The Same Tegra Chip That Powers Nintendo’s Next Console Dev Kits
The Nvidia Shield’s is based on its Tegra architecture; the same that the Nintendo NX is going to be running on (even if rumored to use a newer processor, the NX dev kits are using the Tegra X1). In terms of the capabilities of Tegra X1, consider this: Doom BFG Edition on Xbox 360 and PS3 runs at 720p60 with frame-rate drops. The same game running on the Nvidia Shield, based on X1, hands in a near-flawless 1080p60 presentation.
In no way, shape or form, the Nvidia Shield is remotely close to Microsoft’s Xbox One or Sony’s PlayStation 4 but it is more powerful than last gen hardware or even Nintendo’s current consoles.
Inovative & Fun Games In Many Genres
I love gaming, experiencing new journeys, and seeing where the medium is heading an Art form. The mobile gaming market is super interesting and very different from the traditional AAA market. There are many games developed for mobile that I’d really like to experience on a bigger screen while sitting on the couch. This was the Ouya promise, unfortunately the Android-based kickstarted console failed on many levels as the Android Google Play Store wasn’t accessible from the device.
There is nothing attractive to me with Nintendo’s offering when it comes to games: the Japanese company only sells Nostalgia and Amiibos; it’s always the same tired franchises which don’t offer anything new or compelling it’s just more of the same Mario, Zelda, Mario Kart, etc. These games are a ton of fun but it would be intellectually dishonest to claim that Mario Kart 8 on Wii U is a dramatically different game than the original Mario Kart on Super Nintendo.
That’s where the wealth of the mobile gaming library shines: every genre is well represented and many ones that haven’t found a niche on home consoles have found a second wind.
Fallout Shelter
Even if you’re not a self-proclaimed Fallout fan, this addictive sim is one of the best Android games around. Tunnel into the earth and build a vault to provide for your dwellers.
XCOM: Enemy Within
Enemy Within features the core gameplay of Enemy Unknown plus more exciting content. One of the most revered strategy games of all times.
Monument Valley
There’s a reason why this Escher-inspired puzzler is House of Cards Frank Underwood’s favorite game. It’s relaxing, gorgeous, and accessible.
Elder Sign: Omens
Elder Sign: Omens places you in control of up to four intrepid investigators, as they fight to keep all-powerful Ancient Ones from invading our world through a museum’s arcane exhibits!
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
The gameplay mechanics can be learned in minutes but the mastery of them is a never-ending pursuit. The variety of digital cards means there are many strategies to try out; crafting and refining the perfect deck of cards is just one of the ultimately rewarding, aspects of Hearthstone.
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens, the most-funded game in Kickstarter history; it’s an addictive game for people who like kittens, explosions, and corn dogs! It is the creation of Elan Lee (Xbox, ARGs), Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal), and Shane Small (Xbox, Marvel).
Riptide GP2
Reminiscent of Nintendo classic Wave Race, Riptide GP2 is a futuristic jet ski racer. The career mode is fairly typical: race and earn money to buy vehicle upgrades.
The Walking Dead: Road to Survival
Probably the richest Walking Dead Android experience yet. It functions mostly as a base-building game.
Dead Trigger 2
Extremely violent and gory zombie carnage cut into bite-sized chunks. Different missions and zombie types keep things interesting.
Implosion – Never Lose Hope
It’s a third-person action title that sees you slicing and dicing your way through hordes of enemies in the style of God of War or Devil May Cry.
Emulation & 4K Streaming With Kodi As The Killer Application
Multi-media capabilities aren’t the reason why a gamer purchases a console but the add-in value of such features are always appreciated and to a certain extend expected: the same way I demand every box connecting to my television to be able to be Netflix-enabled, I demand that devices with optical drives be able to play, if not BluRays, at least, DVDs.
Wii U is a complete failure in that matter and with that price tag it’s completely unacceptable.
This is where the Nvidia Shield dominates Nintendo’s console in every possible way: when it comes to add-in value whether it comes to catering to gamers’ nostalgia by letting them play older games to being capable of streaming in, no less, 4K; this little box is a powerhouse.
Retro Gaming
Nintendo’s ardent defenders will praise its console and its online store which let them purchase and play older games from their childhood.
This would definitely be an asset for the Wii U if it wasn’t for the fact that Nvidia’s console being an Android device features a versatile range of emulators served by a terrific hardware.
Anything the Wii U can do when it comes to retro-gaming, the Shield can do it better.
Stream Anything… Even PC Games
Nvidia’s device delivers an astounding picture quality with 4K resolution in YouTube, and VUDU, as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR) in Netflix.
It’s also a Chrome-Cast; can run Plex and stream from any PC or Network Storage Drive (NAS).
The streaming doesn’t stop at media! If your PC has a Nvidia GTX card you can stream your games on the TV using the GeForce Experience app.
Kodi: XMBC 2.0
Kodi (formerly known as XBMC) is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media center for playing videos, music, pictures, games, and more.
There are many online repositories which features some of the latest movies and series as well as live broadcasts.
There are add-ons for videos, music, changing Kodi’s behavior, popular web services, adding more artwork, controlling your lights, and much much more.
