If you’re a parent like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with screen time. You want your kids to have fun, but you hate seeing them glued to the couch, staring glassy-eyed at an iPad.
I grew up with the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox Kinect, so I’ve been chasing that “active gaming” high for years. When I heard about the Nex Playground—a tiny box promising to turn my living room into an arcade without controllers—I was skeptical. Was it just another gadget that would gather dust after a month?
After several weeks of testing it with my family (including a rowdy 6-year-old and some very competitive adults), here is my honest, hands-on review.
Advertising Disclosure
1. First Impressions: Tiny but Mighty
Unlike the massive PS5 or Xbox Series X towers dominating my entertainment center, the Nex Playground is shockingly small. It’s roughly the size of a Rubik’s Cube and looks more like a modern smart home device than a gaming console.
- Setup was a breeze: It truly is “plug-and-play.” I plugged in the HDMI, connected to Wi-Fi, and we were live in minutes.
- No Controllers = No Broken TVs: This is the biggest selling point for parents. There are no remotes to charge, no batteries to hunt for, and—most importantly—no hard plastic controllers for my kids to accidentally fling into the flat-screen TV. Your body is the only controller you need.
2. The Gameplay Experience: Sweat, Laughs, and a Few Quirks
We tested this in a standard suburban living room. The wide-angle camera and AI tracking are impressive, locking onto our movements almost instantly.
The Games That Hooked Us:
- Starri: Think of this as Beat Saber without the VR headset. You slash at flying notes to the beat of pop music. I expected a casual game, but I was sweating within 15 minutes. It’s a legitimate workout that doesn’t feel like exercise.
- Peppa Pig & Sesame Street: For families with toddlers or preschoolers, these are absolute winners. Seeing themselves on TV jumping in muddy puddles alongside Peppa Pig blew my youngest child’s mind. It is the perfect way to burn off that “pre-bedtime crazies” energy.
- Party Fowl: This game turned our family game night into a comedy show. You have to do ridiculous things like flap your “wings” or wiggle your hips to control the on-screen chicken. It’s a fantastic icebreaker when friends come over.
The Reality Check (Technical Quirks):
It wasn’t all perfect. We noticed a few things you need to know before buying:
- Lighting Matters: The camera struggled a bit during a gloomy afternoon when we didn’t turn the living room lights on. Good lighting is essential for the AI to see you clearly.
- Space Requirements: You need about 6 feet of clear space. In our smaller den, the camera couldn’t see my feet, which made jumping games hard to play. You definitely need room to move.
3. The Subscription Model: Is the “Play Pass” Essential?
This is the part that usually divides opinions. The console comes with a few starter games, but to get the full experience (and keep the kids interested long-term), you really need the Play Pass subscription.
- My Take: Initially, I wasn’t thrilled about another subscription. However, when I compared the annual cost of the Play Pass to buying just two or three new switch games (which are expensive!), the math actually worked out in Nex’s favor.
- The Content: The subscription unlocks dozens of games, with new drops happening monthly. It feels less like buying a console and more like subscribing to a “Netflix for Active Games.” If you don’t plan to subscribe, the device might feel limited after the novelty of the free games wears off.
4. Privacy & Safety: A Big Plus for US Parents
In an age where we are all wary of smart cameras in our homes, Nex has made some smart design choices that put me at ease.
- What happens in the living room, stays there: The device processes all the visual data locally on the chip. It does not upload video of your kids to the cloud. This is a huge relief.
- The Magnetic Cover: It comes with a physical cover for the camera lens. When we aren’t playing, I snap that cover on. It’s a simple, low-tech solution that gives me total peace of mind.
- Kid-Safe: The platform is COPPA certified, meaning no ads, no in-game purchases, and no chatting with strangers. It is a completely walled garden.
5. Comparison: Which Console is Right for You?
Nex Playground vs. Nintendo Switch
- Get the Nex if: You want gross motor movement (jumping, squatting) and games that a 4-year-old can play instantly without learning buttons.
- Get the Switch if: You want deep, story-driven games (like Zelda) or need a portable device for car rides.
Nex Playground vs. VR (Meta Quest)
- Get the Nex if: You want a social experience where the whole family interacts together in the real world.
- Get VR if: You want total immersion and don’t mind the isolation of wearing a headset.
6. Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After living with the Nex Playground, I can say it’s not trying to replace “hardcore” gaming consoles like the PS5 or Xbox. It’s an appliance for family connection. To help you decide if it fits your household, here is how it performs across different age groups:
- For Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 3-5): This is where the device feels like magic. Games like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street allow them to interact with their favorite characters simply by jumping and waving. It’s intuitive enough that they don’t get frustrated by complex controllers.
- For Grade Schoolers (Ages 6-10): This is the “sweet spot.” It is the ultimate rainy-day energy burner. Games like Fruit Ninja and Whack-a-Mole are perfect for getting them sweaty and tired out before dinner.
- For Teens & Adults: Don’t expect deep RPG storylines. Do expect a workout. We found that rhythm games like Starri provided a legitimate cardio session, and Party Fowl is genuinely hilarious for adult game nights with friends.
It has successfully filled the void left by the Kinect, providing a modern, privacy-focused way to get the whole family off the couch. If you are looking for “guilt-free screen time” that gets hearts pumping and kids laughing, this little cube is a fantastic addition to your home.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Apple AirTag Review [2025], Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Teenagers
