Connected Play Events Are Now in Beta on Nex Playground
Earlier this year, we gave you a first look at Connected Play, a way for families to connect and play together across Playgrounds with adults fully in control. Since then, a small group of families in our Connected Play Beta have been testing, playing, and sharing candid feedback that is shaping every part of the experience.
Today we’re sharing the next step: Connected Play Events, now live for beta families and ready for more families to try.
What are Connected Play Events?
We know finding a time for two families to play together live isn’t always easy. Connected Play Events are designed for exactly that.
This new Connected Play feature offers friendly, asynchronous family-vs-family challenges. Instead of arranging a live Playdate, families join a timed event, typically a few weeks long, and play whenever it works for them. Throughout the event, each household can compare its scores and standings with Trusted Connections.
Built on the Same Foundation of Trust
Events follow the same principles as the rest of Connected Play:
- Always opt-in. Adults decide whether their family joins an event. Nothing is turned on without adult consent.
- Trusted Connections only. You only compete with families you’ve connected with through the passcode-protected Family Tools in PlayOS Settings, where both adults approve the connection. You can review or remove connections at any time.
- No chat. There’s no video, voice, or text communication. Families connect through play and nothing else.
Our First Event: Nex Sports Day
October 15 – November 15, 2026
Our first test event has a sports theme. Families will earn points across three challenges: the Bluey: Bust-a-Move Squash mini game, Homerun Heroes, and Tennis Smash playdates.
This event will help us learn how families join events, track their standings, and fit friendly competition into busy weeks. What we learn will shape future events and how Connected Play works.
What Comes Next
Like the rest of Connected Play, Events will go through extensive testing, community feedback, and ongoing iteration before a wider release.
Want updates as Connected Play develops, or to find out how your family can get involved?
At Nex, trust, safety, and privacy are foundational to every experience we create. We are excited to keep building Connected Play alongside our community, and we look forward to sharing more soon!
