New console makes kids jump and dance instead of sitting

Most video games keep kids sitting on the couch. But what if a game could make them jump, dance, and run instead?

A new gaming console is trying to answer that question. It launches in the UK and Ireland on 22 June at a price of £269. The device is called the Nex Playground, and it represents a fresh approach to gaming—one that blends screens with physical activity.

Here's how it works. Instead of holding a traditional controller, players interact with the console by moving their bodies. The system uses cameras and sensors to track what you do. When you jump, the game responds. When you stretch or kick, the screen changes. This means kids stay active while they play, rather than sitting still for hours.

The idea behind this console is simple but powerful. Screen time for children has grown enormously in recent years. Parents worry about their kids spending too long indoors, away from fresh air and exercise. The Nex Playground tries to solve that problem by making movement part of the fun. A child doesn't feel like they're exercising—they feel like they're playing a game.

Designers believe this approach could appeal to both young players and their parents. For kids, the appeal is obvious: exciting games with bright graphics and engaging stories. For parents, the appeal is different but equally strong. Their children are moving, burning energy, and improving their fitness while having fun. It's entertainment and exercise rolled into one.

The gaming world has experimented with movement-based systems before. Some older consoles offered dance games or motion controllers. But technology has advanced significantly since then. Cameras are smarter. Sensors are more accurate. The Nex Playground takes these improvements and creates something that feels fresh and modern.

Of course, questions remain. Will children find it as engaging as traditional gaming? Will the novelty last, or will kids lose interest after a few weeks? Will parents actually purchase it at £269? These are fair concerns. Innovation in gaming always carries some risk.

But the underlying idea is worth considering. In a world where many children struggle with obesity and low activity levels, any tool that encourages movement deserves attention. The Nex Playground may not be perfect, but it represents an interesting step forward.

So here's something to think about: If you were a parent, would you choose a console like this over a traditional gaming system? What would convince you that the extra cost was worth it?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.