Nvidia Shield: Hands-on Impressions With the Final Hardware
Nvidia's big jump into making a gaming tablet.
At the massive gaming explosion that is E3, Nvidia's pushing hard for its Android-powered gaming handheld known as Shield. Today we went for an extended hands-on with final hardware, which customers will be able to get their hands on in late June.
The first thing Nvidia showed us on Shield was its updated TegraZone, which is a section with specially-curated apps that have been optimized for Tegra hardware. These apps, usually denoted with a "THD" in the title, are all obtained via the Google Play Store; TegraZone simply puts it all in one place.
One such THD game is Dead Trigger 2, which gives the Tegra 4 chip inside Shield a chance to shine. The special effects of the Tegra 4 version over the standard game copy make a compelling case for why Sony might want to worry about the Shield compared to its PS Vita. Check out the video below to see what we're talking about.
We asked if Tegra 3 devices, such as the Nexus 7, would be getting a special version of Dead Trigger 2 but it doesn't seem so. The new generation of Tegra 4 is so far ahead of the previous model that it's a whole new ballgame. This brings up the question of lifespan for Shield. If a Shield 2 comes out, does that mean that the original Shield won't be able to take advantage of next-generation enhanced titles? That's something nobody knows yet – at least not until there is a Shield 2.
Special graphics aside, one very nice feature of the Shield that doesn't require Tegra-specific optimization are the hardware controls. Android has some very nice console-quality (though perhaps from an older generation) games, such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The issue, at least for me, is the control. Perhaps the Sony Xperia Play was ahead of its time, but having physical controls makes gaming on Android a much more enjoyable experience.
Virtua Tennis was downloaded onto the Shield, which supports the physical controller via standard Android APIs, but without any graphical extras. The game played beautifully and replicated the versions found on the home consoles. That's a very compelling feature of the Shield. Sure, the system is $349, making it the most expensive handheld portable, but the games are a fraction of the cost.
For those not interested in playing console games, the Shield's most unique party trick is being able to stream PC games from any machine running a GeForce GTX 650 or better.
We got to try Borderlands 2 on the Shield, and it was impressive. Actually, it wasn't on the Shield, but rather it was being streamed to the device. The GTX 650 in the demo machine would encode the video and then stream it to the Shield, which would send inputs back as a Wi-Fi controller.
Nvidia was clearly confident in the Shield's ability to deliver a low-latency experience, as a first-person shooter like Borderlands 2 would be quick to expose laggy behavior. Playing it right on the machine, lag was almost imperceptible. In fact, the switch from a mouse and keyboard control scheme to analog sticks seemed like more of restriction. Only when comparing the Shield's display to that from the streaming server does it reveal latency, and even then it's incredibly minor.
As a technical proof, Borderlands 2 was good, but what really got us to wrap our minds around Shield's virtues is playing Skyrim on the handheld. The Elder Scrolls isn't as demanding for twitch reflexes, so when we look back and think of the double or even triple digits spent in Skyrim that could have been spent playing on the couch, in bed, in the bathroom, or even out on the deck or patio, it certainly sounds a lot nicer than sitting at a desk. There are always good points to being in front of the full-resolution gaming rig, but the ability to split some of those hours off to alternative places and postures has us very interested.
When not gaming, the Shield also acts as a media player. Nvidia was happy to boast that it has best-in-class speakers integrated into the hardware. They're loud and clear, but they don't pack the punch of even the most basic PC speaker sets (such are the limitations of physics) and those who are serious about sound and gaming will want to use headphones. Then again, if gamer is willing to make the concession of a 720p resolution for the sake of portability and flexibility, then the same will apply for sound. That said, both the screen and speakers are actually remarkably good for what they are. Any comparison to the full desktop hardware isn't fair, and the portability option for when you want it is more than a fair trade.
Nvidia pointed out that the Hulu Plus and Twitch.tv apps can transform the Shield into a video streaming device. The Shield can connect to a Miracast-compatible device wirelessly or via the HDMI output. Gaming through video output isn't recommended due to added latency, but Nvidia did say it is working on improving that.
In the end, the Shield is a very unique Android tablet device. It has all the features of a tablet (except the screen size), plus some very special features that make it unique.
We look forward to testing the device in our labs soon.
| Processor | Nvidia Tegra 4 Quad Core Mobile Processor with 2GB RAM |
|---|---|
| Display | 5 inch 1280x720 (294 ppi) Multi-Touch Retinal Quality Display |
| Audio | Integrated Stereo Speakers with Built-in Microphone |
| Storage | 16 GB Flash Memory |
| Custom Tag Color | Silver |
| Wireless | 802.11n 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi Bluetooth 3.0 GPS |
| Connectivity | Mini-HDMI output Micro-USB 2.0 MicroSD storage slot 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack with microphone support |
| Motion Sensors | 3 Axis Gyro 3 Axis Accelerometer |
| Input controls | Dual analog joysticks D-pad Left/right analog triggers Left/right bumpers A/B/X/Y buttons Volume control Android Home and Back buttons Start button Nvidia power/multi-function button |
| Battery | 28.8 Wh |
| Weight & Size | 579 grams 158mm (w) x 135mm (D) x 57mm (H) |
| Operating System | Android Jelly Bean OS |
| Software | Google Play TegraZone Sonic 4 Episode II THD Expendable: Rearmed Hulu Plus TwitchTV |

















And I am highly speculative of the real-world PC game streaming capabilities of this; I wonder if the streaming connection is via a local network (i.e., through a router) or via wifi-direct? Leading to the question of whether the streaming is practical for real-time fast-paced multiplayer like FPS's.
I am excited about the idea of streaming a desktop game to a handheld device, but that would not convince me to buy this. Nor would having access to android/tegrazone games, of which none have impressed me.
This is a sub-niche product in an already small gaming niche market. They've got an uphill battle, and the price isn't helping them out much, no matter how cheap the games might be.
IDK, if I paid $349 for it, I would feel ripped off.
Then you're stuck with a dead end console that you can't upgrade. Not to mention consoles don't have any of the games I want.
For someone who actually cares about consoles, if you stream to your phone you need to have a controller set up with your phone or you are gonna play hell trying to move in a game. Shield has it built in.
seriously, i would fork money over so fast if someone did this. DO IT, NOW.
And I am highly speculative of the real-world PC game streaming capabilities of this; I wonder if the streaming connection is via a local network (i.e., through a router) or via wifi-direct? Leading to the question of whether the streaming is practical for real-time fast-paced multiplayer like FPS's.
I am excited about the idea of streaming a desktop game to a handheld device, but that would not convince me to buy this. Nor would having access to android/tegrazone games, of which none have impressed me.
This is a sub-niche product in an already small gaming niche market. They've got an uphill battle, and the price isn't helping them out much, no matter how cheap the games might be.
This is pretty much answered by the borderlands 2 play. Not sure streaming will matter much with games like hawken coming etc but I'd like streaming too:
"Nvidia was clearly confident in the Shield's ability to deliver a low-latency experience, as a first-person shooter like Borderlands 2 would be quick to expose laggy behavior. Playing it right on the machine, lag was almost imperceptible. In fact, the switch from a mouse and keyboard control scheme to analog sticks seemed like more of restriction."
It streams from your router via Wireless N. I don't understand your confusion. Software should be able to work around any minimal latency and even in the hands on here they mention anything other than FPS is already great (like a skyrim type etc). Anandtech (who kind of loves AMD...LOL) said the same things. I haven't seen anyone with hands on saying bad stuff. vs. Vita or 3DS for only $50-100 more than those it's a no brainer for handheld gamepad action at higher res etc, not to mention google apps.
And for your android doubts (or for anyone doubting the looks of said games):
Ignore comments in it and the list would be longer now, they were written for another post last month or two ago:
Demon Score (square enix)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.demonsgp&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5zcXVhcmVfZW5peC5kZW1vbnNncCJd
Wild Blood
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftWBHM&feature=related_apps
Note the unreal engine 3 is just kicking off on mobile, a lot more in the pipe. Also Real Boxing and Hawken (hawken is coming, NV showed it running on T4 already).
Modern Combat 1-4:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftM4HM&feature=more_from_developer
Make sure you up the video to 1080p... It rocks. This is PRE-T4. These are made for current crap T3 etc...OLD, some even T2 games below.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftM3HM&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLmdhbWVsb2Z0LmFuZHJvaWQuQU5NUC5HbG9mdE0zSE0iXQ..
Eternity Warriors 2 (1-5mil installs in the last 30 days...wow):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glu.ewarriors2&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmdsdS5ld2FycmlvcnMyIl0.
WOW, no, there will be no good games on tablets/phones etc.
Iron Man 3 (impressive to say the least)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftIMHM&feature=related_apps
Frontline Commando
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glu.flcn_new&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmdsdS5mbGNuX25ldyJd
Nova 3 (nova 1 & 2 aren't bad either)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftN3HM&feature=more_from_developer
Dark Knight Rises:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftKRHM&feature=more_from_developer
Gangstar Rio
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftG4HM&feature=related_apps
Shadowgun (still think tablets are crap?)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.madfingergames.shadowgun_thd&feature=related_apps
Bard's Tale (hey, isn't this a CONSOLE game...LOL)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inxile.BardTale&feature=related_apps
ArmA2: Firing Range (not impressive, but this was 2011...LOL)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bistudio.a2fr&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmJpc3R1ZGlvLmEyZnIiXQ..
Again for Tegra2...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.slitherine.gbm&feature=also_installed#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwNCwiY29tLnNsaXRoZXJpbmUuZ2JtIl0.
Renaissance Blood
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Bridea.NC.THD.RenaissanceBlood&feature=related_apps
Zombie Driver THD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.exor.ZombieDriver&feature=also_installed#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwNCwiY29tLmV4b3IuWm9tYmllRHJpdmVyIl0.
Chaos Rings 1 & 2:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.chaosrings2gp&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLnNxdWFyZV9lbml4LmNoYW9zcmluZ3MyZ3AiXQ..
Please realize it's in english when you buy it...LOL
Blazing Souls Accelate:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hyperdevbox.blazingsouls&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmh5cGVyZGV2Ym94LmJsYXppbmdzb3VscyJd
Final Fantasy 3 in 3d (2006 game but on current handhelds)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.FFIII_GP&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLnNxdWFyZV9lbml4LmFuZHJvaWRfZ29vZ2xlcGxheS5GRklJSV9HUCJd
Amazing Spiderman:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftAMHM&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLmdhbWVsb2Z0LmFuZHJvaWQuQU5NUC5HbG9mdEFNSE0iXQ..
Need for Speed Most Wanted:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ea.games.nfs13_row&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLmVhLmdhbWVzLm5mczEzX3JvdyJd
Asphalt 7
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA7HM&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmdhbWVsb2Z0LmFuZHJvaWQuQU5NUC5HbG9mdEE3SE0iXQ..
COD Black Ops Zombie game...Who knew?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atv.blackops&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLmF0di5ibGFja29wcyJd