Nvidia released its original Shield TV console back in 2015, but the company has refreshed the design.
The new version still uses the same processor, which is an Nvidia Tegra X1 system-on-a-chip (SOC) coupled with 3GB of RAM. This makes it roughly as powerful as the last crop of consoles (Xbox 360, PS3).
The most notable changes this time include a smaller design and updated peripherals.
Click through our gallery to learn more about the system.
Like previous Shield devices, the new Shield enables Nvidia Gamestream, which allows you to stream games from your locally-networked PC to the system.
The Shield also supports GeForce Now. For $7.99 a month, the service allows you to remotely stream a selection of PC games from an Nvidia server farm. From our limited time with it, we hardly noticed any compression artifacts. We did notice some slight delay when playing StreetFighter X Tekken, however, but we’d say it’s acceptable for casual play. Depending on your internet connection, your mileage may vary. To achieve a 1080p/60fps video feed, Nvidia recommends at least 25 Mbps of network bandwidth. If you plan on using WiFi, the company recommends a 5GHz router.
The Shield also has built-in Smart Hub support, which allows you to give it voice commands to control and turn off smart home devices.
The Shield includes two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a power connector. It also supports 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1.
You can plug keyboards and mice into the USB ports, or use an external USB drive as storage for the Shield.
Nvidia has removed the SD card slot from this version of the Shield.
The bottom of the Shield houses an exhaust port.
The new Shield comes with a slightly redesigned remote. The USB charging port is gone in favor of an internal watch battery that Nvidia asserts will last up to a year.
The remote includes a circular directional pad, back/home buttons, a volume slider, and a built-in mic.
This is the Shield's power brick. It uses a proprietary charging port.
Nvidia's included redesigned Shield controller still uses a layout that’s similar to Microsoft’s Xbox controller. It's a bit smaller than the original Shield controller and removes the touch pad. It also features a more polygonal design, supports Bluetooth 4.1, and adds rumble support. The biggest change to the controller is that it incorporates a far-field microphone that allows you to give it voice commands from afar. Coupled with Google’s Assistant AI, it allows you to ask the time, weather, and more.
Nvidia says the controller lasts 60 hours on a single charge.
While the Shield controller comes with one controller, you can purchase additional ones for $59.99. The controller is also compatible with past Shield devices.
The polygonal design carries over to the back of the controller. Overall, it's a pretty comfortable controller to hold.
The top of the controller features a micro-USB charging port.
The bottom of the controller include a 3.5mm headset port.
This is everything that comes inside the box.
The new Shield controller (right) is a lot slimmer than the original Shield controller (left).
The new Shield (right) is much smaller than the original Shield console (left).
The Shield supports a plethora of streaming apps. Amazon Video is the newest high-profile addition and it supports 4K HDR streaming.
The device also supports Google Cast, which allows you to stream videos to the Shield from your phone or tablet.
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