A new compact console launching in the UK this month aims to recapture the casual gaming appeal of the Nintendo Wii era, featuring motion controls with modernized technology.
Nex Playground targets the family gaming market that embraced motion-controlled gameplay during the 2000s Wii boom. The pint-sized device brings back the accessibility that made gaming universal across generations—from casual players to older adults—while incorporating safer and improved hardware.
The original Wii revolutionized how people approached video games, transforming the hobby from niche interest into mainstream entertainment. Its intuitive motion controls made gaming approachable for those intimidated by traditional controllers.
Nex Playground capitalizes on this nostalgia while addressing the technical limitations of that era. The device positions itself as a modern alternative for households seeking social gaming experiences that don't require extensive gaming knowledge or reflexes.
The console launches with a focus on party games and family-friendly titles designed for group play. Whether it can replicate the Wii's cultural phenomenon remains dependent on game library depth and pricing strategy in an entertainment landscape vastly different from the mid-2000s.
Valve generated $5.2B in revenue and $1.5B in net income in 2025, according to PrivCo estimates. The gaming platform now faces multiple lawsuits in the US and UK alleging its Steam store abuses market power.
ASUS has refreshed its ROG Ally handheld with an OLED screen and improved controls. The upgraded device comes bundled with AR glasses, pushing the total package price higher.
June marks peak gaming event season as multiple showcases fill the void left by E3's absence. Summer Game Fest Live, Wholesome Games Direct, and other presentations will dominate the month.