Nex Playground: new family console coming to the UK and Ireland

Nex Playground, a family-focused, camera-based console, is set to launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The product has already seen major success in the US, where it has sold nearly a million units. With pre-orders starting today at retailers such as Amazon, Argos and Smyths Toys, the console is expected to be available by the end of June.

In 2025, Nex Playgrounds sold four times as many units as in 2024, pointing to a sharp rise in popularity. The console is designed to address parents’ concerns about screen time and aims to offer a safe and responsible play experience.

Unique features of the Nex Playground

The Nex Playground is positioned as a solution for parents worried about the kinds of content their children are exposed to. The console has no online connectivity and does not offer adult games, making it appealing for family use. Everything revolves around motion-sensing camera input, similar to the Xbox Kinect camera from 2010, but without adult gaming experiences.

With a compact, palm-sized design in bright colours such as pastel green and yellow, the Nex Playground is a cube-shaped console with a camera lens. No traditional controller is required; instead, a small remote is included. Pricing starts at £269 (€319) for the Nex Playground bundle with five starter games.

Strategy and market impact

The console is being marketed as a safe and responsible alternative to other systems that focus on more sedentary entertainment. Tom Kang, president of Nex, said: "Parents in the UK and Ireland are deeply concerned about how their children spend their time in front of screens. The Nex Playground offers a direct solution to those concerns." This approach could put pressure on established players such as Nintendo, which is known for its family-friendly games.

Future developments

The Nex Playground arrives at a critical moment, as the debate around screen time and online safety becomes increasingly important. This gives Nex an opportunity to position itself as a leader in the family gaming market. Its strategy of offering no internet connection and encouraging only active gameplay may appeal to parents looking for safe options for their children. As the Nex Playground gains traction, the industry could see changes depending on how the market responds.

With the launch approaching, it will be interesting to see how Nex Playground performs against existing competitors and whether it lives up to parents’ expectations. Whether it will have a real impact on the sales of other consoles remains to be seen.