Tim
SHIELD from NVIDIA is now available for you to purchase, bringing an impressive Android gaming and Android TV experience straight to your living room. Featuring NVIDIA’s Tegra X1 processor and 3GB of RAM, this set-top box is capable of delivering AAA gaming titles for you to play, while also including Netflix Ultra HD (4K) playback capability.
On the surface, Android TV on SHIELD is the same easy-to-use OS that runs on the Nexus Player, but NVIDIA has boosted the operating system’s performance, including a load of ports and computing power inside of the box. On the backside, the SHIELD features two full-size USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 to display 4K content, 2.0 microUSB port allowing SHIELD to attach to PCs as a storage device, microSD slot for up to 2TB of additional storage, Gigabit Ethernet port, Infra-red port for Logitech Universal remote connectivity, and Bluetooth 2.1 for additional accessories.
Beyond just the hardware, NVIDIA has incorporated many software advantages to owning a SHIELD, with the largest being gaming. Included inside of SHIELD is GRID connectivity, NVIDIA’s cloud-based game streaming service that allows gamers to stream and play AAA titles directly from remote servers. As of right now, the service is still completely free to use, but it is reported that in the future, NVIDIA may look to charge a monthly price for access to GRID. Of course, SHIELD also features access to Google Play, plus a few new exciting titles announced today such as DOOM 3 BFG, The Talos Principle, and more.
SHIELD is priced at $199 for the 16GB model, coupled with a SHIELD Controller, plus a 4K-ready HDMI cable. For an extra $100, you can purchase the 500GB Pro model, which also comes with a SHIELD Controller, 4K HDMI cable, plus a copy of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. That game is a $30 value, plus the huge jump in onboard storage. If you need that much storage, plus love gaming, the Pro model would be a good choice.
For accessories, you can pick up a SHIELD Remote for $50, or a SHIELD Stand to prop your box up for $29. Additionally, NVIDIA has partnered with Google to make the SHIELD an even better buy. When purchased, buyers will receive a $30 Google Play gift card, plus a free 90-day subscription to Google Play Music.
Below, I take SHIELD for a spin in my own home, giving you a tour of the device and what it offers your living room. If you need more SHIELD action, our full review is on the way. For those who want access to those awesome new games for Android, follow the links below.
Note: Purchase links and Google Play links may lead to dead ends, but be patient. It takes time for things to populate the servers.
If you are already sold on the box, you can purchase one directly from NVIDIA here.
Play Links: DOOM 3 BFG | The Talos Principle | JuJu | War Thunder | Lauftrausers | Hotline Miami
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