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Nvidia Shield TV

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Nvidia Shield TV
Also known asShield Android TV
ManufacturerNvidia
Product familyShield
TypeSet-top box, microconsole
Released
  • NA: May 28, 2015
Introductory priceUS$199.99
Operating systemAndroid TV
System on a chipTegra X1+
Memory2 GB or 3 GB
Storage8 GB or 16 GB flash memory
DisplayUp to 4K HDR, 60FPS
Controller inputRemote
Connectivity802.11ac 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0
Online servicesGeForce Now
Google Play
Weight250 g (8.82 oz)
RelatedShield Tablet
Websitewww.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/

The Nvidia Shield TV (Shield Android TV or just Nvidia Shield[1]) is an Android TV-based digital media player and microconsole produced by Nvidia as part of its Shield brand of Android devices. First released in May 2015, the Shield was initially marketed by Nvidia as a microconsole, emphasizing its ability to play downloaded games and stream games from a compatible PC on a local network, or via the GeForce Now subscription service. As with all other Android TV devices, it can also stream content from various sources using apps, and also supports 4K resolution video. It is produced in two models, with the second Shield TV Pro model distinguished primarily by increased internal storage.

In 2017, Nvidia released a refreshed version of the 16 GB Shield, which has a smaller form factor that drops MicroSD and infrared support, comes with an updated controller, and is otherwise identical in hardware to the original model. In 2019, Nvidia refreshed the Shield TV lineup with upgraded processors, and revised the base model with a smaller form factor and less internal storage.

Specifications

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The Shield utilizes Nvidia's Tegra X1 system-on-chip, based on the ARM Cortex-A57 CPU and Nvidia's Maxwell microarchitecture GPU, with 3 GB of RAM. The device supports 4K resolution output at 60 FPS over an HDMI 2.0 output, with support for HEVC-encoded video. The Shield can either contain 16 GB of internal flash storage or a 500 GB hard drive, expandable via microSD card or removable storage. 2015 and 2017 Shield models with a 500 GB hard drive are branded as Shield Pro.[2][3][4] It contains two USB ports.[4] For internet connections, it supports gigabit Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The console ships with one wireless controller; a wireless micro-USB-rechargeable remote with voice control and a headphone jack is sold separately[3][5] but is no longer available from official channels.

The Shield runs Android TV; games optimized and ported for the device are offered through a separate Shield Store app.[3] The device can also stream games through Nvidia's on-demand subscription cloud gaming service, GeForce Now (formerly Nvidia GRID), and from a local computer using the GameStream function of supported Nvidia graphics cards via the GeForce Experience application. In addition to native Android gaming and game streaming, retro gaming emulation[6] is popular on the Nvidia Shield TV.[5][7][8]

Models

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Original (2015)

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Nvidia released the first Shield Android TV in 2015. The micro-console uses a in-house built Tegra X1 20nm SoC processor with an octo-core CPU configuration ― four ARM A57s paired with four lower-power A53s and a 256-core Maxwell GPU and 3GB of DDR3L RAM. 16GB of internal storage which can be upgraded via microSD. Network options are either 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi or wired gigabit Ethernet. The HDMI 2.0 port has full HDCP 2.2 support and outputs full 4K. It ran Android TV version 5.1 at launch.

2017 version

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On January 16, 2017, Nvidia unveiled a refreshed version of the 16 GB Shield. It has a revised form factor with a smaller size but no microSD slot, and is supplied with Shield Experience Upgrade 5.0. A revised Bluetooth remote control with no headphone jack and replaceable CR2032 battery is now bundled, as well as an updated controller with an always-on microphone. The 2017 model contains the same Tegra X1 system-on-chip as the 2015 model.[4] The 2017 Shield replaced the original 16 GB version.

2019 version

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On October 28, 2019, Nvidia unveiled two new Shield TV models. Both models use the Tegra X1+ system-on-chip, ship with Android 9.0 "Pie", support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, and include a redesigned remote control, and a new "AI-enhanced" upscaling system that can upscale high-definition video to 4K resolution. The new base model uses a cylindrical form factor rather than a set-top box style, and has 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of flash storage, expandable via MicroSD card (in place of USB ports). The Shield TV Pro uses the same set-top box form factor as the previous model, and includes 3 GB of RAM, 16 GB of flash storage, and two full-size USB 3.0 ports. A gamepad is no longer included.[9][10]

Model name Model # Launch Form factor Processor RAM Storage microSD USB IR receiver HDMI / DP Ethernet WiFi Bluetooth Bundled accessories VQ- playback (max) VQ- capture (max) Upscaling HDR Dolby Atmos Voice control
Shield TV P2571 2015 Box Nvidia Tegra X1 3GB 16GB Yes 3x (2x 3.0 typeA, 1x microUSB) Yes HDMI 2.0 w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC (HDMI 2.0b by FW update) GbE 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 4.1 / LE Gamepad 4K at 60fps 4K at 30fps HDR10 Passthrough
Shield TV Pro P2571 2015 Box Nvidia Tegra X1 3GB 500GB Yes 3x (2x 3.0 typeA, 1x microUSB) Yes HDMI 2.0 w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC (HDMI 2.0b by FW update) GbE 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 4.1 / LE Remote, gamepad 4K at 60fps 4K at 30fps HDR10 Passthrough
Shield TV P2897 2017 Box Nvidia Tegra X1 3GB 16GB No 2x (3.0 typeA) No HDMI 2.0 w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC (HDMI 2.0b by FW update) GbE 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 4.1 / LE Remote, gamepad (V2) 4K at 60fps HDR10 Passthrough
Shield TV P3430 2019 Cylindrical Nvidia Tegra X1+ 2GB 8GB Yes No No HDMI 2.0b w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC GbE 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 5.0 + LE Remote (V2) 4K at 60fps AI upscaling HDR10 and Dolby Vision Decode + passthrough
Shield TV Pro P2897 2019 Box Nvidia Tegra X1+ 3GB 16GB No 2x (3.0 typeA) No HDMI 2.0b w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC GbE 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 5.0 + LE Remote (V2) 4K at 60fps AI upscaling HDR10 and Dolby Vision Decode + passthrough

Operating System

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Shield TV uses an Android-based operating system, Google's Android TV OS, which Nvidia brands as Shield Experience.

January 2017

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Shield Experience Upgrade 5.0, which is based on Android 7.0 "Nougat",[11] adds software features from the updated 2017 model, including HDR support for 4K video, new apps (including Amazon Video), SmartThings integration, Google Assistant support, and a new Nvidia Games interface. Google Assistant support requires a new iteration of the Shield Controller.[12][13] In June 2018, Nvidia released an update to Android 8.0 "Oreo".[14]

June 2021

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An update of Android TV to Google TV made Google Stadia available for the 2019 versions of Nvidia Shield TV and Nvidia Shield TV Pro.

December 2021, SHIELD Experience Upgrade 9.0

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In December 2021, NVIDIA released an update [15]bringing Android 11 to the SHIELD TV platform.

Update included:

  • Android security patch level: September 2021
  • Support for aptX-compatible Bluetooth headsets
  • Option to automatically disconnect Bluetooth devices when the system enters sleep mode
  • Option to match content audio resolution, enabling high-resolution audio output
  • A new Gboard keyboard version
  • A new Energy Saver setting for expanded power-management customization
  • Stadia button support for Xbox, PlayStation, and SHIELD controllers
  • Support for GeForce NOW cloud gaming in 4K resolution with HDR
  • Support for 7.1 surround sound
  • Expanded controller compatibility to include Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Scuf controllers.

June 2022, SHIELD Experience Upgrade 9.1

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A July 2022[15] update introduced Automatic Game Mode for SHIELD TV, enabling the device to activate Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) when connected to compatible displays. The update also added a Night Listening Mode, designed to normalize loud and quiet audio elements—such as explosions and dialogue—providing a consistent listening experience at lower volume levels.

Update included:

  • Android security patch level: April 2022
  • Notifications when an application accesses the microphone
  • SHIELD Remote 2019: Option to wake the device only using the power or Netflix button
  • Game controllers: Option to wake the device only using the controller’s logo button
  • SHIELD 2019 models: Option to match PCM audio output with Dolby reference volume levels

May 2025, SHIELD Experience Upgrade 9.2

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In February 2025, NVIDIA released SHIELD Experience Upgrade 9.2, introducing full AURO-3D support for high-resolution immersive audio playback over HDMI.[15][16]

Updates included:

  • Support for the “Match audio content resolution” feature when using a USB DAC
  • Ability to clear the HDMI 1.4 flag through a factory reset
  • Enhancements to the Match Frame Rate (beta) feature
  • Addition of French parental control options
  • Security improvements for 4K DRM playback

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Smith, Ryan. "NVIDIA's SHIELD Console Becomes SHIELD Android TV". Anandtech. Archived from the original on May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  2. ^ "NVIDIA SHIELD And SHIELD Pro Review: Easily The Best Android TV On The Market, But Don't Toss Out Your Game Consoles Just Yet". Android Police. May 28, 2015. Archived from the original on May 19, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "NVIDIA Announces SHIELD Console: Tegra X1 Android TV Box Shipping In May". Anandtech. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c "Nvidia's new Shield TV is a refined media box, but it's still best for gamers". The Verge. January 16, 2017. Archived from the original on July 13, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  5. ^ a b "NVIDIA Shield TV review: the best Android set-top box you can buy". Engadget. Archived from the original on February 18, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  6. ^ moe (December 3, 2020). "Best NVIDIA Shield TV Emulators - Best Android TV Emulators for SHIELD". Tech Up Your Life. Archived from the original on December 7, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  7. ^ "NVIDIA's GeForce NOW - GRID Cloud Gaming Service Goes the Subscription Way". Anandtech. Purch, Inc. Archived from the original on March 10, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  8. ^ "Nvidia finally launches GeForce Now cloud gaming for Shield set-top console". VentureBeat. September 30, 2015. Archived from the original on August 31, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  9. ^ Welch, Chris (October 28, 2019). "Nvidia Shield TV (2019) review: totally tubular". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 31, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  10. ^ Shilov, Anton. "NVIDIA Reveals New SHIELD TV: Tegra X1+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos". www.anandtech.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  11. ^ "Support Shield". Nvidia. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  12. ^ "The updated Nvidia Shield is now available". The Verge. January 16, 2017. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  13. ^ "Old Nvidia Shield TV will also get Google Assistant in update". Pocket-lint. January 31, 2017. Archived from the original on April 28, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  14. ^ "NVIDIA Shield TV Android 8.0 Oreo update rollout is back on!". Android Central. June 27, 2018. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  15. ^ a b c "NVIDIA SHIELD: Software Upgrade Release Notes". NVIDIA. Archived from the original on November 16, 2025. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
  16. ^ Whitwam, Ryan (January 30, 2026). "Inside Nvidia's 10-year effort to make the Shield TV the most updated Android device ever". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on January 30, 2026. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
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