THE Nvidia Shield Android TV arrived in the UK earlier this year with a range of new options to tempt gamers into dropping the likes of the PS4, Xbox One and the promised Nintendo NX, for something different.
It's certainly got some impressive specs that help distinguish itself from its other set-top box rivals.
The Shield TV - the first 4K Android TV set-top box - boasts some serious hardware, equipped with the brand-new Tegra X1 mobile processor, a micro-USB port, an ethernet port, an HDMI port, MicroSD support and 3GB of RAM.
You’ll be hard pressed to find any other with these components that are all at the top of the power spectrum.
That’s not to mention the two extra USB 3.0 ports and infrared support for universal remotes.
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One of the biggest draws for some gamers will be that the Shield TV can perform 4K playback at 60 FPS, a rare skill for something that sits besides your TV at this time.
Other things in common with rival set-top boxes is the nifty UI that can be used with the included remote so that you can search for apps like YouTube or Google Play by simply speaking into it, the functionality and responsiveness is quite impressive.
However, the Shield TV isn’t exactly going for the same crowded market as the likes of the Amazon Fire TV, it has ambitions to become a gaming staple.
When OnLive came onto the scene - allowing for the start of game streaming to avoid the need for high-end PCs - the streaming system has always seemed an intriguing idea worth exploring.
While others have faded, the Shield TV is the latest device to approach the idea, including the Geforce NOW monthly subscription service that allows access a library of streamed titles.
The offering is currently quite small and will need to be strengthened if Nvidia hopes to hold onto customers past the 90 day free-trial period.
Like in other instances with TV streaming services, the hope is that enough people invest to make it a viable system to add new titles, hopefully this can come to fruition.
GeForce NOW lets you stream a library of new and classic PC games at up to 1080p resolution at 60 FPS, although it’s advised to take advantage of the Shield TV’s ethernet cable to avoid lag issues.
I was able to play through a range of titles without running into WiFi-related problems but when the controller occasionally fell behind the action on the screen, it did leave me feeling a little frustrated.
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It seems online will play a huge role in the future of gaming and I would be surprised if the likes of Sony and Microsoft adapt some of the ideas of game streaming for their future needs.
The GeForce NOW Gaming Service is priced at £7.49 per month in the United Kingdom, there is also a chance to buy new premium titles that can be added to your library.
It was nice to find The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor among the selection.
The GEforce NOW monthly subscription service includes 50 titles, like Batman Arkham: Origins, LEGO Marvel Superheroes, GRID Autosport, Ultra Street Fighter IV and the Vanishing of Ethan Carter.
The ambitions to make this a potential player in the gaming world are plain to see, Nvidia have gone to great lengths to try and bring something competitive to the market which could catch the audience’s eye.
The industry is crying out for some viable alternatives to the old console guard, something that can do game streaming well, while also going further to include improved features.
However, when it comes to the Shield TV’s other function as a set-top box, it fares slightly worse in comparison to its rivals.
The level of apps available are still quite low and while it offers the chance of 4K compatibility, Nvidia will really need to focus on expanding the amount of services users can access.
BBC iPlayer, Vevo, Netflix, Plex and Twitch make the list but with rivals offering more some may think twice about picking the Shield TV.
The Shield TV can also broadcast via Twitch, making it the first media streaming device capable of the feat and as it's an Android device, side-loading is always an option for things like Google Chrome.
For those into looks, the Shield TV boasts am aesthetically pleasing design that will look good alongside your telly, although some may grumble at having to pay extra for a stand.
The Shield TV's other key components also stand up well, the controller is a solid performer, I didn’t feel hindered using it on a range of games and its USB charging design is a welcome sight to avoid endless battery-changing.
Being an Android device, gamers can also play titles from the Google Store, with the likes of Resident Evil 5 and Metal Gear Rising set to be added soon.
In terms of pricing, the Shield TV 16GB model can be picked up with a free remote and a controller for £149, competitively set against consoles that are bound to be discounted on a regular basis.
The classic @oddworldinc Munch’s Oddysee on SHIELD with a hilarious script and multiple endings! #RuletheLivingRoom pic.twitter.com/S10ENVNXCe
— NVIDIA SHIELD (@nvidiashield) November 20, 2015
There is also a 500GB option, which weighs in with a hefty 219.99 price tag.
For me, the Shield TV could be the perfect gaming compromise for someone looking to cater to several 21st Century needs.
Without needing to buy a separate console for games, a powerful PC, or a tablet, the right person will find most of what they need in one item.
However, compromise does come into it as well, paying a big fee for a box that is hardly competitive against its app-heavy rivals will lead some to pause.
Hopefully the Shield TV proves to be the start of something in gaming that will include more devices merging what an owner’s needs into one device, while also providing fresh alternatives for gamers to explore.
It could indeed be the answer to some family homes where both casual games and top AAA titles can be found, the mix of popular Android and core gaming titles, will make it a top device to have in the living room.
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