Nex playground review

Winter with little kids is no joke. Between freezing temps, endless energy, and back-to-back illnesses, keeping them entertained indoors is a struggle. My family tried everything—board games, crafts, sensory bins—but by the third snowstorm (and back-to-back bouts of Norovirus and the flu), we were all climbing the walls. That’s when I discovered the Nex Playground—a lifesaver for parents who want screen time to mean active time.

What is the Nex Playground?

Nex turns your living room into an arcade by transforming movement into gameplay using real-time computer vision, no extra equipment required. Your body is the controller—every jump, squat, and arm wave is instantly recognized and translated into on-screen action. My 7-year-old son summed it up best: “It’s not just video games, it’s movement.”

And that’s exactly what makes Nex special. My kids aren’t zoned out in front of a screen; they’re jumping, reaching, and laughing. There are no controllers to hold, no clunky gear to set up—just full-body play.

Remember how magical the Wii felt when it first came out? Nex takes that concept to the next level, making movement-powered fun even more seamless. As an original Wii tester, I’m blown away by how far motion gaming has come. My kids—7 and 4—were hooked from the moment we set it up, and honestly? So was I.

The Nex Playground includes five party-starting games right out of the box. The full catalog of 30+ games is unlocked with either a 3-Month or 12-Month Play Pass, ensuring an ever-growing library of fun and interactive experiences.

The system is packed with a mix of nostalgic classics and modern kids’ favorites, from Hungry Hungry Hippos Move ‘n Munch and Whack-a-Mole to Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddles and Elmo and Abby’s Magical Letter Hunt. It’s designed for kids ages 3 and up, meaning there’s something for every child in the house—and, let’s be real, for parents too.

Related: 49 Montessori-inspired ideas for indoor activities with your kids

A kid-tested, parent-approved hit

I played it with my two older kids—my 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter—and they had opinions.

My 7-year-old: “It’s really fun! They have games you can even download to your phone or tablet, and they release new ones. For example, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rooftop Mayhem came out shortly after we got it, and my sister is already counting down to Gabby’s Dollhouse later this month.”

His favorite game? Party Fowl. It’s a two-player game packed with mini-games like Don’t Forget to Wipe, Nailed It, and Icebreaker—all of which make my kids laugh hysterically.

My 4-year-old: “I like flying!” (She was talking about Elmo and Abby’s Magical Letter Hunt, where kids soar through the sky collecting letters.)

For her, it’s all about the bright colors, the movement, and the sense of adventure. For me, I love that it subtly reinforces letter recognition—without feeling like “educational” play.

The nostalgia factor meets today’s favorite characters

As a kid who grew up on Whack-a-Mole and Hungry Hungry Hippos, seeing them in motion-controlled form is kind of amazing. My son loves Whack-a-Mole for its physicality (my record? Level 24, over 244 moles—rainbow moles are worth 120 points, FYI). Meanwhile, my daughter’s all about Dragon Jumpers, where you have to time your jumps to avoid spikes and collect falling fruit.

There’s something for every child’s interests, whether they’re into Peppa Pig splashing in muddy puddles or dodging ancient temple traps in Dragon Jumpers.

Why even screen-averse parents might be sold

I’ve always been mindful of screen time, but this felt different. Instead of zoning out, my kids were:

• Moving, jumping, squatting, waving their arms—it’s not passive screen time.
• Playing together. Unlike other systems where kids disappear into their rooms, Nex brings them together. They strategize, cheer each other on, and genuinely have fun.
•  Breaking up the winter monotony. This has been a lifesaver when we’ve been stuck inside with nowhere to go.
• Keeping me entertained, too. Some of these games (cough Barbie’s Dance Party cough) are a legit workout. I’ve worked up a full-body sweat more than once.

The verdict

We’re officially obsessed. It’s not just another gaming system—it’s the thing that finally makes screen time feel worth it. And the real test? We’re hosting our first Nex playdate this weekend, and I know it’s going to be a hit.

If you’re looking for a way to make screen time more active, collaborative, and—most importantly—fun, Nex is a total game-changer. 

Related: 15 boredom-busting indoor toys + activities for children

Where to buy the Nex Playground

At $199.99, the Nex Playground is an investment, but one that keeps delivering fun all year long. A three-month play pass is $49, and a yearly play pass is $89, giving full access to a catalog of 30+ games and experiences. New games are released throughout the year in monthly “drops,” making it the ultimate, evolving treasure chest of active fun.

It’s available on Amazon, Best Buy, and the official website.