As a parent, I've been really hesitant about game consoles. With two children under 8, I have seen the impact of too much screen time – and it's already a battle to get them off their tablets or the TV. So let's say I was skeptical when my family tried out the Nex Playground. I really didn't want to add another device into the mix. But I was aware there was something a bit different about this one and decided to give it a go.
The Nex Playground is an active gaming system (and it's currently 20% off at Amazon, FYI). It is a small cube with a camera that tracks your movement, so you can play a host of games with your whole body. Unlike the Nintendo Wii (which, as we all found out, you could lie down and play with a flick of the wrist), you actually have to stand up and play properly. It turns out that this is transformational for how (my) kids engage with the whole process of gaming.
Somehow (and I don't know the science or biology behind it), the whole body play has ignited collaboration, chat and a real lack of the obsession that comes with more sedentary gaming – for my children at least. Sure, sometimes there are squabbles, but on the whole, watching them immerse in Nex Playground gaming is delightful. Mostly, they don't seem to 'zone out' in the same way as on their tablets (for example), and it's easier to set limits.
The game selection is creative and feels wholesome. You can choose from a variety of sports-based games (bowling is a favourite in my house), or there's a range of IP-inspired games. Most excitingly for our household, that means Bluey, but there's also others like Unicorn Academy and Gabby's Dollhouse. Bluey, in particular, is super-gentle, with an omelette-making game (yes, from that episode), Musical Statues, Duck Cake and Keepy-Uppy.
But overall the games are vibrant, not flashy and purposeful – for the whole family, not just the kids. Us adults particularly enjoyed Fruit Ninja, which hits different when you're swiping with your whole body rather than just a finger.
Besides the starter pack of five games (Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whac-a-Mole, Go Keeper, Party Fowl), you access games via a Play Pass, which allows you free rein of the Nex Playground games library of 50+ games. This is $49 for three months, or $89 for a full yrar.
I would whole-heartedly recommend this console if you're looking for a family device. And it's currently at the lowest price all year, with 20% off at Amazon. Get it now for $239. And if you want something different, see our best retro games consoles guide.
