Get ready to unleash your inner unicorn rider—because Nex and Spin Master are teaming up to bring Unicorn Academy: Friendship Adventures™ to the Nex Playground, and it’s a game-changer for family fun! But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just another video game—it’s a motion-powered adventure that blends the magic of Unicorn Academy™ with active, full-body play. Starting December 3rd, kids (and kids at heart) can dive into this enchanting world, exclusively through Nex Playground’s Play Pass subscription.
Unicorn Academy: Friendship Adventures invites players to step into the shoes of riders like Sophia, bonding with their unicorns, tackling quests, and unlocking magical abilities—all while moving, jumping, and galloping in real life. Think of it as a magical workout meets immersive storytelling. Players can hunt for Grim magic, collect Fate Fairies, and discover Sky Berries, all while exploring the whimsical landscapes of Unicorn Island. At launch, four rider-unicorn pairs will be available, including fan favorites like Wildstar and Glacier. As you progress, you’ll unlock new unicorns, expand your powers, and uncover hidden corners of the island.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In an age where screen time often means sedentary play, Nex and Spin Master are betting big on active gaming. Is this the future of family entertainment, or just a passing trend? David Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Nex, believes it’s the former. “Unicorn Academy captures so much of what we love about childhood—imagination, movement, and connection,” he says. “We’re excited to invite fans to bring their unicorn adventures to life at home.”
Maryellen Zarakas, Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products & Franchise Development at Spin Master, adds, “Partnering with Nex allows us to bring the magic of Unicorn Academy to families in a whole new way. Through active play, kids can truly step into the world of Unicorn Island and create their own experiences alongside their favorite characters.”
And this is the part most people miss: Nex Playground isn’t just another gaming console. It’s a controller-free, motion-powered system designed with privacy and safety in mind. All motion-tracking data stays local, and the built-in camera cover ensures peace of mind for parents. With over 350,000 units sold, Nex Playground has become a breakout platform for family gaming, offering a growing library of 45+ experiences, from dance games to educational adventures.
Ready to join the adventure? Nex Playground is available on Amazon, Best Buy®, Target®, Walmart®, and Sam’s Club®, both online and in select stores nationwide. Canadian fans, rejoice—Nex Playground has also expanded into Canada! For store availability, visit nexplayground.com/find-in-stores.
Thought-provoking question for you: As technology continues to shape how we play, do motion-powered games like Unicorn Academy: Friendship Adventures represent the future of family bonding, or are they just a novelty? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
About Nex:
Nex is on a mission to reignite the joy of movement for families. Created by parents, for parents, Nex combines technology and play to deliver fun, social, and interactive experiences powered by natural body motion. Their award-winning Nex Playground system is designed to get families moving year-round, with safety and privacy at its core. Certified kidSAFE+ COPPA compliant, Nex is also a proud member of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI).
About Unicorn Academy:
Produced by Spin Master Entertainment, Unicorn Academy follows Sophia and her classmates at a magical boarding school on Unicorn Island. To unlock their magical powers, students must bond with their unicorns while navigating friendships, rivalries, and the challenges of teen life. Catch the series on Netflix and Nickelodeon.
About Spin Master:
Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a global leader in children’s entertainment, creating exceptional play experiences across toys, entertainment, and digital games. Known for brands like PAW Patrol® and Rubik's® Cube, Spin Master also produces captivating multiplatform content and engages over 60 million active users monthly in digital games. With 29 offices worldwide, Spin Master is a powerhouse in the industry.
For more information, visit nex.inc or follow Nex on Instagram and Facebook. And don’t forget to ask yourself: Are you ready to ride into the world of Unicorn Academy?
