Newsletter
Android TV is still a blossoming platform for content, and NVIDIA is attempting to give users the most robust experience in the space with their previously announced NVIDIA SHIELD entertainment console which was originally unveiled back at GDC in March. At the time there was only one unit announced, the 16GB model, but over the last month rumors started to surface about a possible 500GB model making its way to store shelves. As of this morning NVIDIA has officially launched the SHIELD console in the 16GB size and right alongside it, the 500GB model for anyone needing to take their entertainment experience to the next level with lots more storage.
The 16GB model will sell for $199 and the 500GB model will sell for $299, with optional accessories like the SHIELD remote with voice search and a stand, each costing $49.99 and $29.99 respectively. The SHIELD units themselves already come with the HDMI cable and one SHIELD controller, but consumers can grab additional controllers at $59.99 each should they need more than one. The unit aims to bring a unique take to the Android TV space with features that no other Android TV devices will offer, like the capability to stream and play games using NVIDIA GRID, and download and natively play AAA titles like Doom 3, Borderlands The Pre Sequel and more. To entice buyers, NVIDIA is giving out $60 in Google Play related services for free ($30 in play store credits and a 90-day subscription worth of Google Play Music Unlimited) to anyone that buys an NVIDIA SHIELD or NVIDIA SHIELD Pro, although this is an offer that is only available for a short period of time, with no mention of when the deal ends so those that are interested are encouraged to take advantage of it as soon as possible.
NVIDIA SHIELD will allow users to stream 4K content either through Netflix or YouTube, which is also unique to the SHIELD as no other Android TV devices are capable of supporting 4K content, at least not currently. As a brief recap of the specifications, the NVIDIA Shield is powered by the ultra powerful Tegra X1 mobile superchip, which is NVIDIA’s 256-core GPU to crank out graphics processing unseen on any other mobile device. The CPU is also 64-bit. Along with those who buy the Pro SHIELD unit during the limited deal, consumers will get Borderlands The Pre Sequel for free as a pre-installed game. Since this is Android TV powered, other streaming content apps are available besides Netflix and YouTube, like Hulu, Twitch, Sling TV, and HBO NOW as it was just announced to be coming to the entire Android platform by Summer time. Starting today consumers in the U.S. or Canada will be able to pick the NVIDIA SHIELD up at Nvidia’s own website, as well as Best Buy’s website, and of course Amazon with free two-day shipping for Prime members.
