My latest video reflects on the Nvidia Shield nearly a decade after its initial release. It’s amazing how this device has maintained its relevance in a market saturated with fleeting tech products.
Originally launched in 2015, the Shield has gone through only a few minor updates since, yet it has held its own against newer streaming devices. It still runs most of the latest Android TV features, and although there have been some hardware revisions, the original 2015 device is still supported by Nvidia. But the device is marketed in a very different way today compared to how it was during its 2015 release to market.
The story of the Shield is also a story of Nvidia’s Tegra chip, which began as a mobile gaming chip. Early iterations, like the Tegra 3 and 4, powered experimental gaming devices, including Nvidia’s own handheld console and tablet in the early 2010s. Although neither device became a breakout success, they demonstrated Nvidia’s commitment to pushing the limits of mobile gaming hardware.
During that same period, devices like the Ouya and the Mad Catz Mojo tried to crack the console market with Tegra-based systems but ultimately couldn’t compete with traditional consoles. Meanwhile, Nvidia watched, likely recognizing an opportunity for a high-performance streaming device that could leverage their developer relationships for software support.
When the Shield TV launched with its high performance Tegra X1 processor, Nvidia positioned it as a gaming-focused set-top box, even including a controller with the base model instead of a TV remote. Nvidia did get a few AAA titles ported over at the time (like the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot) but they were not able to get significant traction from developers.
Eventually, Nvidia pivoted its marketing to emphasize the Shield’s streaming capabilities, a shift that has sustained its success among media enthusiasts to this day.
Over the years, Nvidia rolled out several Shield models. The initial versions offered a robust feature set, including an integrated Plex server with hardware transcoding capabilities and extensive port options for added functionality. The base level Shield had 16GB of flash storage while the Pro edition sold with a 500GB mechanical hard drive for a little more money.
The 2017 version of the Nvidia Shield marked a shift in the device’s focus, emphasizing media streaming over gaming. Nvidia streamlined the design on the non-pro version, introducing a more compact form factor for the standard model, which required less space and cooling due to a more power-efficient chip. While the “Pro” model retained the larger build with its 500GB storage option, Nvidia removed some features from the standard model, like the SD card slot and USB 2 micro port. This release also marked the first time Nvidia bundled a TV remote in the box. The game controller included with the 2017 version, while still functional, saw a downgrade in quality, particularly in the D-pad and build materials, as Nvidia appeared to prioritize cost-effectiveness.
By 2019, the Shield line had moved away from gaming as a primary focus but still powered by the same gaming-capable hardware. They introduced the first new hardware in years with a cylinder shaped non-pro model that lacked the Plex server and was running a more limited 32 bit version of Android. The Pro model was similar to the 2017 non-pro Shield. Both 2019 models introduced Dolby Vision HDR support, including support for Profile 7 Dolby Vision typically found on 4k Blu-Ray discs. Yet even with these changes, the core of the device—the Tegra X1 processor—remained unchanged.
An essential factor in the Shield’s enduring relevance is its shared hardware with the Nintendo Switch. Released in 2017, the Switch also uses the Tegra X1 and was wildly adopted by consumers and developers alike with over 146 million units sold. Given this success, Nvidia had little motivation to retire the X1-based Shield. This overlap has essentially future-proofed the Shield, allowing Nvidia to extend its lifespan with minimal investment – but it also meant that Nvidia would not want to get back into gaming and compete with their biggest X1 customer.
Looking forward, the future of the Shield is uncertain. Nvidia is reportedly exploring new high-performance ARM-based chips for PCs, and rumors circulate about a new console from Nintendo. While Nvidia may still release an updated version with a new chip, it seems more likely they will shift focus to performance-driven applications, potentially in the PC market and let Nintendo continue to rule in the gaming realm. The Shield’s next iteration, if it happens, might lean more toward a versatile media hub or mini-PC than a conventional streaming box.
Today, the Shield stands as a testament to Nvidia’s ability to adapt to market shifts, evolving from a gaming device into a staple for media enthusiasts. It’s rare for a piece of tech to remain useful and relevant for nearly a decade, but the Shield has done just that. Whether Nvidia chooses to release a new model or lets the Shield fade into history, it will remain a notable example of longevity in a fast-moving industry.
