The Nex Playground gaming console is back to its record low price of $199 - get it for New Year fun

It's nearly Christmas, and if you're a parent hoping to get a bit more involved with the kiddos, then let us introduce you to the Nex Playground. This gaming console is on sale for $199 right now (its lowest ever price) over at Amazon, and might remind you of the Nintendo Wii – but it's actually a controller-free console with 40+ games and apps preinstalled for family fun.

For holiday shoppers, the Nex Playground is a gift that encourages movement, activity, and family interaction. It's a fun way to turn indoor play into a healthy and engaging experience for your young ones and families.

Plus, new games will be added to the console monthly if you subscribe to the Play Pass package, and there's a very time-limited deal on the Console + Travel case + Play Pass bundle right now, which is down to $290.37 at Amazon for the next 15 hours only. See below for details.

Console only

Save $50

Nex Playground : was $249 now $199 at Amazon

The Nex Playground is a unique little quirky game box that is unlike any other console on the market. You won't be able to play cult classics or first-person shooters on it, but the fun lies in family-focused interactive games using motion sensors to track movement (no controllers needed).

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The Family Bundle

Save 13%

Nex Nex Playground + Travel Case + Play Pass: was $357.99 now $312.97 at Amazon

Want to take the Nex on the go? This bundle offers everything, including the console itself + 12 months of Play Pass (extra games added each month), plus a handy travel case for taking to different homes or away on a trip.

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So how does it work?

This cube-shaped active console comes preloaded with interactive games and has an advanced motion capture camera to track movement. From Bluey’s adventures to Gabby’s Dollhouse challenges, the games are designed to get everyone up and jumping about. Its travel-friendly size also makes it great for taking on family getaways (or to a friend's house).

Our Digital Arts & 3D editor has thoroughly tested and reviewed the Nex Playground, and explained to us that it's "a novel alternative to Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox, with accessibility and safety at its core".

Our expert says: What sets Nex Playground apart from other game consoles is how it blends technology with activity – your body is the controller. Instead of kids sitting glued to a screen, the system encourages movement, coordination, and even social play.