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Nex Playground is a compact, TV-connected motion-gaming system for families. Its wide-angle camera tracks players’ body movements, while the included remote handles setup, menus and game selection. The console includes five games and all essential cables, but the larger catalog requires the optional Play Pass subscription.
It makes the most sense for households that want short, active, shared play with simple controls. Buyers looking for deep campaigns, a broad traditional-console library or cutting-edge graphics should set different expectations.
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What Nex Playground is and how it works
Nex Playground is a small cube that connects to a television through HDMI. A built-in wide-angle camera watches the play area, and Nex’s motion engine translates players’ movements into game actions. During play, you generally do not hold a gamepad: you swing, duck, step, reach or move in response to what appears on screen.
The supplied remote is primarily for initial setup, navigating PlayOS, choosing games and changing settings. Nex says its current multiplayer games do not require a separate controller for each player. That makes group play easier than systems built around several handheld gamepads, although the experience depends on having enough clear floor space for everyone in view of the camera.
#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 lists HDMI output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, PlayOS, a wide-angle camera and its motion engine among the platform’s core features. The device is designed to stay near the television rather than travel as a handheld console.
What you need before setting one up
The hardware requirement is straightforward, but the room layout matters as much as the television.
- A TV with an available HDMI input
- A nearby power outlet
- Wi-Fi for first-time setup, downloads and software updates
- A play area of about 6 by 6 feet, adjusted for the players and game
- A surface where the camera can sit centered in front of or below the TV
Nex says downloaded games can be played offline after installation. You therefore need an internet connection at the beginning, but not necessarily every time the family plays. Updates and new downloads will require the system to reconnect.
Everything included in the box
| Item | What it is used for |
|---|---|
| Nex Playground console | Runs PlayOS, games and local motion processing |
| Wide-angle camera | Tracks players’ movements during games |
| Remote | Setup, navigation, game selection and settings |
| HDMI cable | Connects the console to the television |
| Power cable | Supplies electricity to the console |
| Magnetic privacy cover | Covers the camera when it is not in use |
| Five starter games | Lets you play without buying Play Pass |
You do not need to purchase a camera, controller bundle, HDMI lead or power cable separately for normal use. Nex does list a replacement remote as a contingency if the included one is lost or damaged, not as a routine accessory.
How to set up Nex Playground
- Choose the TV position. Place the cube centered in front of or below the television, close to the front edge of its surface so the camera has an unobstructed view.
- Connect HDMI. Plug the supplied HDMI cable into the console and an open HDMI port on the TV, then select that input with the television remote.
- Connect power. Attach the power cable and use a nearby outlet. Keep the cable routed where players will not trip over it.
- Remove the camera cover. Take off the magnetic privacy cover only when you are ready to play. Replace it when the camera is not needed.
- Pair and use the included remote. Follow the on-screen PlayOS prompts to complete initial configuration and connect the console to Wi-Fi.
- Download available games or updates. The included titles are ready to use, while additional catalog content requires Play Pass. Allow downloads and updates to finish before starting a session.
- Position the players. Stand in the open area in front of the screen and follow the on-screen framing guidance. Check that each player’s full body is visible before launching a game.
Camera placement, distance and room safety
Nex’s operating guidance recommends a device height between 15 and 60 inches. The company also recommends that players stand roughly 3 feet 4 inches to 13 feet from the device, with about a 6-by-6-foot play area. These are manufacturer recommendations rather than independently tested guarantees.
Centering the camera matters. A position directly in front of or below the TV generally gives the motion system the clearest view. Furniture, coffee tables, pets, low ceilings and strong backlighting can reduce usable space or make movement harder to read. Player height and room lighting can also affect the distance that works well, so treat the stated range as a starting point rather than a promise that every room will perform identically.
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.
- Clear toys, stools, cables and sharp-edged furniture from the active area.
- Leave enough room for players to extend their arms without hitting the TV stand or another person.
- Keep younger children supervised, particularly in fast or physically demanding games.
- Replace the magnetic cover whenever the camera is not being used.
Which games are included?
The Starter Pack includes five games, so the console is playable without a subscription.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Included game | Style of play |
|---|---|
| Fruit Ninja | Motion-based slicing and reflex play |
| Whack-a-Mole Deluxe | Targets and timing |
| Party Fowl | Family party-style challenges |
| Go Keeper | Goalkeeping and reaction movements |
| Starri | Rhythm and movement play |
The exact game lineup and catalog size can change. Nex’s official listing reviewed for this article says Play Pass unlocks more than 60 games and adds content and updates. Check the current listing in your country before buying because game counts are not permanent specifications.
Does Nex Playground require a subscription?
No. You can use the console and play the five Starter Pack games without Play Pass. The subscription is the route to the substantially larger library, so the practical question is whether the included games provide enough variety for your household.
The US-facing FAQ reviewed by Nex lists Play Pass at $49 for three months or $89 for 12 months. Those figures are tied to that US listing and should not be treated as UK prices or as universally current rates. The product page available for this review was localized for the UK, where pricing and availability may differ. Nex’s FAQ also says one pass can cover up to two consoles in a home.
Because Play Pass is digital, compare its recurring cost with how often your family will play. A household that uses the five included games occasionally may not need it. A family that wants the broader catalog, added content and updates should include the subscription in its ownership budget rather than treating it as a one-time console purchase.
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What age is Nex Playground for?
Nex recommends the system for ages 5 and up. The company says children aged 3 and 4 may enjoy a wider range of games with an adult or older sibling helping them. It also warns that some active games can be difficult for children under 6.
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+)
Age labels are only a starting point. Consider the child’s balance, coordination, ability to follow on-screen prompts and willingness to share the play area. A five-year-old who enjoys movement games may be comfortable with simple titles, while an older child may lose interest if they want complex progression or competitive depth.
Privacy and camera behavior
Nex says motion processing happens locally on the device and that video is not uploaded to or stored in the cloud. The company says a light indicates when the camera is active, and the magnetic cover provides a physical way to block the lens. Nex’s help center also says the product is KidSAFE+ certified and COPPA compliant. These are Nex’s stated design and compliance claims, not the result of an independent security audit.
The privacy language needs one qualification: the product FAQ notes that some games can create temporary replay or highlight video locally. Nex says that material is not saved. It is therefore more precise to say that Nex describes the system as local-processing and says it does not store or upload gameplay video, rather than claiming that the camera can never capture video at all.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIn a TechRadar interview, Nex co-founder and CEO David Lee said: “No video [is sent to a] central cloud. Everything is local. This is a closed system, and we’re not allowing third-party things.”
Families should still use the camera cover when the system is idle, keep the console’s software updated and review the current privacy documentation for their region.
What long-term use is like
TechRadar’s reviewer, who said they had used the system for about a year, praised the motion controls and family accessibility. The same review characterized many games as short-session experiences, noted modest visuals and said that most of the library requires a subscription. That is one reviewer’s assessment, not a guarantee that every title or household will have the same experience.
Rank #4
- 【CONTROLLER-FREE ACTIVE PLAY】KINHANK MotionX is a new kind of video game console that easily turns your living room into an active play space. No handheld controller or wearable is needed during motion games.Built-in AI wide-angle camera tracks full-body movements. Control games naturally with waving, jumping and other physical gestures. Supports 1-4 players to get the whole family off the couch and moving.
- 【DIVERSE GAME GENRES】Enjoy 50+ fun active games including casual,dance,music,sports and puzzle genres for the whole family.Suitable for family game nights, friends parties, indoor activities on rainy days, home gatherings, daily workouts and after-school energy release.(Look forward to more premium content coming as separate paid releases)
- 【ACTIVE PLAY MEETS EXERCISE】KINHANK MotionX features a built-in AI wide-angle camera for real time tracking—no controllers or wearables needed,just use your body move naturally to play,making screen time into active time.Providing parent-child games or 2-player battles, great for family bonding,sibling battles and indoor parties.
- 【SAFE FOR KIDS & FAMILY】KINHANK MotionX is CPC-certified,content is also healthy and safe. Motion tracking runs on the device,camera video is not uploaded to the cloud.Also comes with a physical camera cover to protect your privacy.
- 【EASY SETUP】Connect KINHANK MotionX to an HDMI TV or display and complete the on-screen setup within minutes.Its sleek compact design fits perfectly on TV stands, fireplace mantles, or slips into bags for on-the-go fun.
Short sessions can be an advantage for families that want a quick activity after school or a party game that new players can understand quickly. They are less satisfying if you expect a long campaign, elaborate character development or the technical presentation of a mainstream home console. The camera-based format also means the room itself becomes part of the setup; a cramped space can be a bigger limitation than the console’s specifications.
Who should buy it?
It is a strong fit when you want
- Movement-led play rather than seated controller gaming
- Simple controls that children and visiting relatives can learn quickly
- Shared multiplayer sessions without buying several gamepads
- A curated, child-oriented catalog
- Games that work well in short bursts
Look elsewhere when you want
- A large library of individually purchased games
- Long, deep single-player campaigns
- High-end graphics and advanced performance features
- A portable system for use away from a TV
- Predictable costs without an optional catalog subscription
The last three limitations reflect the use case described by TechRadar’s review and the product’s motion-first design. They are not claims that every game is shallow or that every family will dislike the graphics.
How to compare it with alternatives
Comparing Nex Playground by raw processing power misses what it is trying to do. Use these questions instead:
- Play style: Do players want to move in front of a TV, or would they rather use handheld or traditional controllers?
- Session length: Are five- to 20-minute activities useful, or is the goal a multi-hour campaign?
- Library model: Is a curated subscription catalog acceptable, or do you want to buy individual games and keep them without a service?
- Room requirements: Can you reliably provide an open area of roughly 6 by 6 feet?
- Portability: Will the system stay connected to one television?
- Total cost: Add the hardware price, any Play Pass periods you expect to use and the number of years you intend to keep it.
- Age and supervision: Will the intended players be comfortable with active games and shared floor space?
This framework is more useful than a specification-only comparison because Nex’s principal differentiator is body-controlled play, not conventional console performance.
Common problems and practical fixes
The camera cannot see a player’s full body
Move the device closer to the front edge of the surface, recenter it below or in front of the TV and adjust the player’s distance within Nex’s recommended range. Remove furniture or objects blocking the lower half of the view. If the room is unusually dark or brightly backlit, change the lighting and try again.
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Players are outside the usable area
Mark a clear play zone about 6 by 6 feet and keep everyone inside it. Larger groups may need turns rather than trying to fit several people into one camera frame.
Best Value
- PERFECT FIT: The Official Nex Playground Game System Travel Case ensures a compact fit for your gaming console and accessories, and protects device during travel or on-the-go adventures. CASE ONLY! (Device and accessories are not included)
- SECURE, DURABLE, AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The Nex game storage carry case features a lightweight construction with super-soft lining and a sturdy foam frame, plus straps to keep accessories snug while on the go.
- EASY TO CARRY: This handy video game organizer with comfortable handle, is lightweight & compact. The small hard case can fit into a backpack. Convenient, durable protective case to take anywhere for a party, travel, home use or outdoor activities.
- BRING THE FUN EVERYWHERE: The good times don't have to stay at home. Pack up the joy for family get-togethers or friend-fueled play dates and take the laughter and smiles whenever you go.
- A STYLISH GIFT: Our hard shell carrying case is an awesome birthday or holiday gift. Crafted with precision and care, ensuring it meets the standards of durability, functionality and style for a Nex Playground game system.
The system will not finish setup
Confirm that the TV is set to the HDMI input connected to Nex, check the power connection and verify that Wi-Fi is working. Initial setup, downloads and updates require internet access. Restart the setup after correcting the connection.
A game is unavailable offline
Connect to Wi-Fi and complete its download before disconnecting. Nex says games can be played offline once downloaded; an uninstalled title or a pending update still needs internet access.
The remote is missing or damaged
The included remote is needed for setup and navigation, even though it is not the primary game controller. Nex says a replacement remote can be purchased, so contact the company through its current support channel rather than assuming a generic TV remote will work.
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Nex Playground is worth considering when the purchase is really about getting people moving together in front of one TV. The included five-game pack lets you test that format without immediately paying for a subscription, while Play Pass provides the variety most frequent users will eventually want. Before buying, measure the room, confirm HDMI and Wi-Fi access, decide whether the regional subscription price fits your budget and choose games appropriate to the children who will use it.
Its trade-offs are clear: the library is most compelling with Play Pass, many experiences are designed for short sessions, graphics are modest and the system is tied to a suitable TV play area. For families who value easy, active group play, those compromises may be acceptable; for buyers seeking a deep conventional console, they are reasons to choose another category.
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