Shield TV Pro: Will Nvidia Ever Make a New Model?

Nvidia’s Shield TV Pro sticks firmly near the top of the best streaming devices.

However, as we pass the five-year mark since the last Pro model was released in October 2019, there is an army of fans hoping that Nvidia will ever unveil a new iteration of the Pro.

Nvidia’s recent focus on artificial intelligence and high-end GPUs, such as the upcoming Nvidia RTX 5000, has left many wondering if the Shield TV line has been overlooked.

Despite its age, the current Shield TV continues to receive updates — receiving a 9.1.1+ Hotfix in October 2024 and still remains competitive, even as Apple with Apple TV or Google with Streamer keep releasing annual refreshes.

With that in mind, the 2019 Shield TV Pro, as with any device, may be starting to feel outdated to users, suggesting it might be time for Nvidia to release a new Shield TV hardware model.

In this article, we’ll explore the Shield TV’s current state, analyze the likelihood of a new release, and consider the features that could revitalize this iconic streaming device.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. What is Nvidia Shield TV?
3. Will There Be a Nvidia Shield TV Model in 2025?
4. Features We'd Like in a New Nvidia Shield TV Model
5. Best Shield TV Apps
6. Should You Wait for a New Nvidia Shield TV?
7. The Bottom Line
8. FAQs
9. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. What is Nvidia Shield TV?
3. Will There Be a Nvidia Shield TV Model in 2025?
Show Full Guide
4. Features We'd Like in a New Nvidia Shield TV Model
5. Best Shield TV Apps
6. Should You Wait for a New Nvidia Shield TV?
7. The Bottom Line
8. FAQs
9. References

What is Nvidia Shield TV?

The Nvidia Shield TV is a premium Android TV-based streaming media player that set the standard for home entertainment devices when it was first released in May 2015.

The latest version (if a device from 2019 can be called that) is powered by Nvidia’s Tegra X1+ processor, runs on Android version 11.0, and offers quality performance for both streaming and gaming applications.

The Nvidia Shield Pro can function as a Plex media server, a GeForce Now cloud gaming client, and even as a SmartThings hub for home automation. The Shield TV’s longevity is remarkable, with models dating back to 2015 still receiving software updates and new features.

Will There Be a Nvidia Shield TV Model in 2025?

At the time of writing, there are no substantiated rumors or official announcements from Nvidia regarding a new model of Shield TV. The last update to the product line was in 2019 when Nvidia released the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019, and since then, Nvidia has been relatively quiet about the future of its streaming device.

Several factors may have contributed to the uncertainty surrounding a new release. The most notable of them is Nvidia’s focus on AI and GPUs, which has helped Nvidia’s stocks sustain a bullish run since last year. The company has been experiencing tremendous success in the AI hardware market through stock purchases and funding deals.

This new-found success may have shifted priorities away from consumer electronics like the Shield TV.

Another reason we’ve not seen a newer Shield TV model is the continued support for existing models. Nvidia has maintained a long update schedule for older Shield TV devices, which may have watered down the demand for a new Shield TV model.

The 9.1.1+ Hotfix, released in October 2024, shows that a development team is still keeping the Shield relevant, with the changelog offering us:

Hotfixes are great, but ask any streaming forum, and demand for a new device is there.

Features We’d Like in a New Nvidia Shield TV Model

As the Nvidia Shield TV continues to be among the favorite Android streaming devices, the anticipation for a new model is accompanied by a wishlist of features that could make it even more impressive.

Here are some of the most desired upgrades and enhancements that users would like to see in a new Nvidia Shield TV model:

1. A New Processor

The current Shield TV models are powered by the Tegra X1+ processor with a 256-core GPU and 3 GB RAM, which, while powerful at the time of release, may be less desirable now due to the latest advancements in chips in the past two years.

A new Nvidia Shield TV would benefit greatly from a more advanced processor, potentially one that includes Nvidia’s latest AI and gaming technologies. This could lead to better overall performance, improved gaming capabilities, and support for new features.

2. Updated Codec Support

While the current Shield Pro model supports a wide range of codecs, some users on Reddit have expressed a desire for the inclusion of newer codecs like AV1 and AV2.

These codecs offer improved compression for smoother streaming and better video quality at lower bandwidths. Adding support for these modern codecs would ensure that the Shield TV remains relevant in an evolving streaming landscape and can handle the latest content formats.

3. Enhanced Gaming Support

Gaming has always been a big driver of fanfare around the Shield TV. While the device supports game streaming through Nvidia’s GeForce Now service, there is room for improvement.

A new model could offer better native gaming support, perhaps by incorporating features similar to those found in dedicated gaming consoles. This might include exclusive Android games, a translation layer for PC games, or even advanced AI-based gaming enhancements.

4. Improved Connectivity and Ports

The current Nvidia Shield TV (2019 model) boasts HDMI 2.0b, delivering 4K HDR content at 60 fps with HDCP 2.2 and CEC support. While sufficient for most streaming and gaming, an upgrade to HDMI 2.1 in a new model would raise the performance.

This standard offers increased bandwidth (up to 48 Gbps), allowing for higher 4K refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, ideal for gamers. Additionally, features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) would enhance gameplay by reducing screen tearing and optimizing latency.

The current model also includes Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, and two USB 3.0 ports. In a new iteration, users would appreciate improvements such as Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds, USB-C ports for more versatile connectivity, and possibly Thunderbolt support for even quicker data transfer.

5. Expanded Storage Options

Shield TV Pro model offers 16 GB of internal flash storage, which many users find insufficient for their needs, especially when using the device as a media server. While this is expandable through a USB flash or hard drive, the base model’s limited storage capacity can be a drawback for those who want to store more content directly on the device.

In a new model, users would appreciate larger internal storage options, potentially starting at 128 GB or 256 GB, to accommodate modern applications and media libraries.

Best Shield TV Apps

While you have a full array of streaming apps like Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube and Spotify for your needs, here are more games that might help you get the most from your Nvidia Shield:

• Send Files To TV: If you have videos on your Android phone or tablet, this is the easiest way we have found to send files to the Shield’s in-built storage.
• BubbleUPnP: If you have videos but prefer to cast or stream them, BubbleUPnP turns your phone into a streaming server, and the Shield can be picked up as a receiver. LocalCast is also a great option.
• NordVPN: Whether it is to try streaming services in other countries or simply to keep your Shield safe, a VPN is a must-have. We also explore the best VPN services if you want more choices.
• Solid Explorer: Every great Android device needs a great file explorer, and while there are plenty to choose from, Solid Explorer works great on the Shield TV interface.

Should You Wait for a New Nvidia Shield TV?

With a lot of uncertainties trailing the Shield TV, you may be wondering whether it’s right to wait for the release of a new model, stick with the old one and its updates, or perhaps go for an alternative.

If you need a streaming device immediately, waiting for an unannounced Shield TV update may not be practical. According to many users in this Reddit thread, the current model still offers excellent performance and robust gaming capabilities.

However, if you’re not in a rush, it might be worth waiting a few more months to see if Nvidia announces anything new. For those open to alternatives, several competitors now offer compelling options.

The Roku Ultra is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app support, while the Apple TV 4K provides integration with the Apple ecosystem and powerful performance. The Amazon Fire TV Cube is also a solid option if you want to combine streaming capabilities with Alexa smart home features.

The Bottom Line

While there is no official word on a new Nvidia Shield TV model, we can’t totally rule out the possibility of an announcement. The continued Shield TV update from Nvidia could mean they have plans to keep this product line under the Nvidia umbrella, which by way of extension, means that there is hope for a new Shield TV beyond the 2019 model.

As we keep our fingers crossed for a potential announcement from Nvidia, users have the option to decide whether waiting for Nvidia is the best thing or choosing one of Nvidia’s Shield TV alternatives.

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