Nex Playground
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nex Playground.
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'We want to keep it very simple:' How Nex Playground is beating expectations during a hardware crisis
Nex Playground is exceeding expectations in a challenging hardware market, expanding globally and securing significant funding. The motion-controlled console has seen strong sales velocity in the UK, driven by an omni-channel strategy including platforms like TikTok Shop. Despite supply chain issues and component costs, Nex is committed to affordability and profitability through a sustainable hardware and subscription model.
Draft of new EU law proposes sweeping restrictions on online games
The EU Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, which would introduce significant restrictions on online games sold within EU territories. These proposed rules aim to curb excessive use by minors, restrict communication between users, and increase transparency on in-game currencies and lootboxes. Separately, Nex Playground announced securing $150 million in funding as its active console sales surpass one million units, with plans for international expansion.
Nex Playground announces $150m in new funding as hardware sales pass one million
Nex Team has secured $150 million in Series E funding, co-led by Baillie Gifford and BAI Capital, as sales of its Nex Playground active console surpass one million units. The company's subscriber base has grown sevenfold in 18 months to nearly one million. The new funding will support international expansion, inventory, and go-to-market initiatives, with former Niantic CFO Jeff Shouger and executive Bing Gordon joining the team.
"Every major publisher has approached us to review their old Kinect and Wii catalogue" - Nex Playground is spoilt for choice as its international rollout continues
Nex Playground, a family-friendly micro-console, is expanding globally, with Germany being its next major market. The company has sold over a million units and is seeing strong subscription attach rates. Nex Team is actively reviewing older Kinect and Wii titles for potential revival on its platform, alongside new partnerships with Sega and Bandai Namco for Pac-Man and Sonic Forces: Rival Rush.
Saudi-led EA buyout receives EU approval, Xbox trials ad-supported game streaming, and Poinpy is eternal - Patch Notes #62
The European Commission has approved the Saudi-led buyout of Electronic Arts, while Xbox is trialing ad-supported game streaming for select titles. Separately, the mobile platformer Poinpy has returned, and news emerges about a revived Kinect game, scrapped Pokémon designs, and legal disputes involving Nintendo and Bethesda employees.
A Kinect game that debuted in 2013 has been revived in the year of our lord 2026
Nex Playground announced the revival of Freefall Racers, a motion-controlled game originally released for Xbox 360 and Kinect in 2013. The updated version will feature full-body flying gameplay and enhanced controls optimized for the Nex Playground console, available through its Play Pass subscription service.
SEGA Celebrates 35 Years of Sonic the Hedgehog with Birthday Livestream Extravaganza
SEGA celebrated the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog with a special livestream event. The celebration included the surprise release of Sonic Frontiers - Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, updates for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, new gameplay for SONIC PICO PARK, and announcements for Sonic Forces on Nex Playground and mobile. Additionally, a Sonic the Hedgehog franchise sale on Steam and an expanded Sonic Live in Concert tour were revealed.
"We have secured our components for this year" – Nex Playground hopes to avoid any further AI-related price rises
Nex CEO David Lee and president Thomas Kang have secured components for the Nex Playground console for the remainder of the year, aiming to avoid further price increases driven by AI infrastructure demand. The motion-controlled console, which proved popular in the US, is launching in the UK and Ireland with a focus on curated games via a subscription service and a cautious approach to online multiplayer.
'Our ambitions are as big as the Wii:' How the Nex Playground is targeting the global market
Nex Playground, a motion-controlled console targeting families, is expanding globally after outselling Xbox in the US during the 2025 holiday season. The company aims to achieve the popularity of the Nintendo Wii, with plans to launch in the UK and Ireland before entering other key markets. Nex Playground has sold approximately 1 million units in the US, with a strong attach rate for its subscription service, indicating a focus on curated, high-quality games over hardware updates.
Nex Playground available for pre-order in UK and Ireland at £269
The Nex Playground, an AI-powered active play system, is now available for pre-order in the UK and Ireland for £269. The console includes five starter games, with access to over 60 additional titles via subscription passes. Nex Team president Tom Kang highlighted the console's focus on trust, safety, and active play for families, aiming to provide a solution for parental concerns about screen time.
Exclusive: 'We're not a compliant organization, we're a leading organization' — How Nex's kid-friendly console aims to be ahead of the UK's Online Safety Act
Nex is preparing for the UK's Online Safety Act 2023 with its new Nex Playground console, designed for children aged three to 12. The company emphasizes its commitment to Trust and Safety from day one, with features like on-device AI processing for privacy and a locked-down operating system. Nex aims to lead the industry in compliance rather than just meeting requirements, contrasting with measures being implemented by Microsoft and Sony for their respective consoles.
