Nex Playground UK pre-orders start 18 May 2026 for £269

The Nex Playground is now available for UK families to pre-order. This motion-sensing console outsold major systems like the PlayStation 5 in the US last November.
By Newsroom | Technology, UK |

The motion-sensing console, previously a success in North America, is now available for pre-order in the UK and Ireland, aiming to capture a market concerned with family-friendly screen time. Pre-orders commenced on May 18, 2026, with the device set to hit retail shelves in late June.

Time to re-Kinect? Sell-out family console Nex Playground is about to release in the UK and Ireland - 1

The Nex Playground distinguishes itself by focusing on controller-free, motion-based gameplay, a concept reminiscent of Microsoft's discontinued Kinect. Its design, featuring a palm-sized cube with an integrated camera, comes in soft, pastel colours. The company touts it as a "safe and wholesome" console, intentionally omitting online connectivity and mature content. Instead, its library comprises games built around camera-detected movements, with brands like Bluey and Sesame Workshop already featured.

Time to re-Kinect? Sell-out family console Nex Playground is about to release in the UK and Ireland - 2

Market Performance and Pricing

The Nex Playground has already demonstrated considerable success in the US market, reportedly outselling both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles in November 2025. This unexpected performance has spurred its international expansion. In the UK, the console is priced at £269, with an optional 'Play Pass' offering access to over 60 family-oriented games. It has also been seen in the US for around $199-$249.

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Time to re-Kinect? Sell-out family console Nex Playground is about to release in the UK and Ireland - 3

Retailers for pre-orders in the UK and Ireland include Amazon UK, Argos, and Smyths Toys. Further availability is expected through stores and platforms like TikTok Shop in June.

Time to re-Kinect? Sell-out family console Nex Playground is about to release in the UK and Ireland - 4

Core Technology and Market Positioning

The console's functionality relies on proprietary technology, specifically an RGB camera augmented by artificial intelligence for tracking player movements. This approach sidesteps the need for physical controllers.

The marketing for Nex Playground strongly emphasizes its appeal to parents concerned about children's screen time and content exposure. The company's statements suggest a direct response to these parental anxieties. The move into the UK and Irish markets represents Nex's first significant expansion beyond North America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can I pre-order the Nex Playground in the UK and Ireland?
Pre-orders for the Nex Playground officially began on 18 May 2026. You can purchase the device through retailers including Amazon UK, Argos, and Smyths Toys.
Q: How much does the Nex Playground cost in the UK?
The console is priced at £269 in the UK. There is also an optional 'Play Pass' available that gives users access to a library of over 60 family-friendly games.
Q: Why is the Nex Playground different from other game consoles?
The Nex Playground uses an AI-powered camera to track player movement, meaning you do not need physical controllers. It is designed to be a safe, offline experience for families with no mature content.
Q: When will the Nex Playground be available in stores?
The device is scheduled to arrive on retail shelves in late June 2026. It will be available at major toy stores and online platforms like TikTok Shop.