The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a must-have device for gaming and TV enthusiasts. It serves as a PLEX media server with game-streaming capabilities. It offers 4K resolution with AI upscaling.
The product provides an exceptional experience for TV streaming enthusiasts and gamers alike, but it comes with a high price tag. You must also have a GeForce NOW subscription to use it. So, is it worth the expense?
Read on to find out.
About the Nvidia Shield
The Nvidia Shield provides superior streaming performance. Its 4K HDR means you will see all your favorite shows in high-quality resolution. It offers a Dolby Vision ATMOS fusion to provide premium audio-visual capabilities. The AI upscaling uses the power of artificial intelligence to produce crisp, clear videos in real-time.
If you sign up for the GeForce NOW Gaming Subscription, you can enjoy fast, high-resolution, long-lasting gaming sessions,
The system has a sleek, attractive, and unobtrusive design. The Shield remote is equipped with motion-activated, back-lit buttons. It offers voice control, Bluetooth control, and an IR blaster that controls your TV. It even has a built-in locator if your remote gets lost.
It works with over 5000 Google Play Store apps and any gaming device.
How Does the NVIDIA Compare to Other Streaming Services?
Nvidia stands out from the competition due to its quality, price, and service it offers.
Currently $199.99 (as of 2024), it is comparably priced to Apple TV, $80 more expensive than Amazon Fire, and $100 more expensive than Roku Ultra.
Its Dolby Digital Plus- Dolby Atmos audio-visual capabilities are comparable to Apple’s Digital Stereo and DTS Digital Surround. Roku and Amazon offer 2.0 stereo Dolby Atmos and Dolby 5.1 Stereo Surround.
All three options allow you to play mobile games, but Nvidia allows you to run AAA games that are typically only available on major gaming consoles or gaming PCs.
Nvidia’s strength lies in its gaming capabilities. If you are not an avid gamer, you may be better off with a less expensive streaming option.
Nvidia vs. Other Gaming Consoles
Xbox and PlayStation provide streaming capabilities and allow you to play games on your TV. If you own one of these consoles, you may not get much value out of the Nvidia Shield.
The device is more geared towards PC gamers. It is an excellent alternative to gaming laptops. You can experience your games on a big-screen TV with optimal audio-visual capabilities that put you in the middle of the action.
Device Setup
The Nvidia is relatively easy to set up. It involves the following process:
- Connect the device to your TV via HDMI.
- Connect to your Wi-Fi and set up Google Assistant.
- Download and log in to your streaming services.
If all goes as planned, the setup shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
Setting up a GeForce NOW membership and a Steam account to download games from the internet will take about 30 minutes. However, the setup is not overly time-consuming overall.
The Remote
The Nvidia remote is a pleasure to use. Its shape and weight provide an ergonomic fit, with all buttons easily within reach. Its motion-activated buttons will light up the moment you pick it up. The voice search works effortlessly.
It easily integrates with any TV in the home.
Necessary Additional Equipment
You must use a separate game controller or keyboard mouse to play games on Nvidia and the GeForce NOW app. The Nvidia Shield controller is recommended because it is designed for the Shield and other Android-based systems. It also offers optimized features of both X-box and PlayStation controllers and an ergonomic design.
PS, X-Box, and other Bluetooth-friendly controllers will also work with the system, but they won’t offer the Shield Controller’s Google Assistant. However, the Shield remote provides those features, saving you the expense of purchasing another controller.
Optional Additional Equipment
You may also choose to purchase the Shield TV stand. In addition to providing convenient storage, it eliminates blockages to the device’s heat vents. However, even when placed flat, the device is somewhat elevated, giving the vents plenty of room to breathe.
Note that the stand is unavailable through some online sellers and may be discontinued.
Apps and Channels
The Nvidia Shield comes with a few pre-installed apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but you can download countless others from the Google Play Store. It also runs entertainment and gaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, and Google Play Store.
About GeForce NOW
You will need a GeForce NOW subscription to play games on the Nvidia Shield. The membership provides access to over 100 games that you can play on your console or mobile device. Three membership plans are available:
- Free: The free plan includes a basic rig, standard server access, session lengths of up to 1 hour, and up to 1080p resolution.
- Priority: This plan offers a premium rig, priority server access, session lengths of up to 6 hours, and up to 1080p resolution. It costs $9.99 per month or $49.99 per 6 months.
- Ultimate: The ultimate plan offers an RTX 3080 rig, exclusive server access, session lengths of up to 8 hours, and up to 1440p resolution. It costs $19.99 per month or $99.99 for 6 months.
Is the Nvidia Shield Right for Me?
The NVIDIA Shield is an excellent choice for PC gamers who want to enjoy immersive gaming and streaming experience. Its biggest downside may be its cost, but you can save money by purchasing a refurbished model.
Refurbishment services allow you to purchase electronic products for less. They also give you the option to sell your items after you are done with them. They minimize the need for manufacturing, making them an environmental choice.
Gadget Salvation offers an easy refurbishment process. Simply send in your details, ship your item with our prepaid label, and get paid. You can also shop our database of over 4000 laptops to find quality devices at discount prices.
Visit us online to learn how you can buy and sell electronics, improve your financial situation, and save the environment.
