NVIDIA’s Shield family of Android gaming hardware is growing today with the addition of two new pieces of kit.
The NVIDIA Shield tablet is an Android-powered slate that is touted as being “built specifically for gamers.” The Shield tablet sports an 8-inch 1920x1200 display and 2.2GHz quad-core Tegra K1 processor at its heart. Also included is 2GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of storage, front-facing speakers and a pair of 5-megapixel cameras, one on its front and one on its back.
The Shield tablet also has a few unique features up its sleeve. One is NVIDIA’s DirectStylus 2 technology that allows for 3D painting, handwriting and note-taking. NVIDIA has also thrown in ShadowPlay, a capture tool that allows for gameplay capture and Twitch streaming, and Console Mode for hooking the tablet up to a big screen TV.
But how can the Shield tablet be built for gaming if its full touch? NVIDIA has solved that issue with the Shield wireless controller. The controller features a d-pad, two analog joysticks, triggers, bumpers and face buttons. The inputs don’t stop there, though, as the controller’s also got a capacitive touchpad and voice controls.
The NVIDIA Shield tablet and Shield controller are both available for preorder in the U.S., Canada and some European countries. Pricing is set at $299 for the 16GB Wi-Fi-only model or $399 for the 32GB unit with built-in 4G LTE. Meanwhile, the wireless controller will set buyers back $59, a tablet cover/stand is available for $39 and a DirectStylus 2 is available for $19.99. The Shield tablet will officially launch in the U.S. and Canada on July 29.
Via NVIDIA
