Nvidia today demonstrated its first device sporting the upcoming Tegra 4 SoC: Project Shield. The Android-based mobile gaming platform takes the form of the familiar console controller and will be able to play both Android and select PC titles from Steam. It is expected to have access to all games in the Google Play Store and can also serve as a wireless receiver/controller for PCs. Those with a GeForce GTX 650 or higher can also stream their PC games directly (through Wi-Fi only) to the Shield handheld.

The chassis of Shield is reminiscent of a gamepad complete with dual analog sticks, shoulder buttons, directional pad and action buttons. The center buttons include speaker control, Home, Back, and a Shield button likely for launching Shield-specific apps.

The flipped top reveals a 5-inch 1280 x 800 pixel resolution touchscreen display with "Direct Touch Technology" for more uniform and precise responsiveness compared to traditional LCD touchscreen devices. The speaker system should provide a balanced mid-range as well as bass reflex.

Besides the usual USB port, the Shield can output HDMI and includes a microSD slot. Nvidia was able to output Blood Sword: Sword of Ruin and Hawken to a 4K display during its official demonstration. Because of its native Android OS, regular Android apps such as Hulu, Netflix, and others are all compatible. 

Both prices and a launch window have yet to be revealed, but Nvidia is targeting a release in the second half of 2013. 

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