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I have so many fond memories of playing Donkey Kong and Super Mario World with my family when I was growing up. To be honest, I probably spent way too many hours sitting in front of that screen. Today I still play those classic games with my kids, but I’m also always looking for fun and engaging ways to work some physical activity into their lives. About a year ago, I found the perfect solution: Nex Playground.
What is Nex Playground, and how does it work?
It’s a video game where your body is the controller. When it’s your turn to play, the game scans your body and displays you in your living room on the TV. Just that alone is enough to entertain and excite my toddlers. From there, you can jump in muddy puddles with Peppa Pig, dance with Grover, shoot some hoops, or choose from many other fun activities. There are even fitness classes for families and adults.
The console is a small cube you set near your TV, and it has a cover for the camera for when you’re not playing. I like this feature for added security for my family. I’ve found the platform to be very easy to navigate, which isn’t always the case for similar products. I’ve also found that the game runs really smoothly; I never really notice any lag. Sometimes, the camera will lose track of the person playing or it will try to track someone in the background instead, which can be frustrating.
There is a pretty wide range of activities available, and all three of my kids have different favorites. My 6-year-old daughter enjoys Basketball Knockout and Arrow party, while my 3-year-old twin sons enjoy Elmo Says, Connect 4 Bounce, and Hungry Hungry Hippos Move n Munch.
Nex Playground
Nex Playground
Walmart
$199
What age range is Nex Playground for?
Officially the gaming system is recommended for ages 5 and up, with a few games appropriate for ages 3 and up. I’ve found this recommendation to be spot-on. Preschoolers and younger elementary-aged kids tend to really enjoy playing the games. While my toddlers also enjoy playing, they tend to get frustrated because they don’t quite have the skills to play many of the games yet. Even as adults, my husband and I have fun playing with our kids, and I can see older kids really getting into the games as well.
How much does Nex Playground cost?
The console itself, including 5 starter games, is currently $199. When comparing this to other video game consoles, it is a bit cheaper. However, if you want access to the full activity log (which is essential, in my opinion), you’ll have to pay $49 for 3 months of access, or $89 for a full year. Currently there are over 30 games available, and I see new ones pop up often.
Is Nex Playground worth it?
If you’re on a budget or looking for something that will get your kids up and moving every single day, you might not want to splurge on the Nex Playground. In my experience, kids tend to get really into it and play for a few days or weeks, and then forget about it for a while. When they remember we have it or I get it out again, the excitement starts back up.
For families looking for a big, exciting gift or something fun to break out when guests come over, I think Nex Playground is worth it. When family and friends come over, the console is often the center of the gathering, which makes hosting easier and helps kids get some of their energy out. It’s also a great option for families without an outside space who are constantly looking for ways to get their kids moving.
Buy it: Nex Playground, $199 at Walmart
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