As was expected, NVIDIA announced a new version of the Shield Android TV at CES 2017. While internally all the specs remain untouched from the original Shield, NVIDIA has made some tweaks to the box's look and feel and made it even more enticing with new accessories and software.
The new Shield is roughly 40% smaller than the original, and ships with a remote along with a redesigned controller. The new controller has been refined with a slimmer profile and textured joysticks to improve the gaming experience. NVIDIA has also ditched the capacitive touch controls for the back and home buttons and added proper physical buttons, and also made sure the controller is ready to be enabled with always-listening microphones once the Shield's software is updated with Google Assistant.
Like the original, the new NVIDIA Shield Android TV is available with two storage capacity options, priced accordingly — $199 for the 16GB model, and $299 for the 500GB Pro model (which also comes with a microSD card slot). NVIDIA is already taking orders for the new boxes, and you can get one shipped out quickly from one of the links below.
Amazon
Amazon was one of the primary places to buy the original NVIDIA Shield console, and it is of course carrying both the Shield and Shield Pro. Both are available at the previously set prices of $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 500GB Pro model, and are eligible for Prime Shipping.
Best Buy
Best Buy offers both the standard NVIDIA Shield and the Shield Pro at the base price with free shipping. You have the option to add 2- or 4-year Geek Squad protection plans to your order — but you'll probably be good to go without it. If you have a Best Buy credit card, you can get take advantage of financing and cash-back rewards options.
Best Buy shipments should begin arriving by January 17.
NVIDIA
If you're the type of person who just prefers to buy your tech from the source, you can also order your Shield from NVIDIA yourself, although there's really no perks included for doing so. But it is an option.
NVIDIA Spot
You'll need an NVIDIA Shield Android TV to process requests from NVIDIA's Spot, the first third-party microphone/speaker peripheral to use Google Assistant, which you'll be able to set up simply by plugging them into wall outlets throughout your home. NVIDIA Spot and the added functionality of Google Assistant will be coming to both the new and original NVIDIA Shield Android TVs later this year.
