Discover Nex Playground: The Revolutionary AI-Powered Console Poised to Surpass 1 Million Units Sold by 2026

Success rarely happens overnight. Despite its recent record-breaking Black Friday sales, Nex Playground's creator, Nex Team, has been working tirelessly for eight years. Launched in December 2023, the console features an AI-powered camera that tracks users' movements, allowing for interactive gameplay with its collection of family-focused games. Currently available in the US and Canada, Nex Team shipped 5,000 units in 2023 and 150,000 in the following year after partnering with major retailers. The company's massive sales in 2025, with over 635,000 consoles sold, have brought the total to nearly 800,000 units, with expectations to reach 1 million in the first half of 2026. However, the console's high demand has made it challenging to purchase. Nex Team was founded in 2017 by Apple veterans, including CEO David Lee, who previously sold his startup EditGrid to Apple in 2008. The company initially focused on the AI-powered basketball training app HomeCourt, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to the creation of Active Arcade, a collection of motion-based games that became a hit in Asian markets. After noticing a significant increase in user retention when players connected their devices to a TV, Lee and his team decided to develop a console. The decision to create a console, despite the industry's shift towards hardware, was driven by the desire to deliver the best possible experience. The Nex Playground features a unique blend of older industry concepts, including controller-free motion tracking and an Android-based operating system. With a price point of $249, the console is relatively affordable compared to other gaming systems on the market. Nex Team's focus on family-friendly games and accessibility has been a key factor in its success. The company's $89-per-year subscription service, Play Pass, has also been well-received, providing users with access to a library of games while generating a sustainable revenue stream for the company. Most games on the platform are exclusive, with half of the titles released in the last year developed through second-party deals. Nex Team has been receiving increased interest from major game studios, leading to an expansion of its developer experience team. The company's president, Thomas Kang, emphasizes the importance of finding developers who share their values and are committed to creating games for kids and families. The platform features a mix of new titles, licensed IP, and sports games, with licensed IP playing a significant role in the console's success. Nex Team has partnered with notable brands, including the National Hockey League (NHL), and is in discussions with other sports leagues to make their games accessible to kids and families. With a star-studded lineup of investors, including Simu Liu, Will Smith, and Mark Cuban, the company is well-positioned for future growth. Nex Team plans to expand to European markets in 2026, followed by launches in select Asian markets. The company's strategy is focused on customer satisfaction, with a measured approach to international expansion. As Nex Team looks to the future, its goal remains centered on serving its customers and establishing a presence in every living room worldwide.