Revolutionizing Playtime: How Nex Playground Merges Gaming with Movement

Unleash the Power of Play: Where Technology Meets Active Fun for Kids

The Dilemma of Screen Time for Children

With three little ones all under seven years of age, the concept of video games in our household was met with hesitation. My eldest's persistent inquiries about gaming, influenced by his peers, clashed with my concerns over sedentary lifestyles. Recollections of my own childhood, filled with endless hours of Nintendo, contrasted sharply with my parental instinct to limit screen exposure for my children's cognitive development and physical well-being.

Despite the allure of digital entertainment, the recommendation for minimal screen time for youngsters loomed large. The struggle to curtail their engagement with screens, especially when it meant ending their beloved TV shows, was a familiar battle for many parents, myself included.

Discovering Nex Playground: A Motion-Capture Gaming Solution

The revelation of Nex Playground piqued my interest, offering a middle ground that could satisfy both my son's desire to game and my preference for their active engagement. This system, reminiscent of the Xbox Kinect, eschews traditional controllers in favor of capturing the players' movements, allowing children to become the avatars within their digital adventures.

With a price tag of $199.99 and an optional annual play pass for $89, granting access to a plethora of games, Nex Playground seemed like a viable option. The system's design, tailored for children five years and older, promised a new realm of interactive play.

First Impressions: Children Adapting to Interactive Play

Initially, my children faced a learning curve with Nex Playground. Their first foray into gaming, coupled with their inherited lack of coordination, meant that mastering the spatial awareness for the camera and the precise movements for each game required patience and practice.

However, their perseverance paid off, and the joy of mastering the games was palpable. The twins, at four years old, quickly became enamored with a Peppa Pig game included in the console, which featured simple yet engaging activities like jumping in virtual puddles or competing in hula hoop challenges.

Engaging and Exercising: Games That Get Kids Moving

The console's capacity for up to four players led to a family test of the hungry hippos game. Mimicking the classic board game, we used our hands to 'chomp' down on digital fruits, a competition that left me breathless and perspiring after just two rounds. It was a testament to the system's ability to not only entertain but also provide a vigorous workout.

Observing from the sidelines, I noticed the camaraderie between my children as they cheered each other on, strategizing for the next round. The console had transformed into a tool for both physical activity and social development.

Family Play: A New Way to Bond and Stay Active

While the great outdoors remains my preferred playground for the kids, Nex Playground has carved out its niche as an excellent indoor alternative. It serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as a means to enhance hand-eye coordination and dispel pent-up energy on those days when the weather keeps us inside.

We've now designated video gaming for inclement weather, providing a perfect balance between screen time and physical activity. Nex Playground has become a cherished part of our family's routine, offering a harmonious blend of fun and movement that enriches our time together.