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NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet and Controller

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips751.4K viewsJul 29, 201410:00
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My review of the NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet is here. I love my SHIELD Portable, but this is a completely different beast... Is it a cut above the Portable, or did NVIDIA stray too far from what made the original so great? Sponsor link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Adhesive Wombat -

Check out his channel here: youtube.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com

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The NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet is presented as a strong evolution in mobile gaming and Android hardware, driven by Nvidia's Tegra K1 processor and a 192 Kepler GPU core configuration. The reviewer notes that while Nvidia positioned the Tablet as not a direct replacement for the Shield Portable, their experience over a week with the tablet shows it can stand on its own, especially for gaming on a larger 8-inch 1920x1200 display with an IPS panel that stays bright in various lighting conditions. The inclusion of a front 5 megapixel camera capable of 1080p streaming to Twitch, dual front stereo speakers, and a rear 5 megapixel camera highlight the device as a versatile multimedia device. The tablet also ships with a magnetic cover, a stylus with low latency for handwriting recognition, and expandable storage via micro SD, plus SIM options in LTE models. On the hardware side the Shield Tablet sports 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage (or 32 GB LTE variant), a long battery life claim of over two and a half hours of continuous gaming, and a robust front IPS screen that handles 1080p at 60 FPS output through micro HDMI for external displays. The included wireless Direct controller is introduced as a significant product in its own right, offering advantages over Bluetooth such as reduced interference on 5 GHz bands, higher bandwidth for multiple controllers, and a built in mic for Google Now and voice chat. The reviewer compares the two devices, explaining practical usage scenarios from bathroom and bed to travel and desk setups, highlighting that the tablet is best when a larger screen or more relaxed gaming posture matters, while the portable remains unbeatable for truly portable gaming. In conclusion, Nvidia’s Shield Tablet is praised as a compelling value for everyday tablet use while still delivering a solid gaming-capable platform, and the hardware is seen as a proof of concept that supports developers and a broader Android gaming ecosystem without sacrificing general usability or app versatility. The reviewer invites viewers to consider how they would balance convenience, screen size, and typing efficiency when choosing between the Shield lineup, while acknowledging that Nvidia has created a future-forward platform for gaming on Android that remains relevant and ambitious.

Topics · technology · gaming · hardware · android · review · electronics

Questions answered

What are the main differences between the NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet and the SHIELD Portable according to the review?
The SHIELD Tablet offers a larger screen, a lighter form factor for certain setups, and a better typing experience, while the SHIELD Portable remains more convenient for true handheld gaming. The tablet also adds a stylus, better screen brightness, and additional multimedia capabilities, making it a more versatile device for both gaming and everyday Android use.
Is the SHIELD Tablet a good value for gamers and non gamers alike?
Yes, the tablet is presented as a compelling value due to its Tegra K1 performance, open Android software with enhanced gaming features, and the option to use it as a standalone tablet or as a console for TV gaming. It supports PC game streaming, OTG accessories, and has strong multimedia capabilities, making it attractive to a broad audience.