I am not much of an online gamer, yet I find myself constantly in the company of dedicated gamers. My cousin is a devoted GTA enthusiast, my boss is a FIFA addict, and virtually everyone else in my friend circle has WWE 2K firmly on their radar. And when in the groove, all these people do is sink into the couch, pick up the controller, and play for hours on end. Unsurprisingly, physical fitness is the last thing that makes it to their to-do list. For folks like these, GameX Studios, a US-based startup, has introduced a device called GAMR Play Pad that adds a little movement to their otherwise stagnant life.
First showcased at CES 2026, GAMR Active Gaming Play Pad is a Bluetooth-enabled smart device that translates physical movements directly into in-game actions, connecting seamlessly to TVs, PCs, tablets, and mobile phones. The smart device, as it turns out, is neither a mouse pad nor a lap pad, but a mat.
As highlighted by Retro Dodo, the mat comes in three versions, each designed for a different type of gamer. The Rhythm mat is for those wanting to play Dance Dance Revolution-style titles and show off their dance moves, while the Junior mat is built for children, featuring a bright and colourful design that is easier to navigate for smaller feet. The Active mat, meanwhile, is aimed at those who want to game and get a proper workout simultaneously.
But the question still arises, how does the mat become compatible with a phone, TV, or laptop, and most importantly, how does it sync online gaming and physical exertion together? To which the brand explains, “The GAMR Active Play Pad features a unique centre panel that detects movement from every direction, enabling immersive balance-based gameplay.”
The mechanics are straightforward. “Simply place a balance board in the centre and control games through natural body balance and stability,” the brand explains. In simple terms, the mat features a pressure-sensitive mechanism that reads foot placement, weight shifts, jumping, running, and balance, feeding those inputs into games without any complex setup or learning curve.
Where compatibility is concerned, GAMR works as a Bluetooth controller, letting you play hundreds of controller-supported games across smartphones and tablets, smart TVs, Apple TV, Google TV, and Fire TV Stick, as well as PCs and laptops. This includes Temple Run, PAC-MAC 256+, Jetpack Joyride 2, Hill Climb Racing+, Crossy Road+, PuchKickDuck+, and many more.
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Beyond compatibility with existing titles, GAMR comes with a companion mobile app and ships ten original games developed specifically for the platform, titles like FIT MANIA and Dance Fun built around jumping, squatting, and reaction-based challenges. While playing, the system tracks activity intensity, steps, calories burned, session duration, and movement patterns, supporting single-player, multiplayer, and family sessions alike.
Just because it is a mat does not mean it runs without power. The wireless play pad includes a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours of gameplay, charges via USB-C, and comes with grippy stability pads and a carry strap for easy transport.
Following its CES debut, the company has taken the mat to Kickstarter, where it has already surpassed its funding goal by ten-folds. The GAMR Wireless Play Pad is set to retail at $199, although early backers can grab it at a discounted launch price of $149 through the Kickstarter campaign.
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