Connect Nex Playground to your TV with the included HDMI cable, power it with its included USB-C cable, and follow the on-screen setup prompts. For play, Nex recommends a clear area of about 6 by 6 feet, with players 3 feet 4 inches to 13 feet from the device and the camera’s view unobstructed.
What you need before setup
Have the Nex Playground, its remote and batteries, a Wi-Fi network name and password, and an email address ready. You will also need a smartphone or laptop to access Nex’s account portal. Nex says the box includes an HDMI cable, power supply, magnetic camera privacy cover, remote, and starter games, so these are not separate setup purchases. See Nex’s package contents.
How to set up Nex Playground for the first time
- Connect the TV. Plug the included HDMI cable into the back of the cube and an HDMI port on the TV. Use the television remote to select that HDMI input.
- Connect power. Attach the included USB-C power cable to the cube and plug it into a wall outlet. Nex recommends using the original cable and preferably avoiding extension cords or power strips; do not substitute another cable.
- Set up the remote and account. Insert the remote batteries with the positive side down, then follow the on-screen prompts. You can skip a Play Pass purchase or activation code; it is optional.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for downloads. The five starter games download automatically when the system is on Wi-Fi. Nex says this can take up to an hour, depending on internet speed. Activated Play Pass games may download as well.
- Turn on TV Game Mode if available. Nex recommends Game Mode, usually found in the TV’s picture settings.
Wi-Fi is needed for initial downloads, but Nex says downloaded games can be played offline. Follow Nex’s first-time setup instructions if you need the manufacturer’s setup guidance.
How much space do you need?
Nex recommends a play area of about 6 by 6 feet. Players should be 3 feet 4 inches to 13 feet from the device. Nex notes that player height and available lighting can affect tracking, so treat the distance as a recommended range rather than a guarantee that every room or player will work identically. The device’s recommended height is 15 to 60 inches. These measurements come from Nex’s operating-condition guidance.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Position the cube for a clear camera view
Center the cube in front of or below the TV, near the edge of its surface, so the camera can see as much of the room as possible. Check that the television, furniture, or other objects do not block the camera’s view of players.
Clear the movement area
Move toys, bags, loose cords, and other trip hazards out of the play footprint and the route into it. Keep pets, furniture corners, and the device’s cables out of the path where players will move. Set the cube on a stable surface and supervise children, especially while they are learning a game.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Nex’s guidance specifies camera placement and dimensions; it does not prescribe a particular floor covering or safety mat. The CPSC’s Public Playground Safety Handbook concerns public playground equipment, not requirements for an indoor Nex setup, so its outdoor surfacing guidance should not be treated as a Nex product requirement.
What age is Nex Playground for?
Nex recommends the system for ages five and up. The company says children ages three and four may enjoy a broader selection of games when playing with a grown-up or older sibling. It also cautions that some games are more physically demanding and children under six may find those challenges difficult. These are Nex’s recommendations, not a universal assessment of an individual child; see Nex’s age guidance and its content and game information.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Camera privacy and family settings
Nex says its games have no ads, violence, micro-transactions, or chat features, and that downloaded games can be played offline. The company’s privacy page says video is not stored or uploaded to the cloud, an indicator light glows when the camera is active, and the cube includes a magnetic camera cover. Nex also says it is KidSAFE+ certified and COPPA compliant. These are statements from Nex, not an independent privacy or compliance audit; consult Nex’s privacy information.
Lock settings with Family Tools
According to Nex’s Family Tools instructions dated July 21, 2026, a grown-up can set a security pattern the first time they open Family Tools. The pattern consists of four directional-button presses and is sent by email; the same pattern unlocks the settings menu, and it can be changed in Family Tools. Nex also offers an option to hide games. A settings lock or hidden-game option should not be assumed to be a general content-rating filter. See Nex’s Family Tools instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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