively for motion tracking, with video data processed in real-time locally on the device, rather than being saved or transmitted to the cloud. The Playground holds a kidSAFE+ COPPA certification, indicating compliance with the US Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which governs data collection from children under 13. Additional features include a physical lens cover for the camera and parental controls to manage game access.
The Nex Playground positions itself as an 'alternative to passive or open-ended digital entertainment', addressing the growing discourse around children's screen time. While children will still be engaging with a screen, the console aims to integrate healthy physical activity into their digital play. Parents report children typically play for 30 minutes to an hour per session, often using the games as a transition to other activities, suggesting a balanced approach to screen time.
From a technology perspective, the console's reliance on AI for real-time body tracking without cloud processing highlights a growing trend towards edge computing for privacy-sensitive applications. This local processing aligns with broader data protection principles, particularly relevant given the UK's robust data protection framework overseen by the ICO. The success of such a device could also influence future developments in interactive entertainment and health-focused technology for children.
Source: Nex, Circana