Nvidia Shield Android-based gaming console gets a price cut ahead of launch

Nvidia's Shield has received a price cut right before its launch. The portable gaming device was announced at CES 2013 labeled as 'Project Shield'. The pricing for the same was unveiled back in May with a price point of $349. Almost a month after that announcement, Nvidia had reduced the price of the console to $299.

It is powered by a Tegra 4 processor with 2GB of RAM. Shield allows gamers to play games from Nvidia's TegraZone, Google Play and Valve's Steam. Hence, it brings both Android and PC games on to the same hardware platform.

The handheld console comes with a 5-inch multi-touch display. The 720x1280 HD retinal display features capability to play 4K video. It also comes with 16GB of flash storage and runs on Android Jelly Bean. Interestingly the device also comes with GPS support.

With the gaming market alive with the PS4 and Xbox One out in the public eye, it is only natural that Nvidia wanted to ensure a more suitable price point for the Android-based handheld console. It also faces competition from much cheaper Android-based handheld gaming consoles like Ouya and GameStick.

The company also came out with regard to the availability of the product, stating that the device will start shipping on June 27th in Canada and United States.

Nvidia Shield technical specifications

Processor	Nvidia Tegra 4 Quad Core Mobile Processor with 2GB RAM
Display	5 inch 1280x720 (294 ppi) Multi-Touch Retinal Quality Display
Audio	Integrated Stereo Speakers with Built-in Microphone
Storage	16GB Flash Storage
Lid Color	Silver
Wireless	802.11n 2x2 Mimo Wi-Fi Bluetooth 3.0 GPS
Connectivity	Mini-HDMI output Micro-USB 2.0 MicroSD storage slot 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with microphone support
Motion Sensors	3 Axis Gyro 3 Axis Accelerometer
Input controls	Dual analog joysticks D-pad Left/right analog triggers Left/right bumpers A/B/X/Y buttons Volume control Android Home and Back buttons Start button Nvidia power/multi-function button
Battery	28.8 Watt Hours
Weight & Size	579 grams 158mm (w) x 135mm (D) x 57mm (H)
Operating System	Android Jelly Bean OS
Software	Google Play TegraZone Sonic 4 Episode II THD Expendable: Rearmed Hulu Plus TwitchTV