New Video Game Console Aims to Encourage Physical Activity in Children

New video game console aims to get – Amid the ongoing debate over children’s screen time, a novel approach to gaming has emerged in the UK. Nex, a US-based technology company, has unveiled the Nex Playground, a cube-shaped console that prioritizes movement over conventional gaming peripherals. Scheduled for release on 22 June in the UK and Ireland, the device replaces traditional controllers with motion-tracking technology, offering a unique way for kids to engage with games through their physical actions.

Unlike traditional gaming consoles, the Nex Playground focuses less on advanced visuals and hardware. Instead, it leverages AI and a built-in camera to monitor players’ movements, creating an interactive experience that encourages exercise. The system tracks 18 key points on the body to generate a real-time on-screen avatar, which responds to gestures and motions. This shift in design has sparked interest, particularly among parents concerned about the sedentary nature of digital entertainment.

Unexpected Success in the US Market

Despite its relatively low profile, the Nex Playground has made a significant mark in the American gaming landscape. According to Circana, a research firm, the console ranked third in sales during Black Friday 2025, surpassing the Xbox Series S and X. This achievement highlights the growing appeal of activity-based gaming, even in a market dominated by high-end hardware. The success suggests that parents and children alike are seeking alternatives to traditional gaming setups, particularly those that promote physical engagement.

While motion-controlled gaming isn’t a new concept—Nintendo’s Wii, launched in 2006, pioneered the idea—Nex’s device offers a fresh take. The integration of AI and a wide-angle camera allows for more precise tracking, though some users have noted minor limitations compared to older systems like the Xbox Kinect. Nevertheless, the innovation has drawn attention, with many viewing it as a step toward more active digital play.

Parent Experiences and Subscriptions

Before its UK debut, I spoke to several parents who had already adopted the Nex Playground in the US. Their insights reveal both enthusiasm and cautious optimism. “The initial setup was surprisingly straightforward,” shared Corey, a parent from North Carolina, who purchased the console a month prior for his children. “It felt intuitive, almost like a natural extension of our family’s routine.” However, not all experiences were entirely positive. Brian, a Philadelphia-based parent, admitted the camera tracking occasionally felt “a little lacking,” particularly when compared to the precision of the Nintendo Wii.

“But when you consider the fact that a single Switch game costs about $70 or $80, it’s really not too egregious,” said Nick, a Louisiana resident who has used the device for six months. His children, aged three and five, have grown accustomed to the system, which he described as a “compromise to have them get up and moving” alongside screen time.

The console requires a subscription for full access to its 60-plus games, with annual plans starting at £90 and quarterly options at £45. While the starter pack includes five free games, parents are encouraged to commit to the subscription for a broader range of content. This model has raised some concerns, particularly around cost, but users argue it offers value in terms of accessibility and variety. “The subscription lets me not worry about any of that and just dive into whatever my family wants to explore,” Corey added, emphasizing the convenience of the system.

Privacy and Family-Friendly Features

Privacy is a key selling point for Nex, with David Lee, the company’s CEO, stressing that player data is handled with care. The camera, which tracks movements, does not store video footage. Instead, motion data is processed locally on the device, ensuring real-time analysis without reliance on cloud servers. This approach aligns with the console’s kidSAFE+ COPPA certification, which confirms it meets the standards of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the US. Parents can further safeguard their children by hiding games or music they deem unsuitable, adding an extra layer of control.

The Nex Playground positions itself as an alternative to passive or open-ended digital entertainment. As more parents and politicians advocate for reduced screen time, the console offers a solution that blends technology with physical activity. While users still watch a television screen, the act of playing becomes more dynamic, requiring movement and interaction. Lee described this as a “bridge between traditional gaming and active play,” highlighting the device’s potential to reshape children’s engagement with digital media.

Real-World Testing and Game Variety

To evaluate the console’s effectiveness, I tested it in my own living room, using its camera to track my movements. The system adapted quickly, allowing me to slice through Fruit Ninja’s flying fruits with my bare hands and hit notes in the rhythm game Starri to the tune of A-ha’s “Take On Me.” While some games felt more like tech demonstrations, others provided substantial gameplay. For instance, the rhythm game offered a compelling experience, whereas the initial starter pack included only minimal movement requirements, such as arm gestures in a few titles.

Parents reported varied usage patterns. Many noted that their children typically engaged with the console for half an hour to an hour per session, often using it as a transition to other activities or as a structured play option. Brian, who purchased the device a month ago, observed that the games “encouraged active play in a way typical cartoons or movies were unable to.” This sentiment is echoed by others who see the Nex Playground as a tool to balance entertainment with physical activity.

However, the console’s success hinges on its ability to maintain engagement. While the initial experience was promising, some users questioned whether the games would sustain interest over time. Corey mentioned that certain titles felt more like prototypes, but he remained confident in the system’s potential. “It’s not just about the technology,” he said. “It’s about creating a habit of movement that feels fun, not forced.”

A Growing Trend in Active Gaming

The Nex Playground is part of a broader trend toward interactive, movement-based gaming. As concerns over childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles intensify, companies are exploring ways to integrate physical activity into digital experiences. The console’s design reflects this shift, offering a low barrier to entry for families seeking a more active alternative to traditional gaming. Its emphasis on real-time motion tracking also sets it apart from older systems, which often required additional accessories or sensors.

With the UK and Ireland launch approaching, the console is poised to enter a market that has seen a surge in demand for health-conscious entertainment. The price of £269 may be a point of consideration for some, but the included games and subscription model are designed to justify the investment. “It’s a small price to pay for keeping my kids moving,” Nick said, reflecting the sentiment of many parents who have embraced the device.

Ultimately, the Nex Playground represents a bold step in redefining how children interact with technology. By focusing on movement rather than static screen time, it challenges the norms of traditional gaming and offers a glimpse into a future where play and physical activity coexist. As more families adopt the console, its impact on children’s habits—and its potential to foster healthier lifestyles—will become clearer.

For now, the device remains a compelling option for those looking to blend entertainment with exercise. Whether it will achieve lasting success depends on its ability to maintain user interest and deliver a seamless, engaging experience. But with its unique design and commitment to privacy, Nex has created a console that could reshape the gaming landscape for the better.