Nvidia Shield TV
Android TV microconsole with game streaming and 4K video support.
The Nvidia Shield TV, also called Shield Android TV, is a digital media player and microconsole from Nvidia’s Shield line of Android devices. Launched in May 2015, it was originally pitched as a microconsole that could run downloaded games, stream titles from a nearby PC over a local network, or use the GeForce Now subscription service. Like other Android TV devices, it streams content through various apps and supports 4K video output. Two models are available, with the Shield TV Pro distinguished mainly by more internal storage.
In 2017, Nvidia released a refreshed 16 GB Shield with a smaller design that removed the microSD slot and infrared support, included an updated controller, and kept the same internal hardware as the original. In 2019, the lineup was updated with faster processors, a smaller base model with less storage, and a revised form factor.
The device runs on Nvidia’s Tegra X1 system-on-chip, featuring an ARM Cortex-A57 CPU and Maxwell-based GPU, with 3 GB of RAM. It outputs 4K resolution at 60 FPS via HDMI 2.0 and supports HEVC video. Storage options are 16 GB of flash memory or a 500 GB hard drive, expandable through microSD or external storage. The 2015 and 2017 models with a 500 GB drive are called Shield Pro. It has two USB ports, gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. A wireless controller is included; a separate voice remote with a headphone jack was sold but is no longer available.
The Shield runs Android TV, branded as Shield Experience. Games optimized for the device are sold through a Shield Store app. It can stream games via GeForce Now (formerly Nvidia GRID) or from a local PC using GameStream with compatible Nvidia graphics cards. Retro gaming emulation is also popular.
The original 2015 model used a 20nm Tegra X1 with four ARM A57 cores, four lower-power A53 cores, a 256-core Maxwell GPU, and 3 GB of DDR3L RAM. It had 16 GB of storage expandable via microSD, dual-band Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2. It launched with Android TV 5.1.
The 2017 version, released January 16, 2017, had a smaller body, no microSD slot, and came with Shield Experience Upgrade 5.0. It included a Bluetooth remote with a CR2032 battery and an updated controller with an always-on microphone. It used the same Tegra X1 chip and replaced the original 16 GB model.
On October 28, 2019, two new Shield TV models launched.
Quick Facts
- Aka
- Shield Android TV
- Manufacturer
- Nvidia
- Family
- Shield
- Release Date
- NA · May 28, 2015
- Os
- Android TV
- System On Chip
- Tegra X1+
- Storage
- 8 or 16GB flash memory
- Memory
- 2 or 3GB
- Display
- Up to 4K, HDR, 60FPS
- Controllers
- Remote
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0
- Online Services
- GeForce Now / Google Play
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Nvidia released the first Shield Android TV in 2015, using a Tegra X1 20nm SoC with an octo-core CPU configuration and a 256-core Maxwell GPU. It ran Android TV version 5.1 at launch. In January 2017, Nvidia unveiled a refreshed version of the 16 GB Shield with a smaller form factor that dropped microSD and infrared support, an updated controller with an always-on microphone, and a revised Bluetooth remote. The 2017 model contained the same Tegra X1 system-on-chip as the 2015 model and replaced the original 16 GB version.
In October 2019, Nvidia unveiled two new Shield TV models using the Tegra X1+ system-on-chip, shipping with Android 9.0 "Pie" and support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and AI-enhanced upscaling to 4K. The base model adopted a cylindrical form factor with 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of flash storage, while the Shield TV Pro retained the set-top box form with 3 GB of RAM, 16 GB of flash storage, and two USB 3.0 ports. A gamepad was no longer included.
The Shield TV runs Android TV, which Nvidia brands as Shield Experience. Major updates included Shield Experience Upgrade 5.0 in January 2017 (based on Android 7.0 "Nougat"), an update to Android 8.0 "Oreo" in June 2018, and Shield Experience Upgrade 9.0 in December 2021 bringing Android 11. In June 2022, Shield Experience Upgrade 9.1 introduced Automatic Game Mode and Night Listening Mode. In February 2025, Nvidia released Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2 with full Auro-3D support.
Reader's Guide
The Nvidia Shield TV occupies a unique position as both a digital media player and a microconsole, bridging traditional console gaming with cloud and PC game streaming. Its significance lies in its early adoption of 4K video output and its role as a platform for Nvidia's GeForce Now cloud gaming service, which evolved from the earlier Nvidia GRID. The device's use of Android TV allowed access to a wide range of streaming apps, while the separate Shield Store offered games optimized for the hardware. Retro gaming emulation also became popular on the platform.
Over its lifespan, the Shield TV received multiple hardware revisions that refined its form factor and upgraded its processor, while software updates extended its capabilities with features like HDR support, Google Assistant, Dolby Atmos, and AI-enhanced upscaling. The 2019 models introduced a split between a lower-cost cylindrical base model and a more capable Pro version. The device's continued software support through 2025, including updates to Android 11 and support for modern controllers and audio formats, demonstrates its longevity in a market where many microconsoles have been short-lived. The Shield TV remains notable as a versatile device that combines media streaming, native Android gaming, and cloud game streaming in a single platform.
Did You Know?
- The 2017 Shield model dropped the microSD slot and infrared support from the original design.
- Shield Experience Upgrade 9.1 in 2022 introduced Automatic Game Mode and Night Listening Mode.
- The 2019 Shield TV Pro includes two full-size USB 3.0 ports but no gamepad.
More in Video Game Consoles by Generation, Part 3 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced