NVIDIA has rolled out an update for its Shield Portable game console, bringing Android 5.1 to the handheld game console and adding support for Google Chromecast.

This lets you stream content from the Shield Portable to a TV with a Chromecast, Android TV device, or any other hardware that supports the Google Cast protocol.

But the update also removes some features.

shield portable_01

The update removes support for Miracast wireless display streaming, removes the Android Browser (which you probably don’t need since you have Chrome anyway), and removes a few games including Sonic 4, Episode II and Expendable: Rearmed.

Why are the games disappearing? Because they aren’t supported by Android 5.1. The same goes for Miracast.

Shield Portable Upgrade version 103 also fixes Google Play Books bug and updated the Twitch app to the latest version.

NVIDIA should be rolling out the new software through an over-the-air update.

The Shield Portable is a handheld device with a 5 inch, 720 pixel display and a built-in game controller. It features an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and mini HDMI output.

While the handheld isn’t as powerful as the newer Shield Tablet or Shield TV devices, it’s cheaper, with a list price of $199. Unfortunately the Shield Portable doesn’t appear to be in stock at most stores, so today’s update will most likely be useful only to folks that already have one.

via Droid Life

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7 replies on “NVIDIA Shield Portable adds Chromecast support (drops Miracast)”

  1. By the gods you scared me. I just bought a miracast adapter two weeks ago and upgraded my HTC One M9 to 5.1 last night.

    Thankfully it still works?

  2. I’m loving what I see in this update and plan on pulling it down tonight. And I’ll order a Chromecast once I get through my move. I’ll be moving my 50″ plasma into my office at the new place, and will need to stand far back from the TV. Hooking the Shield Portable up over a wire won’t be practical. Chromecast to the rescue. And just in time. While I have the Shield PRO TV, I still like to use my Shield Portable at home from time to time. Mainly so that I know that it is good-to-go, up to date, and fully functioning fo whenever I have to go on travel. Hooking it up to a big screen via Chromecast is just icing on the cake.

  3. I am waiting for the GPD XD. It has 32GB, can play HEVC, is only 169.99 and is much more portable. Should be available later this week. They also have 16GB model for 149.99.

    1. Unless it can Nvidia GameStream, its missing one major function. I personally have no desire to play android games and have no need for internal storage. Streaming PC games off my Steam based gaming rig is what I want (and do with an Nvidia Shield Console). This allows that awesome technology, portability.

      1. Actually, I use Gamestream all the time via Limelight/Moonlight on my two-year-old Galaxy S4, using a telescoping Bluetooth controller that’s more comfortable (for me) than the Shield. Limited by wifi bandwidth and latency, obviously, but then, so is the official client.

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