I Love This Thing
12/12/2013
This review is from: NVIDIA SHIELD Portable
Pros:
Excellent build quality
Good screen
Comfortable and familiar controls
Runs Android w/update and no bloatware
Some Shield-optimized games are fantastic
Control mapping utility makes phone games more fun
Streams PC games at high framerates
Works hand-in-glove with Steam's console mode.
Surprisingly good battery life, especially in PC streaming mode
Works when plugged in.
Has microSD slot that for up to 32GB extra storage.
Flawlessly runs emulators for popular, but discontinued consoles
Tegra 4 chip is a responsive and graphically impressive
Can be plugged into TV for "console mode"
No other product does what Shield does out of box.
Cons:
Screen only 720p and a tad small
Limited selection of high-quality Shield optimized Android games
Not all phone games work well with control mapping software
PC streaming requires Kepler-based video card
PC streaming requires fast router (dual band AC or N)
Accessories are expensive and inflate cost ($40 carry case, $20 for non-ugly "shield badge" for lid)
Price is a bit steep compared to competing handhelds
16GB internal memory is too small.
Overall Review:
Reviews are quick to point out that Shield is not for everyone. They are correct. It is a niche product for people who already have a fast PC, have or plan to buy a Kepler-based Nvidia graphics card, and have or plan to buy a wireless AC or N router with dual-channel capability.
Fortunately, I already had all of these things (and a bazillion Steam games), so buying Shield was a no-brainer, even at near MSRP. I considered other, cheaper, more popular handhelds, but it was really no contest once realized I could play my old ROMs in emulation, run virtually any Android application without issue, play dozens of PC games at desirable frame rates from my couch, and destroy entire weekends playing Asphalt 8 (seriously, a game that I think is OK on tablets, but ascends to dizzying heights when played on Shield.)
My only complaints about this device can be addressed in future versions. It could use a larger, higher-resolution screen, and at least 32 GB of internal storage. Of course, the next Tegra version won't hurt, either.
IMHO, the Shield is worth the money for the Android game/app/emulation capabilties alone. The ability to stream Steam games is a huge bonus, that I use more than I thought I would. The build quality is impressive, and the controls are very sturdy. Everything folds up nicely into a clamshell.
Shield isn't for everyone. But if it's for you, it's REALLY for you.
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- Mark B.
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Verified Owner
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Owned For:
1 month to 1 year
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