The Nvidia Shield is a set-top box, games console, and streaming device, all in one. Designed to cater for users who love gaming and watching TV on the same TV, the Shield could be a game-changer for UK households, or it could be an unnecessary addition to home entertainment collections.
So, do you need to invest in this high-tech streaming gadget? This hotukdeals buyer's guide will investigate what the Nvidia Shield is, what it does, and who it might appeal to. We'll assess the competition, suggest some killer games for the system, and provide a little advice about how to find a Nvidia Shield cheap and the best Nvidia Shield deals. But before we do that, let's get to know the manufacturer in a bit more detail.
Gamers will probably already be a little familiar with the name Nvidia. That's no surprise, as the company manufacturers the GeForce range of graphics processors, which have become a key aspect of gaming for PC users across the world. Able to accelerate 3D graphics without creating vast amounts of heat and noise, these cards have revolutionised the way developers create PC video game titles, opening up new vistas of gameplay and visual experiences.
The company itself is based in Delaware and California, in the United States. In the 1990s, it was one of the first tech companies to focus on specialist graphic acceleration cards, accurately divining the trajectory of the home and professional computing market. A major breakthrough came in 1999, when Nvidia released the GeForce 256, it's first mass market graphics card. The quality of this card created such a buzz that the developers were brought on board by Microsoft for its new Xbox console. Ever since, Nvidia products have played a key role in delivering crisp, smooth, Xbox action.
After acquiring 3DFX and Exluna in the 2000s, Nvidia became one of the “big two” GPU manufacturers, competing directly with AMD. It advised Sony when creating the PS3, and also started developing processors specifically for mobile devices.
At the same time, Nvidia realised that the future wouldn't revolve around graphics processing alone. Gamers and movie fans were also demanding new ways to “stream” content from their devices to TVs. That's why the company released the first Nvidia Shield console in 2015. It's also why GeForce Now emerged as the company's streaming platform, offering a way for Shield users to choose their games and entertainment content (and make micro-payments to consume it).
The basic console was joined by Nvidia Shield Tablets, and the basic microconsole has been beefed up into the Pro – with extra storage capacity. With more smart tech compatibility planned, it looks like Nvidia will be playing a key role in the future of streaming content. But what does the Nvidia Shield have to offer UK customers right now?
The Shield system is based around a console unit, which as we'll see in a moment comes in a couple of variations. This unit runs Android TV – an operating system that's similar to Kodi and other streaming software, and hooks up easily to Android smartphones.
The console itself connects to compatible TVs, establishing a direct connection for streaming, and can also hook up with computers or phones, acting as an intermediary, a little like the more familiar Chromecast or Amazon Firestick. But the core purpose of the Shield is to store content and deliver it to TVs.
The box uses its own controllers, but comes with various USB ports to connect additional peripherals, while Bluetooth connectivity ensures that other devices can be connected as well, such as headphones.
Basically, this setup enables owners to download and store games on their Shield console, and stream them seamlessly on modern televisions. It's a more elegant option than plugging in laptops, or attaching Chromecast dongles, and potentially opens up a whole world of gaming and viewing opportunities.
Here are a few of the core features of the latest version of the Nvidia Shield:
Weight and Size – Weighing in at 250g, the Shield is extremely lightweight and simple to move around as required. Measuring 9 x 16 x 2.5 cm, it can be slotted underneath TVs and packed away when not in use, and takes up hardly any living room space.
4K Streaming – Unlike some similar products, the Nvidia Shield explicitly caters for 4K video streaming, so games and movies will look at their best (providing your TV caters for 4K visuals). 4K can be played at 60fps, so the action should be pretty smooth, whether you are blowing away enemies on Fortnite, or watching the latest Marvel blockbuster.
Dolby Atmos Audio – Audio really matters when it comes to gaming and streaming, and the Shield doesn't let down users here. It caters for cutting edge Dolby Atmos surround sound via a pass-through, as well as the DTS-X format. So users with sophisticated speakers won't be left out in the cold.
Super-Fast Processing – As you'd expect from a company which made its name for high-end graphics cards, Nvidia have bundled in a powerful processor with the Shield. Users benefit from a Tegra X1 card, which boasts 256 cores and 3GB RAM, enough to handle virtually all current titles.
Plenty of Android Compatibility – One of the strengths of the Nvidia Shield is its ability to connect with other devices, and the Android 8.0 interface makes this easy. It has been adapted for connectivity with Google smart devices, as well as Chromecast. So users can stream straight from computers to their Shield, widening the potential streaming options considerably.
Storage Space – Standard Shields come with 16GB of on-board storage, and the ability to store content remotely on their Nvidia accounts. But the Pro goes further, adding a whopping 500GB of space for gamers to fill. Both provide ample storage space for games, music, and video.
Smart Tech Functionality – If you've fallen in love with smart tech, the Nvidia Shield will make a great addition to your home. It comes with Smart Assistant functionality as standard, so voice commands are on the agenda. And it also connects with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa, so should fit neatly into existing setups.
Easy to Setup – All that users need to get started with the Nvidia Shield is a standard wifi connection (802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). So it should slot into any home configuration.
Connections to almost all TVs – Thanks to its HDMI 2.0 port, the Shield will connect easily to today's TVs. A gigabit ethernet connection is also available, along with dual USB 3.0 ports.
Plex Media Server – This online service is run by Nvidia, and opens up a host of content options for Shield owners. It works with the Plex Media App which comes with all Shield devices, allowing users to stream the content that hold locally, download fresh movies or games and store them for later, and generally manage their library easily.
Nvidia Remotes – Not all users will require the Nvidia Remote, but it's a popular addition for streaming fans. As the name suggests, this peripheral allows wire-free control over your Shield console, making it easy to pause movie, music, or TV playback.
GeForce Now – Possibly the most exciting feature of the Nvidia Shield from a gaming perspective, GeForce Now offers access to over 400 popular PC games, streamed in 4K, straight onto home TVs.
Those features make the Nvidia Shield a go-to option for many gamers, both as a standalone gaming console, and a supplement to their PC or Xbox systems. If you want to join them, you'll find the following major buying options when you buy Nvidia Shield products at hotukdeals:
Nvida Shield TV – The standard Shield TV package includes the microconsole, with Google Assistant built-in. There's no controller in the most basic packages, though check for deals which bundle in extras. Basic versions get the Android OS, Tegra processors, and automatic updates – just like everyone else.
Nvidia Shield TV Gaming Edition – For a slightly higher Nvidia Shield price, buyers can optimise their purchase for gaming. This package generally costs £20-30 more, and comes with a single controller, which is essential to make the most of the system's gaming potential. The controller also enhances the Shield's Smart tech, with its hands-free microphone.
Nvidia Shield TV Smart Home Edition – This family-oriented edition comes with the standard Shield console, the Shield Remote, and a little dongle called the SmartThings Link. This handy accessory allows users to link their Shield with far more smart devices, including lights, security equipment, cameras, even fridges.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro – At the highest end of the Nvidia Shield TV UK price range, the Shield TV Pro comes with 500GB of storage space (compared with 16GB for the standard version). That's a massive enhancement for gamers, making it easy to store games locally, as well as saved games and apps. This should deliver faster loading times and less lag for multiplayer titles. If you intend to use the Plex Media Server, it's definitely the option to choose.
Generally speaking, Nvidia Shield review feedback has been very strong. For instance, Trusted Reviews took on the Shield in July 2018, and awarded the microconsole 4 stars out of 5. Its reviewer loved the compact design, 4K support, the ability to stream from the Cloud via Plex, and the intuitively designed controllers and remotes. They also noted that the Shield connects directly to GeForce Now, offering a gaming selection that Smart TV android systems can't match.
Tech Radar assessed the same (2nd generation) Shield and came to very similar conclusions, awarding the system 4.5 stars out of 5, and calling it the “perfect addition to your audiovisual arsenal”. Again, the appeal rested on a) the ability to stream a vast array of games and b) the chance to do so in 4K, straight to TVs.
As we noted above, GeForce Now offers a library of more than 400 games – and the options include some of today's most popular TV titles.
Fortnite is one of the stars, but other action shooters include Call of Duty titles like Black Ops III, Infinite Warfare, and Modern Warfare. Families will love the choice of LEGO titles, including popular options like Batman, Marvel Superheroes, and Jurassic Park. Snipers and engineers will want to dive into Team Fortress 2, adventurers will love the selection of Elder Scrolls titles, while Metro Exodus caters for fans of apocalyptic sci-fi.
The choice is extremely wide, with shooters, RPGs, sandbox style games, Football Manager, and space exploration titles like No Man's Sky. The sports selection isn't as extensive as it could be (there's no Fifa, for instance), but there should be plenty of titles here for gamers to sink their teeth into.
Membership of GeForce Now is free of charge to Shield owners. This doesn't mean that all of the listed games are free. You'll still need to connect to download sites like Steam to actually start downloads. However, Nvidia does make a range of games free to download on a monthly basis, which is a nice perk for Shield users.
Additionally, Nvidia has teamed up with Google Play to offer Nvidia exclusives, so it's worth hunting around for Android games that you won't find anywhere else.
We're almost ready to make an Nvidia Shield purchase, but one important subject remains: peripherals. The Nvidia Controller and the Nvidia Remote are key aspects of the Shield, so how do they work, and are they worth buying individually with a standard package?
The Nvidia Shield Controller – Resembling an Xbox controller, the Nvidia Controller is wifi enabled, and connects automatically to the console. It comes with “dual vibration feedback” for the full immersive gaming experience. There's a 3.5mm jack on the casing, allowing gamers a little privacy, as well as a microphone built-in. This means users can employ the controller to issue voice commands – a neat touch.
The Nvidia Shield Remote – Sleek and stylish, the Shield Remote is a wireless controller which makes it easy to pause movies, choose tracks, and navigate the Shield's Android menus. It has an IR Blaster built-in, which could be handy for using with some TVs and speakers. The remote also uses replaceable and rechargeable coin cell batteries.
So there's no need to wonder how to charge Nvidia Shield remote controls. Instead, users will benefit from a stash of spare coin cell batteries. Any standard CR2032 batteries will do, and you'll find brands like Duracell available at very reasonable prices by browsing the hotukdeals batteries listings.
Nvidia's Shield has become a hugely popular alternative to streaming boxes, Smart TVs, and Chromecast dongles, and it also offers competition to games consoles like the Playstation 4 and Xbox One. If you love gaming and have a widescreen 4K TV, there's no better addition to your home entertainment collection. But how can you buy Nvidia Shield products for less?
Firstly, decide whether you need the Standard or Pro package. You'll find a significant price difference between the two. Both have the same processor and access to peripherals and Android services. The difference lies in local storage. If you go for the Standard box, you'll need to rely on Cloud storage or endure length downloads when starting gaming sessions. With the Pro, you can store games locally, and be ready to play immediately.
Sometimes, you can also find better deals by purchasing controllers, remotes and Shield boxes separately. This isn't always the case, but don't assume that Nvidia's own bundles represent the best value. Shop around for prices for the kit you need, and buy it anyway you can.
The best way to shop around is by browsing the hotukdeals Nvidia Shield listings. Our listings include Shield bargains from merchants like Amazon, John Lewis, Currys PC World, and eBuyer. You'll also find listings for Shield purchases via Google Play and Steam, making it cheaper to build entertainment libraries when you've purchased a console.
And think about timing, too. The best NVidia Shield sale bargains can often be found around Black Friday in November. So think about waiting a while before buying. It can pay off in a big way. However, if you can't wait, check out the listings currently available via hotukdeals. You're sure to find Nvidia Shield products at affordable prices.
The Nvidia Shield is a “microconsole” which allows Smart TV owners to make their cutting edge TVs even smarter. Providing a way to stream 4K gaming content directly onto TVs, and featuring high-quality remote controllers and gamepads, the Shield also allows owners to access hundreds of downloadable games – often at very low prices. So if your living room entertainment is becoming stale, find a solution at the hotukdeals Nvidia Shield listings.
