To great fan fare and some deplore, in a livestream announcement last night, Nvidia introduced us to the new Shield Android based console. Featuring the new Nvidia Tegra X1 processor and backed up with a 256-core Maxwell GPU equipped with 3gb of ram, this new console is certainly one of the more capable that we have come across. Looking to target the living room gamer, Nvidia claims the console is capable of 60fps at 1080p while running PC level graphics. However after hearing many voice their doubts while watching the stream, we will just have to wait and see for ourselves. In addition to 1080p gaming, Shield is 4K Ultra-HD ready for 4K playback and captures up to 60 fps for streaming on Twitch. Rounding out the more notable features is a paltry 16 GB of built in storage with expansion available through Micro SD and 5.1 and 7.1 surround with HDMI pass through.
Processor NVIDIA® Tegra® X1 processor
256-core Maxwell™ GPU with 3GB RAM
Video Features 4K Ultra-HD ready with 4K playback and capture up to 60 fps (VP9, H265, H264)
Audio 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound pass through over HDMI
High-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz over HDMI and USB
High-resolution audio up-sample to 24-bit/192 kHz over USB
Storage* 16 GB
Wireless 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.1/BLE
Interfaces Gigabit Ethernet
HDMI 2.0
Two USB 3.0 (Type A)
Micro-USB 2.0
MicroSD slot
IR Receiver (compatible with Logitech Harmony)
Software Updates SHIELD software upgrades directly from NVIDIA
In addition to the Shield console Nvidia played heavily on the use of it’s game streaming service GRID. This service relies on a cloud based gaming super computer running on Nvidia parts and featuring PC level graphics anywhere you can get connected. This tiered subscription service is of course highly dependent on your connection. Nvidia says the service will have 50 titles ready to play at the launch of Shield. Currently there are 30 titles listed on the Grid page.
Gaming Features NVIDIA GRID™ game streaming service
NVIDIA Share
NVIDIA GameStream™
Power 40 W power adapter
Weight and Size Weight: 23 oz / 654 g
Height: 5.1 in / 130 mm
Width: 8.3 in / 210 mm
Depth: 1.0 in / 25 mm
Operating System Android TV™, Google Cast™ Ready
Included Apps PLEX
While the Android based Shield is not the first we have seen, it is releasing at a very reasonable price of $199. This price will remain especially nice so long as the console delivers on it’s performance promises. As well as the console there is a Shield controller available for $59.99, an aluminum stand for the console (no pricing), and a Blutooth based remote (no pricing).
Source: Nvidia | News Archive