NVIDIA Shield, the console with Android support for game lovers in 4K resolution

Cristina MateuMarch 4, 2015Last Updated: March 4, 2015

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Simultaneously with the grandiose show Mobile World Congress Barcelona takes place in San Francisco, Game Developers Conference, A spectacular event that attracts leading developers of games and producers of dedicated gaming hardware. NVIDIA had an important presence this year, at GDC, offering an unusual product: NVIDIA Shield, an Android console, Fit to run 4K games resolutions.

The new smart box is the middle of the product range Shield, Thus completing the family portrait, with Tablet si Portable. The console is based on operating system Android TV and provides native support for playback of content in 4 60K frames per second. Of course this does not mean that only the games will be displayed in this resolution, but also images and movies.

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So, based on this new device stand Tegra X1 processor, which integrates a GPU with 256 cores, which will not be constrained by the limitations of a mobile device. Considering the fact that the Shield will be powered directly from the socket, the X1 processor will be able to be used at its maximum capacity. The new processor will be accompanied by a generous amount of RAM memory (3 GB). The storage space of 16 GB may seem limited, but it should be mentioned that there is a slot for microSD cards up to 128 GB. Because we are talking about a device that wants to be an integral part of the entertainment system in the living room, there is support for 7.1 and 5.1 sound playback via HDMI, as well as high definition audio playback via USB.

In terms of connectivity, we have two USB ports 3.0A 2.0 HDMI, gigabit ethernet port, micro-USB 2.0As well as a wireless module and 802.11ac Bluetooth 4.1. Shield wants to be positioned below the TV user and provide compatibility with IR remote control like Logitech Harmony. New 650 console weighs ounces and will take less space. Casing has only 210 130 x x 25 mm. The package will also find Shield ControllerAnnounced with Shield TabletAnd those who wish may purchase an optional remote control that provides access to the navigation and voice control functions.

All these would be just superficial specifications placed on paper, which promise high performance, but NVIDIA does not want to launch the Shield without advanced software support. So that, the company has made partnerships with different game developers, who will bring several titles to the platform Android. Among the most interesting games that will run natively on NVIDIA Shield meet: Crysis 3, 3 Doom BFG Edition si Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, titles not exactly new, but which we would not expect to see on an operating system like Android.

Also, NVIDIA spoke in detail about GRID, Streaming platform. Commercial version of the service will be launched in June this year. Users can opt for basic subscription for games x 1280 720 pixel resolution for Full HD or premium. Both will provide gameplay at 60 frames per second and latency of approximately 150 ms.

The new games will be released separately from the subscription and can be purchased individually. Titles such as Batman: Arkham Knight si The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. NVIDIA says that one of the strengths streaming through GRID is to limit waiting times, getting rid of downloads and installation. The running time of any game room 1 takes only minutes. Shield NVIDIA will launch in May, at a price equivalent to 199 dollars. The package will include Shield Controller gamepadWhich normally sells dollars 60 separately.