Nvidia Shield is a game-changing Android gadget created by the popular GPU producer Nvidia. Although it has been available for several months now, it has only recently begun to garner widespread attention from gamers as its price has fallen more in line with other dedicated handhelds such as the Nintendo 3DS. It is now available for $199 -- down from a price at launch of $299. A major selling point is the ability to easily display any games on a television through an HDMI cable -- although a converter may be required if the television lacks a mini-HDMI port -- or PC games wirelessly with an HDTV using streaming.

Nvidia Shield Specs

  • CPU:  NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor
  • 2 GB RAM
  • Operating System:  Android KitKat 4.4.2 
  • Storage: 16 GB Flash
  • 5-inch 1280x720 (294 PPI) multi-touch retinal quality display
  • Integrated stereo speakers with built-in microphone 
  • Audio: 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack plus microphone support
  • Software:  Nvidia TegraZone, Google Play, TwitchTV, Hulu Plus, native support for FLV/MKV/4K video files, and two pre-loaded games: "Expendable: Rearmed" and "Sonic 4 Episode II THD"
  • Motion Sensors: 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyro 
  • Connectivity: Mini-HDMI output, MicroSD storage slot, and Micro-USB 2.0 
  • 28.8 Wh proprietary battery
  • Weight: 579 grams
  • Dimension: 158mm (w) x 135mm (D) x 57mm (H)
  • Input Controls: Dual analog joysticks; D-pad; Left/right bumpers; Left/right analog triggers; A/B/X/Y buttons; Start button; Android Home and Back buttons; Volume control; and NVIDIA power/multi-function button
  • Wireless Features: 802.11n 2x2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi; GPS; and Bluetooth 4.0

Android Games for Nvidia Shield

The Shield can run most Android games but its controller must be mapped in order to be used with Android games that are not designed to handle controller input. Nvidia maintains a list on its website of Android games that are compatible with the system and in what ways they are compatible.

Gamestream Ready Game

In addition, the Shield's ability to stream games from certain GeForce-equipped PCs allows players to play anywhere on the same Wi-Fi network. A beta version of streaming across the Internet is also available but of course is limited by the available Internet speed, which may prove problematic for users outside of large metropolitan areas. Games compatible with this service are also listed on NVIDIA's website.