Nex
Nex Playground
A small box that plugs into your TV and turns your living room into a motion-controlled game system. No controllers — you just move.
$249
This is a camera-based gaming system about the size of a coffee mug. Plug it into any TV, and it tracks up to four people moving around the room. You play by jumping, dodging, and waving — no game controllers to hand out or charge.
It comes with five games you can play right away: Fruit Ninja, a goalkeeping game, whack-a-mole, and a couple others. If you want more than that, you'll need to buy a Play Pass subscription ($49 for three months, $89 for a year).
The motion tracking can be spotty. It works, but not consistently enough that you'll forget about it. Fine for casual family game nights where everyone's laughing anyway. Less good if someone expects it to feel as polished as a Nintendo Switch.
Why it works
- Up to four people can play at once — good for siblings or visiting cousins.
- No controllers to lose, charge, or fight over.
- Five games included, so it works out of the box.
Who it's for
- Families with kids who need a reason to get off the couch together.
- Someone who misses the Wii and wants that vibe back.
What to know
- Motion tracking is inconsistent — expect some frustration mixed in with the fun.
- Only five games included. Full catalog requires a subscription.
- Warranty only covers U.S. and Canada.
