Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Since unveiling the game-streaming, Tegra-powered lkat this year's CES, Nvidia has kept everyone
waiting to find out just how much the device would cost.
Well, the Shield is now available to pre-order for $349.
General orders won't go live until May 20 at Newegg, GameStop, Micro Center, and Canada
Computers. But you can actually sign up through the Nvidia website's "Notify Me" link and
put down the cash right now. The Shield will start shipping sometime in June.
Loaded with a Tegra 4 mobile processor, the device is capable of running Android games
and apps on its 720p multi-touch display.
But Shield's most promising feature is the opportunity to stream PC games and play them
using the integrated controller. According to Nvidia's press release, PC streaming is
still in "beta," and there are also restrictions like needing a 600-series Nvidia GPU on your
computer.
But hardware requirements aside, the $349 price point may prove the biggest roadblock
for Shield. While the device is more than capable of playing high-end Android games,
streaming triple-A PC titles still requires another expensive piece of hardware in a competent
PC rig.
Later this year, Sony and Microsoft are expected to release their next-gen consoles. We'll
have to see if gamers are willing to spend nearly the same amount of cash on a piece
of hardware that only streams some of those next-gen games.
For more on Nvidia Shield, stay tuned to IGN.