Circana’s most recent release of hardware sales in the United States just revealed a tantalizing tidbit about an unknown piece of hardware that’s making waves this holiday season. In a post on social media by Circana’s Mat Piscatella, it was revealed that the NEX Playground Interactive Gaming System outsold the PlayStation 5 during the week ending November 22, 2025.
The NEX Playground came in just behind pole position, held by the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle, this year’s hottest Christmas gift.
What is the NEX Playground?
Mat Piscatella’s telling post on social media revealed that the NEX Playground Interactive Gaming System beat the PS5 Slim Digital in sales in the United States midway through November, prompting many to ask what the device even is.
The NEX Playground has been around since 2023, but it’s gathering steam now ahead of this year’s holiday season. It’s part of a new line-up of interactive games consoles designed for families and young gamers, allowing them to turn their televisions into engaging experiences without the need for controllers.
It’s like the Kinect, Eye Toy, or PlayStation Camera, but you don’t need a console to make it work, as it is the console.
It’s an AI-powered device that sits next to your television, offering a range of games like Fruit Ninja, Bluey Bust-a-Move, NHL Puck Rush, and Barbie Dance Party, all of which encourage young players to get up, get moving, and enjoy video games more interactively. It also has a bolt-on subscription that users can opt into to secure more games.
The NEX Playground costs just $249, which makes it a considerably cheaper option compared to the Nintendo Switch 2 ($500) or the PS5 Slim Digital ($449).
Circana’s Mat Piscatella followed up his simple sales report with a comment that read, ‘MOTION CONTROL IS BACK.’
Are you investing in a NEX Playground Interactive Gaming System for your family this Christmas? If you’re in the market, don’t forget to hang out at the Insider Gaming Holiday 2025 deals hub, and be sure to hit up the Insider Gaming Discord server to discuss what gaming gifts you’re buying this year.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Escape from Tarkov’s best ending almost suggests a sequel is coming
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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