Nvidia has now opened up pre-orders of the Shield at the slightly awkward price of $349.
This is price tag is a bit above what most were expecting - especially since Nvidia's CEO Jen-Hsun Huang hinted that Shield (then, Project Shield) was "going to be priced like an Android device".
At $349, however, it's priced well above Android unconsoles like the Ouya and GameStick, and is even more expensive than rival handhelds such as Nintendo's 3DS and Sony's pricier PS Vita.
At what price Android?
The Tegra 4-powered Shield boasts a multi-touch "retinal" display which is complimented by a full suite of buttons, twin control sticks, and a functional d-pad on the left of the device - so in theory, there's a lot to like about it.
But with only a 5" screen to its credit, the $349 price seems a bit incommensurate with what's being delivered - an Android gaming handheld that will eventually support PC game streaming all for a premium price.
Such a price tag will only add to commentator chatter that Nvidia is attempting not to land a mainstream hit with the Shield, but rather intends to use it as a showcase for its technology.
[source: Nvidia]
