Shield, Nvidia’s portable game console, will soon receive a number of updates and a price cut designed to make the system more appealing to new and existing owners.
At present, Nvidia’s GameStream technology is only able to stream titles from desktop PCs running specific hardware and only to devices connected to the local network. With the update, gamers will be able to stream their titles from their desktop or a GeForce GTX-equipped laptop to their Shield over a local connection or across the Internet – provided there is a fast enough connection on tap.
Elsewhere, the update includes the ability to use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse as well as the ability to charge the Shield and use a USB device at the same time via a Y cable. There’s also a new GamePad Mapper interface, a new interface for the TegraZone app to pair more than one computer to a Shield and compatibility with several new games including Titanfall.
The software, which lands on April 2, will update the console to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. And from now through the end of April, buyers can pick up a new Shield for just $199 which represents a $50 savings over the regular $249 price tag.
It’s unclear whether or not the price cut is a sign that the console isn’t selling well, if Nvidia wants to move out old stock before Tegra K1-powered Shields arrive or if it’s simply a kind gesture. Either way, a sale is a sale and we aren’t complaining.
