As a parent, I worry about online safety and suitable tech products. Thankfully, the Nex Playground is the perfect solution. This 100% safe gaming product is suited to players aged 5-95 (95+ can enjoy it as well). Furthermore, it has exciting games that will get you off the sofa and onto your feet!
This console’s core concept could be considered a little dated. Remember Kinect for Xbox? The camera system reminds me of that wonderful but failed peripheral. However, unlike Microsoft’s effort, I believe that this niche but amazing product will thrive where its competitor failed.
The camera is responsive, intelligent, and incredibly accurate. Additionally, the UI is colourful, intuitive, and perfect for its intended audience. Accordingly, busy parents can leave their kids to it, and they won’t get requests for help or arguing. The result is a fun and relaxing time that is likely to be extremely competitive.
What’s in the box of the Nex Playground?
- The packaging is recyclable and attractive. It looks and feels premium, and the contents are well protected.
- The Nex Playground is about the size of a standard Rubik’s cube. It is relatively heavy and has a rubberised base. The connections are simple, and a magnetic lens cover keeps the camera safe.
- Control the console with the simple but effective remote control.
- A HDMI cable and power unit are provided.
- I was provided with an attractive and useful carry case.
- Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Though this little box of fun appears complex, it is rather simple. The device is dual voltage and can be used with a suitable adaptor. This is perfect if you wish to take your Nex Playground away with you. I’m using a US version of the device and have no issues. The console comprises a front-facing camera, an HDMI port, and a power port. There is no power switch, so you must turn it off at the socket when it is not in use.
The camera isn’t the highest resolution available, but this matters not. Each selfie and game looks fantastic, regardless. Moreover, the responsive camera identifies body parts and active players with ease. This is essential as non-playing family members can sit on the sofa and observe the madness without interfering with the action.
The camera does an amazing job of picking out body parts in challenging lighting situations. As long as the player wears contrasting colours and their limbs are on display, the Nex Playground works perfectly. If you match your wallpaper or you have terrible lighting, you may experience underwhelming results. Consequently, you must adjust your clothing and lighting to get the best from this console.
Exceptional controls.
The Nex Playground combines a responsive remote control and virtual on-screen controls for a seamless experience. Slapping buttons, slashing swords, avoiding lasers, hitting moles, munching fruit, and enjoying a Care Bears adventure await would-be gamers. Each game has clear instructions, and no one will struggle to pick this up and play.
I was amazed whenever there were multiple players. The camera moves and adjusts to create the perfect field of view. Handy markers ensure you are in the right place. Furthermore, orbs, swords, and other items represent your fists. These clear on-screen indicators help you to adjust to each game with little guidance.
Nex Playground’s subscription service.
Modern gaming requires some form of subscription service. Whether you love it or not, the Nex Playground follows suit. If you do not wish to conform, you can enjoy 5 games with the base unit. Each of these titles highlights the incredible camera features and is perfect for gamers of all ages and fitness levels.
I was provided with a one-year subscription service. This normally costs around $89. Alternatively, you can pick up a 3-month deal for $49. Each of these passes gives you access to the full range of games. Moreover, new games are added every month. Subsequently, this is great value for money and the perfect reason to keep returning.
The Nex Playground games.
Nex Playground demands that you get off your bum and on your feet. There are some casual titles that require minimal effort. However, some of the games are high energy, hilarious, and extremely competitive. Bowling, basketball, running, boxing, whack a mole, hungry hippos, geo darts, and more await. I will be reviewing Care Bears soon, so keep an eye out for that article.
The games do not follow modern trends. They refuse to explore vast open worlds, and you do not need hundreds of hours to play each one. Instead, they are short, sharp, casual encounters that are great icebreakers. Your kids can challenge each other without worrying about wasting hours of their evening. Furthermore, unlike other consoles, they will get exercise while staring at a TV.
Finally, there is no violence or uncomfortable online interactions. The Nex Playground is unbelievably safe, and this was reassuring. Games like Roblox fill me with dread! However, my kids and my wife enjoyed each colourful title without microtransactions, online harassment, or time constraints.
Build quality.
I was blown away by the simple but effective design. The Nex Playground is a cube console with a single front-facing camera. The body is plastic and has a delightful Minecraft aesthetic. The lens protector is attached by a string and can be connected thanks to the magnetic connection. This was the perfect design as it was easy to use and the vibrant colour is in keeping.
The rubberised base prevents the unit from slipping. Though it isn’t perfect, I found that a few ornaments on either side helped to prevent it from moving. However, if your TV cabinet or shelf has a slightly rough finish, this will work well with the rubberised design. The case, remote, and essential cables are robust. Consequently, they can take some rough and tumble and are suitable when you take them with you.
Is the Nex Playground worth it?
This console is a family-focused device. Though you could buy this and enjoy it as a couple or alone, it excels with younger gamers. The look of joy on their face and the range of games they can play were phenomenal. Additionally, the UI is exceptional, and every game is a cinch to pick up and play.
On top of this, new games are added regularly, and there are leaderboards to top, as well as a fun but competitive edge between family members. Accordingly, the Nex Playground is a fantastic console and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Nex Playground can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
