My Kid Wanted Video Games. I Was Against It. This Console Gave Us Both the Win - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Review: The movement-based Nex Playground might be the antidote to parental screen time guilt. Article updated on March 18, 2026, 11:30 am EDT Editor’s Note, April 3: The Nex Playground is screen time done right. It delivers on the entertainment part without the usual side effects: no sedentary zombie mode, no hyperstimulation and fewer meltdowns when it’s over. Its closed ecosystem means no strangers interacting with your kids online, and its library of 50-plus games gets everyone from toddlers to parents up and moving — often to the point of sweating. For making screen time something the whole family can feel good about, the Nex Playground has earned CNET’s Editors’ Choice Award. The original review follows. When our 8-year-old started asking for video games, I knew we were about to engage in an uphill battle. Anytime we’ve been to friends’ houses with gaming consoles, he goes full zombie mode,