This week’s video game roundup highlights continued momentum across family play, mobile gaming, and live-service events. Nex uses CES to preview international expansion and new sports-driven content for its active play platform, Mattel163 marks major growth milestones as UNO! Mobile celebrates seven years, and Nintendo kicks off the new year with a limited-time Tetris 99 crossover and a wave of new eShop releases.
Nex Outlines Global Expansion, New Sports Content, and Connected Play at CES
Nex previews its 2026 roadmap at CES this week, following a strong 2025, during which the company sold more than 650,000 Nex Playground units. CES is the annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association. The momentum positions the active play system for international expansion next year, with launches planned across Europe beginning with the U.K. in Spring 2026.
“We built Nex Playground to help families move, connect, grow, and experience joy together through active play,” says David Lee, Co-founder and CEO of Nex.
Content growth centers on sports and family-friendly experiences. Nex announces a new Dude Perfect-inspired sports title arriving in Summer 2026, building on NHL Puck Rush and kicking off a broader slate that includes partnerships with leagues such as the NBA. New accessories are also in development to support immersive, skill-building sports play at home.
The company continues to expand its Play Pass subscription with new games tied to established IP, including a title set in the Tiny Chef universe and ongoing updates to the Starri music-rhythm experience. Nex also previews a secure connected playdate feature, designed to let families link devices for virtual playdates with parental controls and privacy safeguards built in.
Learn more at nex.inc; CES attendees can find Nex Playground at Lido 3003.
Mattel163 Tops 550 Million Players As ‘UNO! Mobile’ Marks Seven Years
Mattel163 reports its global player base now exceeds 550 million across its digital game portfolio, with more than 65 billion matches played to date. The milestone comes as the company celebrates the seventh anniversary of UNO! Mobile with limited-time in-game events, including a puzzle experience and anniversary-themed rewards.
Growth over the past year is driven by the continued expansion of the UNO franchise, including the launches of UNO: Arcade Edition and UNO Wonder last year. Designed for casual, flexible play, UNO Wonder quickly gained traction on mobile platforms and reinforces Mattel163’s strategy to reach new audiences while supporting long-term engagement across its games heading into 2026.
“The true highlights belong to our global community,” says Mattel163 CEO Amy Huang. “Reaching these remarkable player and match milestones is a fantastic achievement.”
Tetris 99 Marks 51st Maximus Cup with Animal Crossing Crossover
Nintendo launches the 51st Maximus Cup event in Tetris 99 from Jan. 8 through Jan. 12, featuring a limited-time Animal Crossing: New Horizons theme. Nintendo Switch Online members who earn 100 event points unlock themed visuals, music, and Tetrimino designs inspired by recent updates to the title.
The week also brings a fresh slate of Nintendo eShop additions, including Arcade Archives 2 Space Invaders Part II, Suika Game Planet, and Tomba! Special Edition on Switch 2, alongside a wide range of new indie and simulation titles arriving on Nintendo Switch.
NEX PLAYGROUND
Kids use active motions to play video games on this gaming console instead of a controller. It features more than 25 games with different themes, including sports, music, and some of kids’ favorite brands.
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