AD — As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is an editorial review based on product information and wider research.
Tech Finds
Nex Playground Review: Active Family Gaming Without Controllers
Nex Playground turns body movement into game controls, creating a simple way for children and adults to play together without handheld controllers. It is designed around short, energetic family games rather than the deeper experiences offered by a traditional console.
Researched by Jackie ·
Quick verdict
Nex Playground is an accessible family gaming system that uses a built-in camera to follow players' movements, making its games easy to understand and naturally active. Five games are included permanently, but Play Pass unlocks the much larger catalogue that regular users are likely to want. It is best suited to families with younger children who value shared, energetic play over complex graphics and lengthy solo adventures.
4.4 / 5
Best for
Families wanting controller-free games that children, parents and grandparents can enjoy together.
Nex Playground connects to a television through HDMI and uses its built-in wide-angle camera to translate movements such as reaching, stepping and waving into onscreen actions. Up to four players can take part in compatible games, without needing to purchase, charge or pair extra controllers. That simplicity is a large part of its appeal. The games are designed to be picked up quickly, making the system particularly suitable for family game nights, playdates and rainy days when children need something active to do indoors.
What Stands Out
Nex Playground makes movement part of the gameplay rather than adding it as an optional exercise mode. Players stand in front of the television and use natural gestures to take part in sports, rhythm, party and action games. The system includes five permanent starter games: Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whack-a-Mole Deluxe, Party Fowl and Go Keeper. These provide a useful introduction and mean a Play Pass is not required to begin playing. Its closed, family-focused design is another strength. Nex says video is processed on the device rather than uploaded or stored, and the console includes a magnetic camera cover. There is no browser, public chat or third-party app store, and the platform is designed to remain free from advertising and in-game purchases.
Things to Know
The main consideration is Play Pass. The optional pass opens the full catalogue of more than 50 games and experiences, with additional content released regularly. Individual extra games are not generally sold separately, so families wanting more than the five starter games will need to consider the ongoing Play Pass model. It also needs enough room for players to move comfortably. Nex recommends around six feet of clear space for most games, so some living rooms may require a coffee table or other furniture to be moved before play begins. Nex Playground is not intended to replace a Nintendo Switch, Xbox or PlayStation. Its games are generally shorter and simpler, with the emphasis placed on movement, accessibility and local family play rather than detailed graphics or long adventures.
Who Is It Best For?
Nex Playground is particularly well suited to families with younger children, occasional gamers and relatives who may find conventional controllers difficult. Its short sessions also make it a strong option for parties, family gatherings and shared play between different generations. More experienced gamers looking for complex stories or competitive online play are less likely to find it satisfying as their main console.
Final verdict
Nex Playground offers a genuinely different approach to family gaming. Its controller-free motion tracking makes it easy to join, encourages people to move and removes many of the barriers that can make conventional consoles feel complicated. The five included games provide an immediate starting point, although Play Pass is likely to be important for families planning to use it regularly. For households seeking active, inclusive and sociable indoor entertainment, Nex Playground is a strong and thoughtfully designed option.
