The Nex Playground movement-based gaming console will increase in price by $50 to $299 starting April 1. Nex co-founder and CEO David Lee announced the change in a letter to customers, blaming rising production costs for components like memory and storage. The company's Play Pass subscription remains $89 per year.
Nex co-founder and CEO David Lee explained the price adjustment in a customer letter, stating the firm could no longer absorb escalating costs. 'Like many consumer electronics companies, we've worked hard to absorb these cost increases for as long as possible,' Lee wrote. 'However, at current levels, it's no longer something we can sustainably carry on our own.' The hike stems from higher prices for DDR memory and eMMC storage, fueled by AI infrastructure growth and global shortages. Nex has kept its Play Pass subscription at $89 annually, providing access to over 50 games with regular additions. Lee highlighted this as a good value compared to individual game prices on Xbox or Nintendo Switch, which often exceed $40 each. The console targets young children and families with motion-based games featuring characters such as Bluey and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. These experiences emphasize physical activity alongside entertainment, setting it apart from traditional controllers and competitive play.
