Connect Nex Playground to your TV with the included HDMI cable, power it with the included USB-C cable, then follow the on-screen setup while it downloads its starter games over Wi-Fi. For play, Nex recommends about 6 by 6 feet of clear floor, with players 3 feet 4 inches to 13 feet from the device and the camera’s view unobstructed.
What you need for first-time setup
Before connecting the console, gather your Wi-Fi network name and password, an email address, and a smartphone or laptop to access Nex’s account portal. The box includes a magnetic camera privacy cover, HDMI cable, power supply, remote, and starter games, so these are not separate setup purchases. Nex’s first-time setup instructions provide the device-specific steps.
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How do you set up Nex Playground for the first time?
- Connect the TV: Plug the included HDMI cable into the back of the cube and an HDMI port on your television. Use the TV remote to select that HDMI input.
- Connect power: Attach the included USB-C power cable to the cube and plug it into a wall outlet. Nex recommends using the original cable and preferably avoiding extension cords or power strips; do not substitute another cable.
- Set up the remote: Insert the included batteries with the positive side down.
- Follow the on-screen prompts: Complete the account and device setup. You can skip a Play Pass purchase or activation code if you do not want to use it.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for downloads: The five starter games download automatically. Nex says this can take up to an hour depending on internet speed; activated Play Pass games may download as well. Nex says downloaded games can then be played offline.
- Enable TV Game Mode if available: Nex recommends this setting, which is usually in the television’s picture settings.
How much space do you need?
Nex recommends a play area of about 6 by 6 feet. The recommended player distance from the device is 3 feet 4 inches to 13 feet; player height and available lighting can affect tracking. Nex recommends placing the cube 15 to 60 inches high, centered in front of or below the TV and near the edge of its surface so the camera can see as much of the room as possible. Keep the camera’s view clear of obstacles. Nex’s operating-conditions guidance covers the recommended distance, area, and placement.
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How to make the play space safer
Clear the recommended floor area and the route into it of objects a moving child could hit or trip over. That can include toys, bags, loose cords, furniture corners, and pets. Keep the cube on a stable surface and route its cables away from the movement path. Stay nearby to supervise, especially when a child is learning a game.
#1 Best Overall
- 5 GAMES INCLUDED. UNLOCK MORE WITH PLAY PASS. Playground comes with Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whac-a-Mole, Go Keeper, and Party Fowl. A separate purchase of a 3-Month ($49) or 12-Month Play Pass ($89) is required to access the full catalog of games and get new games each month, including Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, How to Train Your Dragon, Peppa Pig, Care Bears, Elmo, Miraculous Ladybug, Gabby's Dollhouse, Kung Fu Panda and more.
- GET MOVING WITH ACTIVE FAMILY FUN. Nex Playground is a new kind of video game console that gets your family moving. It easily connects to your TV, transforming your living room into an active play space. Within minutes, your family will be playing Fruit Ninja, Whac-a-Mole and more. Using a built-in camera to track motion and natural body movements, anyone in the family can jump right in.
- JUST USE YOUR BODY TO PLAY. Play naturally just by moving your body. Playground uses the magic of AI to follow your movements using the built-in wide-angle camera. No controllers or clunky trackers! Up to 4 players can play at the same time, so everyone can get moving together.
- GAMES YOU'LL LOVE MOVING TO. Playground is packed with interactive motion games, turning your living room into an arcade, theme park, gym, and more. There is something for everyone. It is perfect for indoor family game night, after school activities, or a playdate with friends.
- EASY SET UP. Playground connects to your TV or projector with a simple HDMI connection and gets everyone in on the fun. It's small and sits elegantly on any console or mantle, and can easily fit in a backpack for playdates and more. From ages 5 and up—Playground is the life of every party.
Nex’s guidance gives camera placement and space recommendations, not a certified room-clearance checklist or required flooring. There is no established Nex requirement to buy a mat or change carpet or flooring. Choose a clear, stable surface suitable for the room and child. The CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook discusses layout and adult supervision for public playground equipment; its outdoor equipment and surfacing guidance does not set requirements for this indoor console.
What age is Nex Playground good for?
Nex recommends Playground for ages five and up. The company says children ages three and four may enjoy a broader selection of games with a grown-up or older sibling. It also cautions that some games are more physically demanding and children under six may have difficulty with those challenges. These are Nex’s recommendations, not an individual assessment of a child’s abilities. Nex’s age and game guidance has further details.
Rank #2
- Transform your living room into an active play space with built-in camera and AI motion tracking that lets up to 4 players use natural body movements - no controllers needed.
- Includes 5 free games (Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whac-a-Mole, Go Keeper, and Party Fowl) with access to 30+ more games through Play Pass subscription.
- Play with beloved characters including Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Peppa Pig, Elmo, Miraculous Ladybug, Gabby's Dollhouse, and Kung Fu Panda.
- Easy setup with simple HDMI connection to your TV or projector, compact design fits on any console or mantle, and portable enough for playdates.
- Get new content and seasonal updates every month, offering year-round entertainment across various genres from dance to fitness to sports.
Is the content safe for kids, and how does the camera work?
Nex says its games have no ads, violence, micro-transactions, or chat features. The company also says downloaded games can be played offline. These are claims by Nex, not an independent content or privacy audit.
According to Nex’s privacy information, video is not stored or uploaded to the cloud, a light glows when the camera is active, and the cube includes a magnetic cover for the camera. Nex also says Playground is KidSAFE+ certified and COPPA compliant. Nex’s privacy page describes its camera and privacy practices.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE BUNDLE INCLUDES: Nex Playground Active Play System (with 5 starter games), Official Travel Case for protection and portability, and 12-Month Play Pass that unlocks 30+ games featuring beloved characters like Barbie, TMNT, Peppa Pig, and more
- TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING ROOM INTO AN ACTIVE PLAY SPACE: Simply connect to your TV via HDMI and start playing immediately - no controllers needed! Built-in camera tracks natural body movements for up to 4 players, perfect for family game nights, playdates, and parties
- YEAR-ROUND ENTERTAINMENT WITH NEW CONTENT MONTHLY: Play Pass provides unlimited access to a growing catalog of motion games across various genres - from dance to fitness to sports. Enjoy new games, seasonal themes, and updates throughout the year without any ads or in-app purchases
- TAKE THE FUN ANYWHERE: Lightweight, durable travel case features soft lining, foam frame, and secure straps to protect your console while on-the-go. Compact design fits easily in a backpack, making it perfect for family gatherings, vacations, or playdates
- SAFE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY: All content is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified with no mature content, ads, or in-app purchases. Motion tracking data is never stored in the cloud, ensuring a secure experience that's appropriate for all ages (5+)
How do Family Tools and the settings lock work?
Nex’s Family Tools instructions, dated July 21, 2026, say a grown-up can set a security pattern the first time they visit Family Tools. The pattern consists of four directional-button presses and is sent by email; the same pattern unlocks the settings menu. It can be changed from Family Tools. Nex also offers a way to hide games. A settings lock or hidden-game option should not be assumed to be a general-purpose content-rating filter. See Nex’s Family Tools instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMPLETE BUNDLE INCLUDES: Nex Playground Active Play System (with 5 starter games), Official Travel Case for protection and portability, and 3-Month Play Pass that unlocks 30+ games featuring beloved characters like Barbie, TMNT, Peppa Pig, and more
- TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING ROOM INTO AN ACTIVE PLAY SPACE: Simply connect to your TV via HDMI and start playing immediately - no controllers needed! Built-in camera tracks natural body movements for up to 4 players, perfect for family game nights, playdates, and parties
- YEAR-ROUND ENTERTAINMENT WITH NEW CONTENT MONTHLY: Play Pass provides unlimited access to a growing catalog of motion games across various genres - from dance to fitness to sports. Enjoy new games, seasonal themes, and updates throughout the year without any ads or in-app purchases
- TAKE THE FUN ANYWHERE: Lightweight, durable travel case features soft lining, foam frame, and secure straps to protect your console while on-the-go. Compact design fits easily in a backpack, making it perfect for family gatherings, vacations, or playdates
- SAFE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY: All content is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified with no mature content, ads, or in-app purchases. Motion tracking data is never stored in the cloud, ensuring a secure experience that's appropriate for all ages (5+)
Rank #4
- Transform your living room into an active play space with built-in camera and AI technology that tracks natural body movements, allowing up to 4 players to play simultaneously without controllers.
- Includes 5 free games (Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whac-a-Mole, Go Keeper, and Party Fowl) with access to 30+ additional games through Play Pass subscription.
- Play with beloved characters including Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Peppa Pig, Elmo, Miraculous Ladybug, Gabby's Dollhouse, and Kung Fu Panda.
- Easy setup with simple HDMI connection to TV or projector, compact design fits on any console or mantle, and portable enough for playdates.
- Experience various game genres from dance to fitness to sports, with new content added monthly for year-round family entertainment.
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