NVIDIA’s next handheld gaming device could feature the company’s new Tegra K1 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a higher-resolution display.

The company started selling the original NVIDIA Shield handheld game console in mid-2013. I features a Tegra 4 processor, a 5 inch touchscreen display, and a built-in game controller that looks a bit like an Xbox controller.

Now the makers of the Antutu benchmarking utility have spotted details for a next-gen model which could feature NVIDIA’s latest hardware.

nvidia shield 2 antutu

The device is referred to as an NVIDIA Test Model (SHIELD) and it features a a Tegra 4 quad-core processor with top speeds of about 2.5 GHz. It also has NVIDIA Kepler graphics, 4GB of RAM, and 16GB of built-in storage.

Other specs seem to include a front-facing VGA camera and a 1440 x 900 pixel display. While the screen might not seem that impressive at a time when we’re starting to see smartphones with 2560 x 1440 screens, at least it looks like the next-gen Shield will have a higher-resolution display than the original, which has a 1280 x 720 pixel display resolution.

via Notebook Italia

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18 replies on “NVIDIA Shield 2 game console could have Tegra K1, 4GB of RAM”

  1. I love how you say the screen may not seem impressive…
    A massive resolution like 2560×1440 is practically useless on 5 inch display, and really only increases battery drain, while decreasing performance. 1920×1080 is MORE than enough (I know the reference was 1440×900). I could see 10/13 inch tablets having 2560×1440 displays.

    The only upside to all of this is that in the future we could see massively reduced prices in high quality displays (hopefully) I say that because consumer appeal is largely focused around these displays, and manufacturers can’t say no to what sells. This will push for better technology, but I feel that’s it’s not entirely at the consumers best interest.

  2. Would be killer if they just made it a tablet and then had a nice controller dock or something like that.

    The shield is too specialized IMO.

  3. I have been tempted to buy the shield so many times, each time I come back to the thought that generally I read and watch videos on the move, a tablet would be better for those things than a shield with that permanently attached controller. Ah well, maybe I’ll buy this one just for the sake of it 😛

  4. What Android games are people playing on this? I’ve been holding out on buying a PS Vita in hopes that Android smartphone gaming would take off. I’m mostly looking for heavily story and character development based games.

    1. What about emulators? You could for example play PlayStation 1 games with Retroarch. When it comes to emulation, the more cpu power you’ve got, the better it is.

      1. I’ve played all the games I’d like on the original consoles already. Well, I guess I did play a few fan translated Japanese to English SNES games on a Windows emulator 10 years ago.

        I have been hoping that Android becomes a first tier gaming platform where the best games aren’t just ports of old games or old games played on emulators. I’d take ports of current games. There are some pretty good story driven games on the Vita. I don’t mind having to get specific Android phones (ie. Tegra only phones or phones with some sort of minimum specs like PC game requirements) to play console level games.

        1. I own both, I’ll give you my opinion.

          The Vita.

          Sony really did make a fantastic device here. It’s got a beautiful display, solid battery life, (almost) perfect controls, and a lineup of games that’s in a league of it’s own when compared to ios/Android. The only thing I wanted more from the vita, was better analog sticks, they don’t have the range of motion that you come to expect from PS3 or Xbox, and they can’t be clicked down. Sometimes, that feels like it makes the difference between having fun while playing Killzone Mercenary, and just getting your ass kicked.

          The games the Vita has are just fantastic, that can’t be understated.

          Little Big Planet Vita
          Killzone Mercenary
          Wipeout 2048
          Need For Speed Most Wanted
          Uncharted
          SlY Cooper

          And some really good indie/pc ports

          Terraria (WAY better on Vita, just got the 1.2 update!)
          Fez
          Dustforce
          Hotline Miami
          Luftrausers
          Spelunky
          Guacamelle
          +MORE!

          The price of the games is higher, but you pretty much get what you pay for in that sense. Many people consider the Playstation store to be second to Steam as far as digital sales, they really do have a lot of deals. You can get a ton of games from PS+, worth it if you play them.

          https://us.playstation.com/playstation-plus/

          The Nvidia Shield.

          The build quality of the Shield is good, but it’s scuffed easily, and has a hinge that will get worn out after use. The Speakers are loud, and literally can be heard while a train is going by. Because the display can rotate, it’s a great media device, I watch more Youtube videos with the Shield sitting on my bed than anything else, just because I don’t have to prop it up like a phone. It’s also good in the car on the dash, it’s heavy (1.3 lbs) so it’s doesn’t move at all on long highways. The feel of the “controller” portion of the device is great. It actually feels more ergonomic than an Xbox 360 controller, it really takes less effort to hold you hands on it, than an X360 controller. (other than the weight)

          The games the shield offers are hard to judge, mostly because of the huge amount of them, and everyone’s opinions. But I’ll talk about the games I play/enjoy the most

          Gemini Rue – MUST PLAY. It’s a short 4-7 hour point and click adventure. It has great visuals, really really good voice acting, and a curveball story.

          Rico – Another must play. It’s a very satisfying Story based Platformer with precise controls, and loot/upgrades ala Cave story.

          Shadowrun Returns – Can be short, but high replayability, large amount of class diversity, and a fresh look on the tired fantasy genre.

          The Cave – A group of characters each with a set ambition of some sort, Platforming/Hard Puzzels/Voice acting/fresh ideas. Really fun game.

          Rochard – Another puzzle Platformer with voice acting, but has more emphasis on action, a good PC port just for Tegra 4

          Sine Mora – Beautiful horizontal 3D shooter, Good controls, large diversity in areas, and a voice acted story.

          9th Dawn – A top down action rpg similar to diablo or ultima, massive world map, FULL of quests, secrets, loot.

          The Bards Tale – Quirky action rpg, voice acted, loot, fighting, light story. It was fun playing it, but it was buggy.

          I think the Vita still has better games. But I use the Shield more.
          That’s basically what it comes down to: Games=Vita>Shield, Usability=Shield<Vita

          1. Thanks for the very useful info! I’ve been holding off a Vita purchase ever since it was announced hoping that Android gaming takes off (not just Shield) so I can have my phone really do everything. I guess I’ve waited too long. I’ll get the Vita this weekend.

          2. Good choice 😀

            You should think about picking up the Borderlands 2 Bundle. It comes with Borderlands 2 (obviously) and a 8GB card. (about 60-70 value together) It also comes with the new slimmer version of the Vita, with better battery life. Then only downside is this new version doesn’t have the OLED display, basically colours are not as vibrant.

            Whether or not you actually play Borderlands 2, it’s still a good deal at $200 for the bundle. It comes out May 6th. https://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/04/08/borderlands-2-ps-vita-bundle-coming-may-6th/

            I would also suggest trying to purchase most of your games physically, this way you don’t need to rely on expensive removable storage, and when you get tired of them, you have to option to sell. That or shell out $100 for a 32GB card up front. These games are very big, and will fill up a 8GB card *fast*

  5. 4GB of RAM would be great. The K1 reference device at CES looked just like a Tegra Note but with a 1920×1200 7 inch display and also 4GB of RAM. I think Nvidia needs to not make the controller mandatory with the Shield though. It would be great if they made a handset/phablet that docked into the controller so that people could get more use out of the hardware inside the device.

    1. This. The shield is limited to handheld gaming. To play on a tv you have to be connecting and disconnecting an HDMI cable and it’s design doesn’t make it all that comfortable for reading/surfing. This solution could fix both problems (if the controller provided wireless functionality in addition to docking.

      1. Yeah my idea would be a device with a 5 to 6 inch 1080p(or better) screen, front facing speakers, 4GB RAM, 64-128GB internal storage with a microSD up to 128GB and HDMI output on the handset. The controller dock would add more battery life, have HDMI output, have a full sized SD card slot for even more possible storage, at least 1 USB 3.0 port so that while the device is docked in the controller someone could plug in a mouse, and keyboard as an Android PC of sorts, and of course the controller can just wirelessly connect to the Shield handset via Bluetooth so that the Shield can be connected via HDMI cable and controlled wirelessly with the controller.

  6. Seems like everyone is on the Android game console bandwagon. I guess they all want a piece of the game app store pie. Mostly good for consumers. Personally, I am waiting for some of the smaller players to fall out. I feel I will be able to pick up some good hardware cheap. A bit of hacking and presto, a great media player!

    1. I have the first shield– its main utility is to stream PC games remotely. I think Nvidia isn’t trying to make this into an app store money-machine, but positioning their hardware as the center of a personal gaming hub: get a pc with their video cards and a tablet with their tegra tech, play any of your games anywhere. As such, shield is their proof-of-cancept & loss-leader all in one.

      1. nVidia is big enough to survive. I was thinking mainly of the huge number of Chinese no-name boxes and small companies.

        1. definitely… if “cloud” gaming & streaming catches on, Nvidia will be well positioned while cheap knock offs will fall to the wayside as the the app store loses prominence. Native apps & games will always be important, but quality streaming will win over a strong “hardcore” base.

      2. this. first and foremost profit is not the main concern when nvidia make shield. it is more to promote tegra as a whole. that’s why nvidia did not go global with Shield unlike TN7. and if you’re looking at the launch price it is obvious nvidia did not intend to compete with other android micro console. what they really want is other company to use their SoC to make their own android micro console (OUYA, Mad Catz MOJO, Huawei TRON, Asus Gamebox). but so far i see nvidia doing far greater job than some of these company in terms of supporting their product. and the streaming stuff (be it local or on the road) that is to showcase their GRID technology. not just for gaming but also for professional use.

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