Is The Nvidia Shield Worth It? A Comprehensive Review
The Nvidia Shield is one of the most powerful Android TV boxes available, but with its premium price point, many wonder whether it’s actually worth the investment.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer:
With its impressive gaming capabilities, AI upscaling, and support for the latest Android TV features, the Nvidia Shield provides a top-tier streaming media and smart home hub that justifies its high price for the right buyer.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll evaluate the latest Nvidia Shield models on factors like gaming performance, streaming capabilities, smart home integration, AI upscaling, and more to help you decide if the Shield’s high price tag is worthwhile.
Nvidia Shield Models and Variants
Standard Shield vs Pro
When it comes to choosing the right Nvidia Shield model, there are two main options available: the Standard Shield and the Pro version.
Both models offer impressive features and performance, but there are some key differences to consider.
The Standard Shield is a great choice for those who want a high-quality streaming device with excellent 4K HDR streaming capabilities.
It is equipped with a powerful NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, which ensures smooth and lag-free streaming.
With the Standard Shield, you can enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and games in stunning detail and clarity.
On the other hand, the Pro version of the Nvidia Shield offers even more advanced features and enhanced performance.
It comes with a larger storage capacity, allowing you to store more games, apps, and media files.
The Pro model also includes additional USB ports and a built-in IR receiver, making it a versatile device that can be easily integrated into your home entertainment setup.
Whether you choose the Standard Shield or the Pro version, both models offer access to a wide range of streaming services, including popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Additionally, they both support Google Assistant, providing convenient voice control capabilities.
2019 Update
The Nvidia Shield has undergone some exciting updates in 2019, further solidifying its position as one of the best streaming devices on the market.
The latest update includes a revamped interface, making it even easier to navigate through your favorite apps and content.
One of the most notable additions to the 2019 update is the integration of AI upscaling technology.
This innovative feature uses artificial intelligence to enhance the picture quality of lower-resolution content, making it look sharper and more detailed on your 4K TV.
This is particularly beneficial for streaming services that do not yet offer native 4K content.
Furthermore, the 2019 update also brings improvements to gaming performance.
The Nvidia Shield now supports GeForce NOW, a cloud gaming service that allows you to stream a wide range of games directly to your device.
With the power of the Nvidia Tegra X1 processor, you can enjoy smooth and lag-free gaming, even for graphically demanding titles.
Shield TV Gaming Performance and Features
When it comes to gaming performance, the Nvidia Shield TV is a force to be reckoned with. With its powerful graphics and processing capabilities, it is able to deliver an exceptional gaming experience.
Graphics and Processing Power
The Nvidia Shield TV is equipped with a powerful Tegra X1 processor, which is capable of delivering stunning graphics and smooth gameplay.
Whether you’re playing graphically demanding AAA games or casual mobile titles, the Shield TV can handle it all with ease.
In terms of graphics, the Shield TV supports 4K HDR visuals, providing a truly immersive gaming experience.
The colors are vibrant, the details are crisp, and the overall visual quality is top-notch. You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Additionally, the Shield TV comes with a dedicated GPU, which further enhances its gaming capabilities.
This means that you can expect smooth frame rates and minimal lag, even when playing demanding games.
Game Streaming with GeForce Now
One of the standout features of the Nvidia Shield TV is its compatibility with GeForce Now, Nvidia’s game streaming service.
With GeForce Now, you can stream a wide range of games directly to your Shield TV, eliminating the need for expensive gaming hardware.
GeForce Now allows you to play games from popular platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Uplay, without the need to purchase or download them.
Simply log in to your account, choose a game, and start playing. The streaming quality is impressive, with minimal latency and high-quality visuals.
Furthermore, GeForce Now offers a large library of games, including both popular titles and indie gems.
This means that you’ll never run out of games to play, and you can easily discover new favorites without breaking the bank.
Native Android/Shield Games
In addition to game streaming, the Nvidia Shield TV also offers a wide selection of native Android and Shield games.
These games are specifically optimized for the Shield TV, ensuring smooth performance and excellent graphics.
With a dedicated gaming controller, you can enjoy console-like gaming experience on your Shield TV.
The controller is comfortable to hold, responsive, and provides precise control, making it perfect for both casual and hardcore gamers.
From action-packed shooters to immersive RPGs, the Shield TV offers a diverse range of gaming experiences.
You can browse and download games directly from the Google Play Store or the Nvidia Games app.
Media Playback and Streaming
When considering whether the Nvidia Shield is worth it, one of the key aspects to examine is its media playback and streaming capabilities.
The Nvidia Shield offers a wide range of supported apps and services, making it a versatile device for all your entertainment needs.
Supported Apps and Services
The Nvidia Shield provides access to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Additionally, it supports a variety of other apps and services, including YouTube, Spotify, Twitch, and Plex.
With such a vast selection of apps available, you can easily find and enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, music, and more.
Moreover, the Nvidia Shield supports Google Play Store, allowing you to download and install numerous Android apps and games.
This feature expands the device’s functionality beyond media playback and streaming, transforming it into a versatile entertainment hub.
AI Upscaling
One standout feature of the Nvidia Shield is its AI upscaling technology.
The device uses artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of lower-resolution content, upscaling it to a higher resolution for a more immersive viewing experience.
This means that even if you’re watching content that isn’t available in 4K, the Nvidia Shield can upscale it to near-4K quality, providing sharper details and more vibrant colors.
With AI upscaling, you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows with enhanced visual quality, regardless of the source resolution.
This feature is particularly beneficial for older movies or TV shows that may not have been remastered in high definition.
Dolby Vision and Atmos Support
The Nvidia Shield supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, two advanced audio and visual technologies that enhance your home theater experience.
Dolby Vision provides stunning HDR (High Dynamic Range) visuals, delivering greater contrast and more vibrant colors.
Dolby Atmos, on the other hand, offers immersive, multidimensional sound, creating a more realistic and engaging audio experience.
With the Nvidia Shield’s support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, you can enjoy a cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re watching a movie or playing a game, these technologies elevate the audio and visual quality, transporting you into the heart of the action.
Smart Home Control and Integration
The Nvidia Shield is more than just a gaming device; it also serves as a central hub for smart home control and integration.
With its built-in support for various smart home platforms, the Nvidia Shield offers a seamless experience for managing and controlling your smart devices.
Google Assistant
One of the standout features of the Nvidia Shield is its integration with Google Assistant.
With a simple voice command, you can control your smart home devices, play music, search for information, and much more.
The Google Assistant integration allows for a hands-free experience, making it easy to control your smart home with just your voice.
Amazon Alexa Support
In addition to Google Assistant, the Nvidia Shield also supports Amazon Alexa.
This means that if you already have an Alexa-enabled device, such as an Echo Dot, you can easily control your Nvidia Shield and other smart home devices using Alexa commands.
Whether you prefer Google Assistant or Alexa, the Nvidia Shield offers flexibility and compatibility with both platforms.
SmartThings and IFTTT
The Nvidia Shield is compatible with popular smart home platforms like SmartThings and IFTTT.
This allows you to create custom automation routines, control multiple devices simultaneously, and even integrate your smart home with other services and platforms.
With the Nvidia Shield, you can truly make your smart home work seamlessly together.
Whether you use Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, or IFTTT, the Nvidia Shield offers a wide range of options for controlling and integrating your smart home devices.
It provides a convenient and efficient way to manage your smart home, making it an excellent choice for smart home enthusiasts.
Design, Ports and Accessories
When it comes to the design of the Nvidia Shield, it is sleek, modern, and compact.
The device has a small form factor that fits well into any entertainment setup. Its black matte finish gives it a premium look that is sure to impress.
Size and Form Factor
The Nvidia Shield is impressively compact, measuring just X inches in length, X inches in width, and X inches in height.
This makes it ideal for those who have limited space or prefer a minimalist entertainment setup.
Whether you plan to place it on a shelf, mount it on the wall, or tuck it away in a cabinet, the Nvidia Shield’s size and form factor make it a versatile option.
Ports and Connectivity
The Nvidia Shield offers a range of ports that cater to various connectivity needs. It features X USB ports, allowing you to connect external storage devices, controllers, or keyboards.
Additionally, it has an HDMI port for seamless connection to your TV or monitor.
The device also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling easy pairing with other devices and access to online content.
One notable feature is the Ethernet port, which provides a stable and reliable internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a wired connection for gaming or streaming high-quality content.
With the Nvidia Shield, you can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay and smooth streaming without worrying about lag or buffering.
Remote Control and Accessories
The Nvidia Shield comes with a sleek and ergonomic remote control. It features a built-in microphone for voice commands and a touch-sensitive surface for easy navigation.
The remote control allows you to control your entertainment experience effortlessly, whether you’re browsing through apps, adjusting volume, or searching for your favorite content.
In addition to the remote control, there are other accessories available for the Nvidia Shield.
One popular accessory is the Nvidia Shield Pro Stand, which allows you to place the device vertically, saving space and adding a stylish touch to your setup.
Another accessory is the Nvidia Shield Controller, which offers a more immersive gaming experience with its ergonomic design and precise controls.
Shield TV Drawbacks and Limitations
While the Nvidia Shield TV offers excellent streaming capabilities and gaming performance, it does come with some drawbacks to consider.
The most notable limitation is the lack of support for some major streaming apps.
Popular services like HBO Max, Peacock TV, and HGTV are not yet available on the Shield TV. Roku and Apple TV offer access to more streaming apps overall.
The Shield TV remote also has some quirks. It’s triangular design can feel awkward, and the lack of backlighting makes usage in dim environments frustrating.
Some users report connectivity issues and wish the remote was more ergonomic.
At $150-$200, the Shield TV sits at the higher end of streaming device pricing.
Users who just need basic streaming and don’t care about gaming may find it hard to justify the cost when cheaper options like Roku and Fire TV Stick exist.
For streaming alone, those alternatives likely suffice.
While the Shield TV remains the undisputed Android streaming box champ, it’s gaming prowess does come at the expense of some smart TV capabilities.
Shoppers should weigh their needs and decide if the Shield TV’s impressive performance, Tegra X1 processor, and gaming extras warrant the higher price tag compared to the competition.
For serious gamers or media enthusiasts, the Shield TV surely satisfies. But more casual streamers may find better value with other devices.
Nvidia Shield Pricing and Value
When considering purchasing an Nvidia Shield TV, the price and value are important factors.
The standard Nvidia Shield TV retails for $149.99, while the Shield TV Pro model goes for $199.99.
This definitely puts the Shield at the higher end for streaming devices, but many reviewers and users feel the extra cost is justified.
The Shield TV has top-of-the-line internal specs including 3GB of RAM, a powerful Nvidia Tegra X1+ processor, and 16GB of storage.
This hardware allows it to handle 4K HDR video and high quality game streaming incredibly well.
The unique gaming capabilities with Nvidia’s GameStream technology also help make the Shield stand out.
While you can find cheaper streaming sticks and boxes, the Shield’s excellent performance, future-proof hardware, and gaming features make it a worthwhile investment for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Many users report the Shield TV continues to work flawlessly even after 3-4 years of use.
Overall, the Nvidia Shield provides excellent value compared to competing devices if you factor in its impressive specs, functionality, and longevity.
With frequent software updates and support from Nvidia, it is built to stay relevant for years to come.
For media streamers who also play Android or streamed games, the extra expense over cheaper sticks and boxes can easily pay for itself.
Conclusion
With unmatched gaming capabilities, excellent streaming media support, and advanced smart home integration, Nvidia Shield provides one of the most robust Android TV experiences available.
For serious gamers wanting to play AAA titles in the living room, Shield’s gaming prowess makes it a tempting offer.
Media enthusiasts will also appreciate AI upscaling and Dolby Vision/Atmos.
Despite a high price tag, Nvidia Shield’s premium performance and features make it a justifiable purchase for the right buyer needing top-tier home entertainment and streaming media capabilities.
