Nvidia SHIELD Android TV console now available

Today at Google I/O conference in San Francisco, Nvidia announced the availability of its SHIELD Android TV console. First announced at the GDC in March, the console can now be purchased in the US and Canada through Amazon, BestBuy or directly from Nvidia. In addition to the standard $200 model with 16 GB inbuilt storage, there is also a $300 SHIELD Pro version with a 500 GB HDD, bundled with a copy of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Previously available only for PC and/or Xbox/Playstation consoles, this game was ported to run natively on SHIELD, among several others such as The Talos Principle or War Thunder. It is of course also possible to play other Android games and stream games from either Nvidia's own GRID service or one's gaming PC or laptop.

Here are SHIELD's full specifications:

• Processor: Nvidia Tegra X1 (octa-core, 64-bit) with a 256-core Maxwell-based GPU, actively cooled (single fan)
• RAM: 3 GB
• Storage: 16 GB (SHIELD) or 500 GB (SHIELD Pro), microSD slot (up to 128 GB)
• Interfaces: gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0, microUSB 2.0, HDMI 2.0, IR receiver (supports Logitech Harmony remote)
• Communications: Bluetooth 4.1 LE, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2x2
• Operating system: Android TV
• Dimensions and weight: 210x130x25 mm (8.3x5.1x1.0 inch), 654 g (23 oz)

The console is bundled with an HDMI cable and a single SHIELD controller. Additional controllers can be purchased for $60 each; other accessories are a remote control with voice search ($50) and a stand ($30). SHIELD is capable of 4K video output at 60 fps and comes with YouTube and Netflix apps preinstalled, allowing users to watch 4K video content on compatible TVs. Google Play Music and Movies & TV are also installed and for a limited time, buyers will receive $30 Google Play store credit and a 90-day subscription to Google Play Music.

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