Nvidia’s third delve into the physical boxed device market has brought us a sleek black box which promises 4K streaming and games along with ongoing support for the latest version of Android, but is it more than just another Android TV device?
Update March 2017: Since original publication, the Shield has undergone some major software updates to bring it in line with the new Shield model and these have been reflected in the review below.
Standing just 21cm high when placed on its side (which, judging by the heavy base I was sent, is how Nvidia think it should be stood) the Shield console looks mysterious and inviting with its triangular jutting edges and thin sleek design. A thin green line of light pierces the black at a sharp angle creating a futuristic vibe.  It’s a far cry from the many small Android TV boxes that have been flooding the market recently but the Shield offers a little more sophistication.
Nvidia have dabbled with hardware running Android twice before, in the Shield Portable and Shield Tablet, the latter being an impressive android tablet that housed their Tegra processor and allowed game streaming as well being a great tablet. This, though, is their first stab at a home console style setup.
The box houses that same Tegra 1 processor which is more than capable of handling anything you throw at it, even with the wealth of big Android games now appearing. The Nvidia Shield may have had a minor revision in 2017 but the software on the now year old device has also been updated to match the new hardware. This is where the benefits of the Android system have so far included regular updates and improvements that bring the console bang up to date with the Shield Experience Upgrade 5.0 from the new console.
On the back are several USB ports with fast USB 3.0, a Micro SD slot (which the newer version lacks) and HDMI.  The console comes complete with a wireless controller which has some touch sensitive elements and is chunky but fairly comfortable.  It can cope with modern games well, though, with its analogue triggers and solid twin sticks. A remote is also available and certainly recommended.
The Android OS has been kept fully up-to-date so far and Nvidia plan on continuing this, which is usually unheard of outside of Google’s own devices beyond 2 years. It does mean that there are hundreds of apps and games that are playable on the device and a quick look through the store shows that there are plenty of entertainment and streaming services. Youtube and Netflix are well supported, as is the new Amazon Video service. Chrome provides full internet access, though a wireless keyboard is a must if you want to make the most from this. This device would be an ideal box if you don’t have a Smart TV and that’s before we get on to games.
The biggest plus, though, comes from Nvidia GeForce Now, a streaming games service that is currently in beta and allows you to play your Steam games plus many others from a bunch of servers that Nvidia hosts. There are a mix of free and paid games on offer with the ability to play some of these at 4K resolution if your internet can cope.
The menu system is the only part we felt needed an overhaul. using the remote was fairly slow to navigate the restrictive menus and organise apps to provide your favourites so they are quicker to access.
While it’s still early days for the Shield, this is an ideal set top box for anyone who prefers streaming over standard TV and wants a future-proofed streaming box with 4K support and the ability to play new PC games without an expensive PC.
Nvidia Shield 2015
Pros
- Looks great
- Smooth 4K Streaming
- Can stream games through GeForce Now
- Fast and powerful
Cons
- Running Android does limit it a little
- You need a fast connection for 4K
