Nvidia Produces a Handheld Gaming Device

Nvidia introduced a handheld gaming console at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. It’s being deemed Project Shield and features a couple of special attributes.

This is an impressive device with a Tegra 4 chip and a 5-inch touchscreen. It includes a directional pad and buttons and is more powerful than the Tegra 3 that is used in many mobile phones and tablets.

The Shield uses Android Jelly Bean to run its games, and allows you to play the latest versions. Another bonus is that it connects to your computer to play games that are usually on for PCs.

At the CES, everyone got to see the Shield stream games such as “Assassin’s Creed III.” It can be seen on the 720p screen or connect to a TV with an HDMI cable for even better viewing.

Nvidia started out in 1999 in visual computing and added mobile and cloud computing to their products. They have designed processors that are used in smartphones and tablets. The company invented the GPU, which is used in PC gaming systems to create spectacular visual effects.

The Design

The handheld device isn’t the traditional rectangular shape, but instead looks more like a controller from Xbox or PS3. It includes a fold-out display.

This is exciting news for gaming fans, but no launch date has been announced and no price was mentioned. Experts say to expect the price to not be cheap. It will be competing against Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PS Vita, Nintendo 3DS XL, and Apple’s iPod Touch.  Price between these devices varies between $199 and $299.  Of course, most games are at least $25, except the iPod Touch where games can be less expensive.

None of the competitors can play PC games, which will give the Shield an edge. Users will also be able to play their Android games that they already own from their smartphone or tablet.  Early indications say the Nvidia Shield might have a lot to offer users that other systems don’t. That could be a successful selling point for the console.

[Image via ibtimes.co.uk]