Nex Launching NBA Versus, a New Basketball Experience for Nex Playground

Today, we launched NBA Versus, a new fast-paced, 1-on-1 basketball game developed in collaboration with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Launching exclusively on Nex Playground, NBA Versus puts players at the center of the action, using physical movement to create space, make plays, and move up the ranks from playground challenger to basketball legend.

Built around quick, head-to-head matchups, NBA Versus turns every possession into a duel. Players use gesture-based controls to dribble, cross over, drive to the basket, pump fake, shoot, steal, and block, bringing the movement and decision-making of basketball into the living room.

Designed to be approachable for newcomers while giving basketball fans plenty to master. Whether it’s an introduction to basketball or a way for young fans to keep moving outside the gym, NBA Versus makes it easy to step onto the court and start competing. Features include:

• Go one-on-one: Every possession is a head-to-head battle where spacing, timing, and smart reads can create an opening to score or keep opponents from scoring.
• Get in the zone: Build up big plays to turn them into dramatic, anime-inspired visuals and more spectacular finishes at the basket.
• Become a Playground legend: Go from an unknown challenger to a recognized court legend. Players earn experience and raise their reputation as they advance through 12 ranks, from Rookie and Baller to All-Star, Champion, and, ultimately, Legend.
• Take on bigger courts and tougher competition: Players face off against computer-controlled opponents as they progress across three distinct courts with tougher competition, bigger crowds, and better rewards as they rise through the ranks.
• Create a signature style: Players can build their own character with customizable outfits, hairstyles, eyewear, shoes, basketballs, and more. Player stats – including Shooting, Layup, Ball Control, Steal, Block, and Speed – can also be developed and adjusted over time.
• Rep all 30 NBA teams: Bring the fandom onto the game with rewards inspired by all 30 NBA teams. Players can earn and unlock team jerseys, shorts, basketballs, and backboard decorations, giving fans more ways to represent the teams they love as they play.

NBA Versus marks the latest chapter in a longstanding relationship between Nex and the NBA. Nex first made its name in basketball with HomeCourt, its AI-powered basketball training platform, and the NBA became a strategic partner and investor in the company in 2019. NBA Versus marks the next step in that longstanding relationship, bringing an NBA game to Nex Playground for the first time and expanding their collaboration into motion-powered family play.

“Basketball has been part of Nex from the very beginning. We started with HomeCourt and a belief that technology could make the sport more accessible, engaging, and fun, and the NBA has been such an important partner in that journey,” said David Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Nex. “NBA Versus feels like a full-circle moment for us. We’re taking that shared foundation and bringing it to Nex Playground in a completely new way, creating an experience where kids and families can move, compete, and experience the fun and competition of basketball together at home.”

NBA Versus is available now on Nex Playground through Play Pass, Nex Playground’s content subscription, which offers access to a growing library of 60+ active games spanning sports, dance, fitness, educational experiences, and more. Play Pass is sold separately and can be added to Nex Playground at any time.