The Nvidia Shield Console is one of the most hotly anticipated Android TV units out there. The build up to launch has become palpable, with Nvidia teasing the launch on their social media channels, and more importantly advertising the absolute heck out of it on the street corners around Google I/O this week. The wait is however over, with Nvidia today launching the console in the US.
The Nvidia Shield Console is available in two models, with the 16GB priced at US$199 and the 500GB ‘Pro’ version priced at US$299. The console, in both models comes with a controller and a remote control, making it a very premium model, at least when compared to the Nexus Player.
Spec wise, the Shield Console hits all the right notes, with a heap of top line hardware under that sleek black hood:
- NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor
with 3 GB RAM - 256-core NVIDIA Maxwell™ GPU
- 3GB RAM
- 16GB on-board storage with microSD Card Slot
- 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.1/BLE - Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, Two USB 3.0 (Type A), Micro-USB 2.0, IR receiver (compatible with Logitech Harmony)
- Video:
- 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 up-sample to 24-bit/192 kHz over USB
- High-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz over HDMI and USB
- 130x210x25mm @ 645 grams
- Android TV™, Google Cast™ Ready
- Includes Plex pre-installed
- 40W power adapter
While the street corners around Google I/O are covered in posters advertising the Shield Console, inside Moscone West, the Shield Console is also turning heads in the Android TV display setups and breakout areas inside Google I/O.
It’s actually hard to get a go on the Shield Console – they’re that popular, but just watching the games being played – it’s promising, with no lag or stutter when the 3D games start playing and getting into high gear, something the lower priced and specced Nexus Player can’t claim.
Best Buy and Amazon, as well as Nvidia’s own website are selling the Shield Console, but Best Buy and Nvidia don’t sell to anyone outside the US, but, Amazon appear to be quite happy to ship a Shield Console to your door.
The console is up for sale right now on Amazon – though the 500GB version doesn’t ship till June 12th. If you like the look of it you can head over and check it out and maybe jump on that sale if you’ve been waiting.
I guess another question I have is about the power adapter and such. Is it something we could swap out for an Australian one or use a plug converter on? Or would we need a power comverter?
Can anyone confirm whether it takes 240 volts or not? Don’t want to order from Amazon then find out I have to get a transformer just to use it.
Yeah. Just wondering about that. Would be nice if its switchable.
Not sure why my other reply has not been approved, but yes it is 100-240v input
Thanks! Seriously considering ordering one now. Not sure my bank balance can take the hit though. Anyone want to run an expensive, very early secret santa?
Just bought one. $286 at the current exchange rate.
I apparently also receive $30 worth of Google play credit.
do you guys have one of these?
I was keen till I read the anandtech review where it was discusssed how it does not support lossless surround codecs because of licenses nvidia was unwilling to pay for.
Though the reviewer did mention nvidia talking about a addon codec pack. So maybe that will solve the issue.
and thats a loss HOW? What is currently using ‘lossless’ codecs and won’t they have a fallback anyhow?
BluRay.
I had hoped this would be the solution that I could use to play my BluRay images un-degraded. This would make it worth the 200$ as it would be cheaper than building a HTPC. Hell this doesn’t even support lossy DTS from DVD.
Very tempted to get one, I don’t have a Nexus Player yet because of the underwhelming specs. The only problem is the price: USD $199 for the base model isn’t cheap, if I’m going to pay that much then perhaps I should go all the way and get an Xbox One or PS4 instead?