Connected Play lets two Nex Playgrounds connect so families can play together through active play, even when they're apart. It's built on a foundation of safety, privacy, and adult control.
No video, voice, or text communication.
Families connect through games and shared challenges, but there's no communication between households.
Always opt-in.
When we spoke with families about the Trusted Connection experience, the number one piece of feedback was clear: Connected Play should always be opt-in, and never introduced or enabled without adult consent. That feedback directly shaped the design. Connected Play is intentional, adult-controlled, and available only when families actively choose it.
Active Play Pass requirement
To create a Trusted Connection, both Playgrounds must have active an Play Pass.
If you don't have an active Play Pass yet, you'll be prompted to activate one before you can connect. You can activate or manage Play Pass on your Nex Playground, in the Play Pass section of the top menu.
Unlocking the Family Tools menu on your Playground
The settings in Family Tools are protected by a security pattern, so a grown-up has to unlock them before proceeding.
After selecting Unlock, we'll email you a security pattern.
The security pattern is a combination of four directions entered using the directional buttons on your remote. When you first set up Family Tools, the pattern will be emailed to you. Check your email inbox for it, then hit the center button on your remote to proceed to the next screen.
Once you've found it, use your remote to enter your security pattern.
The Family Tools menu is now unlocked!
The fun starts with a Trusted Connection.
Connected Play works through a Trusted Connection: a secure link between two Playgrounds that's set up and managed by grown-ups in a password-protected menu called Family Tools.
Creating a Trusted Connection
Once you are connected
Virtual Playdates
Live, virtual play session between two Trusted Playgrounds, so families can play together in real time even when they're apart.
Scoreboard
Friendly, family-vs-family challenges on your own schedule. Households opt in to shared events built around select games, then compare scores and standings, with playful mascots reacting to how each family does.
At Nex, trust, safety, and privacy are foundational to every experience we create. Connected Play is being designed with those expectations at the center from day one.
This feature will undergo extensive testing, community feedback, and ongoing iteration before a wider release.
We are excited to build this alongside our community and look forward to hearing your feedback throughout the beta process later this summer.
If you are interested in learning more about the Beta Tester program, please visit our Blog: A First Look at Connected Play on Nex Playground.