UVA McIntire Alumnus Behind Amazon's Top-Selling Plug-and-Play Video Game
Alex Wu (McIntire '07) is a founding team member and VP at Nex Playground, the motion-controlled gaming system that became Amazon's #1 seller in Plug & Play Video Games — even outselling Xbox on Black Friday. From UVA to Meta, Uber, and now leading partnerships with Mattel, Sesame Street, and the NHL, Wu is redefining active screen time for families everywhere.
From Grounds to the Top of Amazon's Best-Seller List
Alex Wu, a 2007 graduate of UVA's McIntire School of Commerce, is a founding team member and Vice President of strategy, business development, and partnerships at Nex Playground — the motion-controlled gaming system that has taken the consumer electronics world by storm.
### What is Nex Playground?
Nex Playground is a plug-and-play gaming system that uses motion-sensing technology to turn any living room into an active play space. With licensed titles featuring beloved characters from Barbie, Bluey, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sesame Street, and even the NHL, the system encourages full-body movement while gaming — offering what Wu calls a "healthy way" to engage in screen time.
The product debuted in December 2023 and quickly became Amazon's #1 best-seller in the Plug & Play Video Games category, even outselling Xbox on Black Friday. Nex is on pace to sell over 500,000 units by end of year, with endorsements from celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
### Wu's Journey: UVA → Silicon Valley → Nex
After graduating from McIntire, Wu built an impressive career in tech — working at Meta, Uber, and Quora before joining the Nex founding team in 2018. His role centers on securing major licensing deals, including a rare partnership with the global phenomenon Bluey, as well as agreements with Mattel and the National Hockey League.
### Making Gaming Inclusive
Beyond commercial success, Nex Playground is making a meaningful impact on accessibility. The system is designed so that children on the autism spectrum and those with disabilities can play video games alongside their families. Players range from ages 5 to 95, making it a truly multigenerational experience.
### A UVA Startup Story
Wu's path from Grounds to the top of Amazon's charts exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at UVA. His ability to blend business strategy with partnership development — skills honed at McIntire — has been instrumental in Nex Playground's explosive growth.
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Read the full profile on the McIntire School of Commerce website.