This $250 Cube Brings Wii-Style Motion Games Back — Meet the Nex Playground
The Nex Playground is a small, cube-shaped console that uses a wide-angled camera to track player movement and run kid-friendly, motion-controlled games. Launched by Nex in 2023, the device is aimed at families who want active, short-session gameplay rather than traditional, long-form console experiences.
- What the device is and who made it.
- Included games, tie-ins, and notable titles.
- How the motion tracking performs in a home setting.
- Price, subscription options, and availability.
What the Nex Playground is
The Playground is a purpose-built, motion-tracking console sold as a compact cube. Nex, the company behind the device, previously developed the Active Arcade app (Kinect-style phone gameplay) and the HomeCourt basketball training app, and released the Playground in 2023 to focus on camera-based activity games.
Included games and additional content
The starter pack includes several short, activity-focused titles: a soccer shootout, a rhythm game similar to Beat Saber, a Whack-a-Mole style game, a party pack, and a Fruit Ninja port that uses wide-arm swipes. Furthermore, Nex offers expansions and a subscription service that unlocks more games, fitness apps, and puzzle-style content.
Additionally, the Playground features licensed tie-ins such as a Gabby’s Dollhouse party game, a Care Bears runner, and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles side-scroller. Nex also publishes standalone hits like Bowling Strike and Aeon Guard — the former aims to recreate a realistic bowling feel, and the latter casts the player as a spellcaster defending against waves of enemies.
Motion tracking and ease of use
The console uses a wide-angle lens and camera software to detect nuanced player movement. In practice, the system recognizes players by position and movement, and it can pause gameplay if players stray out of the detection area until they follow on-screen prompts. Also, the interface supports a simple remote for menu navigation, which is useful when younger players need help or when hand-activated controls are cumbersome.
Notable titles and family use
Bowling Strike includes bumpers for younger players and several customization options. Meanwhile, Aeon Guard lets a single player perform hand gestures to attack and defend, creating a short, high-energy solo session. Overall, the library is designed for quick bursts of active play rather than long campaign-style gaming.
Price, subscriptions, and availability
The console retails for $250. Nex sells play passes to unlock additional content: the company lists a yearly pass at $89 and a three-month pass at $49. The device and its content are sold as a closed ecosystem, meaning it plays Nex’s bespoke games rather than broader third-party console titles. The Playground is available now.
Purchase and game link
For example, Nex lists specific titles and game pages on its official site; one example is Homerun Heroes: Starstrikers.
Notes on testing and disclosure
A version of the device was provided by Nex for review. Valnet Inc. has affiliate partnerships that may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links; these partnerships do not influence editorial content.
