Opinion: Project Shield is ridiculous, but I like it

Ben Stead | 20:30 - 9 January 2013

The moment Nvidia said "It won't be sold at a loss" I lost what little hope I had. I think it's trying to be way too many things at once. Considering Steam is now putting out a streaming box that may be $99 or even free, as well as hardware that could act as a server for numerous screens bodes ill for this niche device.

The streaming side as well is great IF you have the pre-requisite 6xx series card and considering the way AMD have come on leaps and bounds this generation, it's certainly not a definite. I'd suggest some sort of bundle where you get a discount with a card and what not.

Using the Wii U as "it could work" seems a bit flawed considering the systems incredible slow start at what could very well be half the price this thing launches at!

There is room for a device like this just like there was room in the tablet market for someone other than Apple. However it takes a well made product at a "cheap price" considering this Shield is only one of those I really can't see this thing taking off.

Also, daaaayuuummm it's UGLY.

Kristan Reed | 08:58 - 9 January 2013

The Wii U's Gamepad is proof that having an integrated screen into the controller works well. The issue about price is certainly a big one - how much Shield/Thor will retail for is the big one here.

Fraser Ross MacInnes | 19:11 - 8 January 2013

Agree with pretty much all of that Jon. The presence of a monster like the Tegra 4 chip and all the hoo ha around how capable it is as a pixel pusher, suggests that Nvidia isn't hoping for ports of Angry Birds and Cut The Rope to make the system's name. This is a device designed to bring the development of exclusive, console-like experiences to the TV via the medium of Android. It's a great idea for a console (and quite a different conceit than the OUYA or GameStick), but I'm starting to think, like you, that Nvidia has fluffed the hardware.

Jon Jordan | 17:45 - 8 January 2013

It's the screen that's the weird part. It will add at least $100 to retail price and it's ergonomically wrong because when you use a joypad, you move around but you want the screen to stay still.

The controller aspects of Shield will definitely work, but like GameStick or Ouya, they need either to have a direct connection into a TV, or let you stream the game running on the Tegra4 chip to your tablet, or both.