A new Shield tablet and controller has been designed to enhance a mobile player’s gaming experience.
Nvidia is bringing to the mobile gaming industry, what it says is the most advanced mobile processor in the world, an 8 inch Shield gaming tablet and wireless Shield controller, two pieces of impressive hardware that are not likely to disappoint.
The premium 8 inch tablet is one of the first to be specifically designed for gamers.
Nvidia’s new tablet device can play Android games that have been downloaded from Google Play or the company’s Hub app. It also has the ability to stream games directly from a PC using WiFi or 4G. What this means is that gamers can experience graphics that are close to console quality, on a mobile device.
The Shield gaming tablet is equipped with an HD 1920×1080 pixel screen and is powered by Nvidia’s Tegra K1 192 core Kepler GPU. The tech and video game company claims that the tablet uses the highest advanced mobile processer that is available on a device. In addition, the tablet can utilize the graphics card of a PC if a player is streaming games. That being said, it is important to point out that not all PC’s powered by Nvidia are compatible with this particular feature of the device.
The tablet will come with WiFi or WiFi and LTE connectivity and consumers can choose from a 16GB or 32GB model, both of which will include up to 128GB microSD support. Furthermore, the device will come with the pre-installed game, Trine2: Complete Story.
The wireless mobile gaming controller works smoothly with the tablet.
Although there are other tablet game controllers that a player could purchase, the one Nvidia has released to accompany its Shield tablet works very well with it and is reasonably priced. The company claims that between the tablet and controller there is low latency WiFi connectivity. The delay between the devices is almost non existence and is compared to the Xbox and its controller.
In addition to the controller, the mobile gaming device also comes with a cover accessory, so it can be easily propped up to achieve the ideal playing angle. Currently, the 16GB WiFi-only model can be preordered with the controller.
Android mobile gaming may be set for a major paradigm shift
Android mobile gaming has been getting a great deal of attention over the past several months. The Android platform has long been popular in terms of mobile games, but the future of the platform may be decidedly more static. The impending launch of the Ouya and Nvidia’s Project Shield, both of which are stationary consoles based on the Android platform, may have a measurable impact on the Android’s position in the mobile gaming realm.
Android-based consoles equipped with advanced technology
Mobile gaming on the Android has been evolving for several years. While there are still significant gaps between the Android and traditional game consoles, the Android platform has become more capable of supporting advanced games due to the expanding capabilities of new technology. The Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor, for example, allows the Android to support games that have features that had traditionally been exclusive to consoles. With the coming of Android-based consoles, however, the platform may see its mobile gaming pedigree marred.
Developers may favor consoles over mobile platforms
The Ouya and Project Shield will boast of more advanced technology than what can be found on the most modern Android mobile devices. These consoles will be able to play games that will be a significant step above the capacity of mobile devices, despite being based on the same platform. Thus, game developers will have more freedom in the types of games they can produce for the platform, which may end up leaving Android mobile devices behind in terms of mobile gaming.
Mobile gaming may still thrive despite challenges in the future
Despite the possible risks associated with upcoming Android-based consoles, Android mobile devices are still likely to be popular platforms for mobile gaming. Because the upcoming consoles are significantly less mobile than a smart phone or tablet, gamers may not be inclined to acquire mobile titles for these consoles. Android mobile devices will eventually catch up to the capabilities of their console counterparts, but this may take several months, if not years. Moreover, consumers will likely have to purchase an entirely new device that features this advanced technology, whereas they could purchase a console and not have to worry about making another investment for several years.
