A brand new video game console, that Nex playgroundis gearing up for release in the UK after outselling the PS5. The motion-based console will compete with consoles such as Sony's PS5 and Nintendo's Switch 2, with the goal of keeping kids active and moving while playing.
While the game console market has been largely dominated by Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in recent years, many other companies have tried their hand at console hardware. Sega was once a hardware titan in the gaming industry, peaking with the Sega Genesis in the 1990s. The 1970s and early 1980s saw many companies similarly jump on the gaming bandwagon during the Atari 2600's heyday, such as Mattel's Intellivision, ColecoVision, and Magnavox's Odyssey. Now a brand new company is stepping into the console market, but not one that fans might have expected.
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The latest news proves that the current economy cannot handle the supposed releases of the PS6 and Xbox Helix in 2027, not without a major twist.
Nex Playground is released in the UK
American tech company Nex is officially rolling out its Nex Playground in the UK and Ireland on June 22. The console is focused on motion-based gaming, similar to the Xbox's Kinect camera and the Nintendo Wii, which aims to keep kids active while still playing games. The console will include a starter pack of five games that all players will be able to access for free, while the console's subscription service offers an additional 60 games for £45 (around $60) per quarter, or £90 (around $119) per year. Nex even includes some big name tie-ins for many of Playground's games, including beloved brands like Peppa Pig, Blueyand Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Nex Playground will retail for £269 (around $357), or €319, in the UK and Ireland after launch.
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While the Nex Playground is receiving its first release in the UK and Ireland, the console has already made a big splash in other regions. The Nex Playground outsold the PS5 during the 2025 holiday shopping season, the week before Black Friday. Nex Playground has also continued to secure major brands for its new games, adding games based on How to train your dragon and Care Bears in its “Spring of Fun” update in early 2025. The console also has special kidSAFE+ certification in accordance with the US Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which ensures stronger protection for children.
Nex Playground aims to offer a safer play experience as child safety has become a hot button issue throughout the industry. Roblox has been among the most notable games involved in the push for greater protection, is the subject of several lawsuits, and added several new security features. Age verification has also seen significant growth in recent years, with companies such as Steam, Discord and PlayStation requiring players to confirm their age.
While the Nex Playground isn't likely to compare to juggernauts like the PS5 or Switch 2, the console has a solid foundation to build on. The subscription-based model for games makes the price of entry significantly lower than many modern consoles, with new games typically costing upwards of $60 or $70. The recognizable brands coming to the console will likely help attract fans to the console, with more popular brands coming every year. Nex Playground looks to secure a niche for itself in the gaming industry, one that has already been proven with its early sales performance.
Source: BBC
