The Nex Playground console is quickly redefining the landscape of interactive family entertainment, encouraging active gameplay through its exclusive reliance on motion controls. Launched in December 2023, this innovative device quickly gained traction, culminating in a significant milestone in November 2025 when it surpassed Xbox in sales, securing its position as the third-highest-selling console of the month. This surge in popularity led to over 650,000 units sold in 2025, underscoring its appeal as a family-centric gaming solution that prioritizes vetted, age-appropriate content. The company's recent presentation at CES 2026 unveiled exciting plans for global expansion, enhanced connectivity features, and new content partnerships, promising an even more dynamic future for the platform.
A significant development for Nex Playground is its impending launch in the United Kingdom, marking its first foray outside North America. This expansion is coupled with the introduction of a groundbreaking online multiplayer feature called 'Playdate.' Unlike traditional online gaming that routes through central servers, Playdate enables direct console-to-console connections, ensuring that personal data remains secure and private by avoiding cloud storage. This innovative approach allows families to connect and play together remotely, with parental approval required on both ends, fostering a safe and engaging online environment. During a demonstration at CES, the connected version of 'Tennis Smash: Racketville' exhibited remarkable responsiveness despite challenging internet conditions, highlighting the robustness of this direct connection technology.
Beyond geographical expansion and connectivity, Nex is strategically focusing on broadening its game library, particularly with content appealing to older players. While the console already offers titles like 'Racketville' and 'NHL Puck Rush,' the company announced an exciting partnership with the NBA and teased upcoming collaborations with other prominent professional sports leagues in 2026. This move suggests a strong pivot towards sports-oriented games, which, while not aiming for the intricate realism of titles like 'NBA 2K26,' will offer casual, motion-controlled experiences. To complement these new games, Nex showcased a range of soft, branded accessories such as tennis rackets, baseball bats, and hockey sticks, designed to enhance the immersive experience of its sports titles.
With its global footprint expanding, the introduction of secure direct online play, and strategic partnerships with major sports organizations, Nex Playground is poised for an exciting period of growth and innovation. The platform's unique approach to motion-controlled gaming, combined with its commitment to family-friendly content, ensures it stands out in the competitive gaming market, offering an unparalleled interactive experience for players of all ages.