The time has come for a promised version of NVIDIA's latest gaming device to finally make an appearance. Starting today, you can put in your pre-order for a SHIELD Tablet bearing not just an upgrade 32 GB of storage but also support for LTE networks so you can take your digital life with you anywhere.
The NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet was quite a nice surprise, bringing the two worlds of NVIDIA's SHIELD Gaming and its DirectStylus Note together in one. Utilizing the latest Tegra K1 chip, the device oozes with performance and power that makes quick work of even the most resource intensive mobile game. Add to that the ability to connect to TVs and monitors, NVIDIA's GameStream technology, and an optional SHIELD Controller, and you've got the makings of a competent gaming device that also happens to be a talented Android tablet. At launch, the SHIELD Tablet only came in a 16 GB WiFi-only configuration with a promise of an LTE model coming soon. That promise is fulfilled today.
In addition to this hardware upgrade, the SHIELD Tablet will also be getting a games upgrade, with three new titles for the tablet coming soon. Beach Buggy Blitz, as the name would suggest, is a crazy free driving kart-racing game taking place on an island paradise. While fun to play alone, this game shines even more with local multiplayer mode, where you and your friends can hook up different controllers to play in split-screen fashion.
BombSquad is equally insane, pitting a maximum of 8 players against each other in a (literally) explosive collection of mini games. Over the top effects, ragdoll face-plant physics, and plain old competitive fun might just make you want to get your character blown up, just for a few laughs.
Broadsword: Age of Chivalry will be making its mobile debut on the NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet. Taking on a more serious tone, players, whether in single or multi player campaigns, will get to choose between France and Great Britain in this turn-based 3D strategy game.
Aside from the storage and network upgrade, this NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet bears the same features and benefits as the original, including frequent and timely software updates, even Android ones, that would make you feel like you're on a Nexus device. This 32 GB LTE-WiFi model goes on pre-order in US and Europe today for a full retail price of $399. The device comes unlocked but is also certified to work on AT&T's LTE network. Shipping starts September 30.