Nex Playground Launches Care Bears: Rainbow Ride, Combining Nostalgia and Active Play for Family Fun

Nex, a leading motion technology company, has partnered with Cloudco Entertainment to launch Care Bears: Rainbow Ride, an interactive, motion-driven game designed to encourage active play and healthy screen time for families. Available exclusively on the Nex Playground active play system, this new game taps into the enduring popularity of the Care Bears brand, bringing the familiar, huggable characters into a modern, tech-savvy platform. Game Overview and Features Care Bears: Rainbow Ride is inspired by the "Care Bears: Unlock the Magic" series, which emphasizes sharing, caring, and happiness. The game challenges players to embark on an endless runner adventure to retrieve the stolen Heart of Caring, a magical artifact that powers the Care Bears' ability to spread joy and love in Care-A-Lot. Players control their chosen Care Bear using natural body movements, leaning left or right to navigate lanes, jumping to avoid obstacles, and raising their hands to unleash special "belly badge powers." These powers can be triggered when the "belly meter" is full, adding an element of surprise and excitement. Core Gameplay Mechanics Starting as Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, Share Bear, or Funshine Bear, players can unlock additional characters such as Wish Bear, Goodluck Bear, Tenderheart Bear, and Togetherness Bear by collecting coins. The game features various levels, including the Caring Control Tower, town environments, and the Whimsical Forest, each with unique obstacles such as Sticky Cotton Candy Cloud, Fallen Tree Trunks, and Bad Crowd Minions. Multi-player options will be expanded from April 30, allowing up to two players initially, with the capability for four players coming in summer, fostering family bonding and cooperative play. Nex Playground System Nex Playground is an innovative active play system that launched in December 2023. Designed in California and manufactured by Skyworth, the system uses advanced AI and computer vision to integrate physical movement with digital gameplay. The system is powered by an Amlogic premium AI chip, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. With a Play Pass, families gain unlimited access to over 40 games and regular updates, making it a versatile platform for entertainment and physical activity. Play Pass and Availability Care Bears: Rainbow Ride is included in the Play Pass, available in 3-month and 12-month plans. This pass provides access to the entire game library, encouraging consistent and varied play. Nex Playground can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, both online and in select stores. For store locations, visit nexplayground.com/stores. Privacy and Safety Nex Playground is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, prioritizing the privacy and safety of young players. This certification underscores the company's commitment to creating a secure environment for children and families, ensuring that data collection and user interaction are handled responsibly. Industry Reception and Evaluation The launch of Care Bears: Rainbow Ride has been met with enthusiasm from industry insiders who commend the blend of nostalgia and modern technology. David Lee, co-founder and CEO of Nex, highlights the game's potential to transform screen time into meaningful movement, aligning with the core values of the Care Bears brand. Myles Hobbs, VP Global Distribution at Cloudco Entertainment, emphasizes the game's role in promoting family togetherness and the positive impact of active play. The partnership is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the strong emotional connection many adults and children have with the Care Bears, while introducing cutting-edge motion technology to keep the brand relevant and engaging. Company Profiles Nex is known for its innovative approach to active play, having been recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, TIME’s Best Inventions, and receiving multiple international design awards. Since its founding, the company has focused on merging digital and physical realms to create immersive, family-friendly experiences. Cloudco Entertainment, formerly American Greetings Entertainment, owns and develops several iconic entertainment brands, including Care Bears. The Care Bears brand has maintained its popularity over 40 years, evolving from greeting cards to multiple animated series and movies, and continues to inspire generations with its messages of care, sharing, and fun.