Update: The original version of this article suggested that the hardware of the Nvidia Shield had been upgraded, which isn't the case. This has now been corrected.
Nvidia announced today that its upgraded Nvidia Shield TV set-top box is now available for sale.
The media player offers 4K HDR streaming, major gaming capabilities, and some brand-new features like the debut of Amazon Instant Video and the voice-activated Google Assistant on the Android TV platform. (The latter feature coming in a later update.)
However, those still holding onto their previous generation 2015 Nvidia Shield might just be able to get the 2017 model's bells & whistles - including Amazon Instant Video and Google Assistant - without having to shell out $199/£189 (about AU$260) for a new device.
A press document released during the 2017 Shield's announcement at CES 2017 mentions that "features announced for the new SHIELD TV will come to current SHIELD devices through an over-the-air software upgrade, available in January."
- Instead, consider shelling out for the best gaming PC of 2017
Shielding for impact
While we think it could use a little clarification, this announcement may mean that many of the 2017 Shield's best features - like its improved game streaming app, Nest home automation integration, aforementioned Amazon Instant Video/Google Assistant support, and Android Nougat - could come to the 2015 model soon.
While the software features of the new Shield may possibly transfer over to the previous model, tweaks like the smaller size and refined controller will obviously remain exclusive to the 2017 model.
We have contacted a representative to confirm what features from the 2017 Shield will make it to the 2015 model (if any) and will update this story as more details develop.
