Here's what we "know" about the upcoming Nvidia Shield successor based on leaks and sightings. One set of specs include a 7.9-inch screen with a 2048 x 1536 resolution, a Tegra K1 processor with a 192-core GPU, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. The device, presumably a tablet, will also include a 7MP camera on the back and a 4.8MP camera on the front, along with wireless (N or AC) and Bluetooth connectivity.
Yet there's also another set of specs that appeared back in April. This set includes the Tegra K1 chip powering a 1440 x 810 screen, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and a 0.3MP camera. This version may keep the same clam/controller form factor as the original, providing a 5-inch screen that closes shut. However, there's a good chance Nvidia may ditch the controller form for something that's more mainstream, like a tablet.
"I think it's fair to say that Shield sold reasonably poorly," said Ed Barton, a games industry analyst at the consultancy Ovum, while speaking to the BBC. "And if the new device requires your PC to have a relatively new Nvidia GPU to make use of its abilities, that will really limit its addressable market."
On the streaming side, it sounds like the new device will be no different than the Shield. The gaming gadget will use Nvidia's proprietary GeForce Experience technology, which will stream PC games from a desktop or laptop that has a "Kepler" GPU. More specifically, the technology will work on TITAN, the GTX 700 series and select GTX 600 GPUs. On notebooks, streaming will work with the GTX 800M, the GTX 700M, and select GTX 600M GPUs. To stream games in Console Mode at 1080p @ 60 FPS, a GeForce GTX 660 or higher is required, Nvidia states.
Whatever Nvidia plans to release, the company will also offer a separate "budget-priced" controller, according to the BBC. That really doesn't indicate anything new other than Nvidia may be jumping into the peripherals market. Nvidia customers can already pair a third-party Bluetooth controller to their Shield device, emulating a console experience.
Still, the hint of a controller could mean that Nvidia has no intentions of releasing a Shield 2 control-shaped device, but will launch the tablet – which has a bigger screen we might add – with an optional controller dock. Razer does this as well as Wikipad.
The BBC reports that Nvidia would not comment on the Shield rumors, but did say that the company has an "awesome new gaming product that is launching soon." That's a confirmation something Shield-like is brewing, at least.
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