DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE OF HANDS-FREE, ACTIVE GAMING
- An innovative gaming platform that gets kids moving
- Comes with four games and everything needed to hook it up and play
- Merges on-screen video gaming with screen-free benefits
WHAT IT IS
Nex Playground is an easy-to-use, Android-powered home video game system that engages families in active play. Primarily geared toward kids ages 5 and up, the system comes with four games, all of which encourage active play. It uses a built-in camera with proprietary computer vision and an AI system to track 18 nodes on a player’s body in real-time. Up to four players can play at once on select games.
WHY WE LOVE IT
Nex Playground refines the concept and delivers on the promise of fun and active gameplay that was first introduced by systems like the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect.Within a few minutes, we were up and running right out of the box. The included rechargeable controller is only used for system navigation — not gameplay — and Nex Playground comes with an HDMI cable so you’re not stuck dropping another $20 for a cable you need but forgot about.
We tested our Nex Playground with kids ranging in age from 6-14, and all of them had a blast. Within minutes of playing games like Whack-A-Mole Deluxe and Goal Keeper, the kids were breaking a sweat. While the system includes four games, additional titles are available via the Play Pass program ($49 quarterly/$89 yearly). Peppa Pig Jump & Giggle was a big hit with the little ones, and Basketball Knockout was the unanimous favorite for all ages. Grown-ups looking for a legit fitness experience can work toward some gains with NexGym, a fitness title that’s adding cardio this month!
Around 20 games are available now with more on the way, including titles from Sesame Street and two as-of-yet-unnamed “big properties” set to be announced in April and May.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
An adult will need to handle the initial set-up for Nex Playground. This includes hooking it up to a big-screen TV with the included HDMI cable and connecting to a local Wi-Fi network to download content and system updates. It’s best to allow at least a 6-by-6-foot area for play space. No video is transmitted or stored in the cloud and all games are stored locally so families can play offline. The system includes a camera cover for those who prefer an extra sense of privacy. While most games are for ages 5 and up, kids as young as age 3 will enjoy select preschool titles.
PERFECT FOR
Families looking for a new way to get active at home with a gamified experience.
NEX PLAYGROUND
Nex Playground is a game system that transforms living rooms into interactive virtual playgrounds with motion-based games for all ages. Inside the box, families will find the Playground, a rechargeable remote, a power supply, and an HDMI cable. Nex Playground comes with four starter games with additional titles available through quarterly or yearly Play Pass…
