Nvidia Shield Thread

Why hasn't Valve made a Steam store for Android apps yet? Actually, why didn't Nvidia put a lightweight Linux distro (like SteamOS or lubuntu) on this thing so we could play the existing library of Steam? Android is such a terrible platform for games.
 
Performance isn't too great on Half-Life 2 but it's still certainly playable and it's still blowing my mind that I'm playing it on this mobile device.
 
flaxknuckles said:
Why hasn't Valve made a Steam store for Android apps yet? Actually, why didn't Nvidia put a lightweight Linux distro (like SteamOS or lubuntu) on this thing so we could play the existing library of Steam? Android is such a terrible platform for games.
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Had Nvidia done that, the game library would be much smaller. There are very few Linux games compatible with ARM CPUs, and probably none that are on Steam. So no, you wouldn't be able to play your existing Steam library if the Shield was running on Ubuntu or SteamOS. And I don't know if Valve is going to encourage dual issue executable for (Steam OS) ARM and x86 going forward, which indeed would be very interesting.
 
Lonely1 said:
Had Nvidia done that, the game library would be much smaller. There are very few Linux games compatible with ARM CPUs, and probably none that are on Steam. So no, you wouldn't be able to play your existing Steam library if the Shield was running on Ubuntu or SteamOS. And I don't know if Valve is going to encourage dual issue executable for (Steam OS) ARM and x86 going forward, which indeed would be very interesting.
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Dang. I guess I'll just keep using it for game-streaming then. Fudging around with the UI and trying to play certain native games is headache-inducing (Modern Combat 4's busted controls, Conduit HD's big ass aiming deadzones, and games with touch-only UIs).
 
Lonely1 said:
What problems do you have with MC4? I thought it controlled decently, given its mobile roots.
Click to expand...

I know you're not talking to me, but my main complaints with MC4's controls are that ADS and Shoot are mapped to the awkward to reach bumpers and sprinting and crouching are relegated to double tapping the analog stick.

Not terrible by any means, but I wished that you could reconfigure the default controls.
 
flaxknuckles said:
Why hasn't Valve made a Steam store for Android apps yet? Actually, why didn't Nvidia put a lightweight Linux distro (like SteamOS or lubuntu) on this thing so we could play the existing library of Steam? Android is such a terrible platform for games.
Click to expand...

Rumor is; Nvidia's game-streaming is going to be built into Steam in-home soon, for those that have the hardware to take advantage of it. The thing sitting at the top of my tech wishlist atm, is a set-up with an AndroidTV set-top box, with Tegra k1 internals, running a (hopeful) Steam client that supports BPM and in-home.

The stars just need to align.
 
delt31 said:
any impressions of half life 2?
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After getting about halfway through the escape from City 17:

- Performance is okay, but not spectacular. There are some places where it drops significantly, mostly because of lots of polys and textures. However it's never unplayable, so far at least.

- Graphically a LOT of shaders have been omitted, like the gloss/specular maps on environments. It's disappointingly flat as a result. On the plus side though, texture resolution is PC medium or so, and the models look as good as you'd expect except for a seemingly lower framerate on facial animations during dialogue.

- It's still Half-Life 2 on a portable device, so that gets it a lot of bonus points.
 
what are the benefits of rooting? Heard it helps with the SD card issues on kit lat? correct? Is it easy? might need to google ; )
 
delt31 said:
any impressions of half life 2?
Click to expand...

I have played an hour if it and it is absolutely perfect in my opinion. This is the type of game Nvidea need to bring to the Shield!

I do wish that it was the Orange Box but oh well. I like it better than the 360 version of Half Life 2. It looks better on the smaller screen.
 
Shield arrived yesterday - here are my impressions. I own a vita, 3ds and pretty much every mainstream portable that was released since gameboy.

- Quality is very high however it is also very heavy.
- the best feel of a portable by a long shot. Yes it's heavier but I never had a portable feel this console like. Even the triggers click, the buttons are large, the dpad feels great. Def the best thing abou it
- screen is surprisingly capable. Looks very good.
- battery life seems good
- Speakers are some of the best portable, if not the best I've heard. Galaxy 3 used to be the best to me.
- Emulators are real deal. FINALLY something that can run almost everything great with no frameskips (minor glitch here and there mind you but not a big deal). Playing dreamcast UFC portable? what? crazy talk but it's true. I haven't tried nfl 2k yet but good lord the possibilities. N64 plays the best I've seen anywhere by a mile. it's practically full speed. Killer Instinct gold plays well which is surprising as I read elsewhere it didn't. No frameskip and it's running great.

Question - Killer Instinct MAME. Anyone try this yet? Also - with the dual trigger setup (which feels SO MUCH BETTER than the vita's smaller sticks), anyone recommend some call of duty like games? Is modern combat worth trying? I hate Gamerloft so wasn't sure.

Control mapper is also great btw. Haven't tried pc streaming yet and although others love it I never saw the amazing appeal of playing PC games in my bed when I could just play them on a 50 inch screen with amazing sound. I know they released a way to play them outside your network which is DEF more interesting but I'm assuming speed at your outside location has to be crazy good and distance can't be too far no?

Anyway - I got a great deal on ebay (160 brand new) and it seems worth it right now. If it was just a bit less bulky it would be amazing but if that meant cutting down feel/quality of the controls, I wouldn't do it as it's the best thing about it.
 
wilflare said:
did anyone manage to get a Wii Emulator (Dolphin) running on the Shield?
would be nice to play Xenoblade on-the-go
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Dolphin for Android is still in alpha stages unfortunately, but there is a pretty active team. The problem is that the Shield has no complete hardware support for OpenGL ES 3.0, which means that a Shield 2 will probably be needed for Wii games if not for any playable Dolphin emulation.
 
jim-jam bongs said:
Dolphin for Android is still in alpha stages unfortunately, but there is a pretty active team. The problem is that the Shield has no complete hardware support for OpenGL ES 3.0, which means that a Shield 2 will probably be needed for Wii games if not for any playable Dolphin emulation.
Click to expand...

It isn't powerful enough for close to playable speeds anyway.
 
Has there been any progress on Saturn emulation? I know there were a couple Yabause builds last year that had some games running 30fps+ but I was curious if there's been anything since?
 
Nice thread. I'm really interested.

A few questions:

1. Some of you asked about Half Life 2 impression: it seems not so brillant. Doest it mean that there is a version for Shield of HL2 right? They are not talking about the game running on PC and streamed to Shield. Is it so?

2. I've always hated playing on smartphone. I have 2 Ps Vita (1000 and 2000 JAP) and I'm having a great time on it. Recently, since I wanted to play Vagrant Story PSX (and my Ps Vita are not exploited) I tried the android emulator Fpse. I was amazed.

Playing it using PS3 pad is so awesome! So good that I'm planning to get a GameKlip

Blue.jpeg
Click to expand...

Same feeling playing Mame4droid, N64 emulator,...

Ok, that said, how better could be my experience doing the same on Nvidia Shield?

Thanks!
 
Snowballo said:
Nice thread. I'm really interested.

A few questions:

1. Some of you asked about Half Life 2 impression: it seems not so brillant. Doest it mean that there is a version for Shield of HL2 right? They are not talking about the game running on PC and streamed to Shield. Is it so?

2. I've always hated playing on smartphone. I have 2 Ps Vita (1000 and 2000 JAP) and I'm having a great time on it. Recently, since I wanted to play Vagrant Story PSX (and my Ps Vita are not exploited) I tried the android emulator Fpse. I was amazed.

Playing it using PS3 pad is so awesome! So good that I'm planning to get a GameKlip



Same feeling playing Mame4droid, N64 emulator,...

Ok, that said, how better could be my experience doing the same on Nvidia Shield?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

1. Yeah they are talking about the native HL2 running on android, the game can also be streamed from your PC like other games.

Your experience will be better than smartphones since this has integrated controls, better speakers and the GPU is better than most modern smartphones, only detriment is the size, which is not as portable as a cellphone, but it will be definitely smaller than carrying around a GameKlip and a DS3
 
topplehat said:
I'd like to think so, but so far Nvidia seems intent on keeping this locked into Nvidia hardware.
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On the Steam streaming info page which pops up in the updates window, they vaguely allude to other platforms coming soon for the client software. I think Valve want to get a streaming client out for Android sooner rather than later, because it means that people can buy a Kindle TV or Chromecast and use it as the Steam Machine streaming solution which has been thus far absent from their hardware lineup. If that's the case, Shield controls would be a trivial addition.
 
Just got a Shield, mostly for emulation purposes, and I am really impressed by just how high-quality the hardware feels.

From the discussion in the previous pages I understood I should refrain from updating the device, in order to avoid issues with emulators. Is that correct?

I know I can root it and get the save to SD functionality back in case I update, but is there a fix for the issue with emulators fluidity? Does the issue occurs with all emulators or only retroarch?

Thanks!
 
LSworks said:
Just got a Shield, mostly for emulation purposes, and I am really impressed by just how high-quality the hardware feels.

From the discussion in the previous pages I understood I should refrain from updating the device, in order to avoid issues with emulators. Is that correct?

I know I can root it and get the save to SD functionality back in case I update, but is there a fix for the issue with emulators fluidity? Does the issue occurs with all emulators or only retroarch?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'd like to know this as well. I have a shield on the way and I use retroarch on my other android device quite a bit.
 
I'm a new shield owner and I'd like to say how highly I rate the shield, it's a great device for android gaming as well as emulating older systems. However I'd like some advice on what I think may be hardware issues with mine.

The d-pad seems a little 'sticky'. It doesn't stick as such but it doesn't feel completely smooth. This is most noticeable when moving from left or down/left to another direction.

The A button also seems kind of sticky as well. Again it doesn't stick but it feels less responsive than the other 3 buttons. However as this is the button most often used in games then I'm not sure if it's just down to that ?

I always open / close when holding the centre of the fornt of the lid but when it closes I can feel it doesn't close 'evenly'. Although it looks fine there is a little play (and 'squeaks') when pushing gently on the left/front corner when closed. Doing the same on the front-right corner just feels solid.

Have any other owners encountered these issues ?
 
I know this thread hasn't been too active recently so bumping in hope of replies from other owners. I've got about a week left that I can send the device back, however I don't want to do that if they're common problems.
 
stuartd said:
I know this thread hasn't been too active recently so bumping in hope of replies from other owners. I've got about a week left that I can send the device back, however I don't want to do that if they're common problems.
Click to expand...

Common problems, at least they're things I've noticed. In particular the clamshell not quite closing is pretty irritating, and as long as you mean "stiff" rather than "sticky" I'd agree with the rest too.
 
jim-jam bongs said:
Common problems, at least they're things I've noticed. In particular the clamshell not quite closing is pretty irritating, and as long as you mean "stiff" rather than "sticky" I'd agree with the rest too.
Click to expand...

Thanks, think I'll probably hold onto it then. No point returning it for the same things to happen with the replacement.
 
stuartd said:
Thanks, think I'll probably hold onto it then. No point returning it for the same things to happen with the replacement.
Click to expand...

Yeah I don't think there's much point from what you've described, it's definitely rough around the edges but as long as you can forgive those faults you'll get a uniquely featured bit of gaming kit out of it.
 
I keep going back and forth debating whether I want to try my luck with Shield/PC Streaming or PS4/Vita streaming.


Some people say their streaming sucks, others say it's great.

I simply can't read enough opinions on this.
 
friz898 said:
I keep going back and forth debating whether I want to try my luck with Shield/PC Streaming or PS4/Vita streaming.


Some people say their streaming sucks, others say it's great.

I simply can't read enough opinions on this.
Click to expand...

Shield has 60fps and lets you set a bitrate. It's better.

Wii U > Shield > PS4 in terms of remote play. Shield > PS4 in terms of internet streaming.
 
ZeroX03 said:
Shield has 60fps and lets you set a bitrate. It's better.

Wii U > Shield > PS4 in terms of remote play. Shield > PS4 in terms of internet streaming.
Click to expand...


Ok, I currently have a 570, so I will probably upgrade to a 670 or 760. So it is basically a 400-450 investment for me.


(Which is the same price as a ps4, I already have a Vita)
 
Dacvak said:
I'll lose my shit if this thing is able to stream Dolphin emulator from my PC. Is that at all possible? The idea of a portable GameCube/Wii (even just in a local environment) is such a sexy concept to me. I really think this is going to end up being my end-all emulator device.
Click to expand...

You most definitely can! I was playing Xenoblade Chronicles on my Shield.

You just need to make a shortcut that makes Dolphin launch directly into the game. I had it launched through Steam (Shield can stream anything inside your Steam Library by streaming Big Picture Mode)
 
Evilz29 said:
You most definitely can! I was playing Xenoblade Chronicles on my Shield.

You just need to make a shortcut that makes Dolphin launch directly into the game. I had it launched through Steam (Shield can stream anything inside your Steam Library by streaming Big Picture Mode)
Click to expand...

whut! this means I really need to get a Shield.

but dang that would mean changing GFX too and when's Shield 2 coming out?
 
wilflare said:
whut! this means I really need to get a Shield.

but dang that would mean changing GFX too and when's Shield 2 coming out?
Click to expand...

Tegra K1 equipped Shield 2 are expected soon. That doesn't matter too much for game streaming though. If you do wait though, you could grab an 800 series card too when they drop.
 
wilflare said:
whut! this means I really need to get a Shield.
Click to expand...

If you guys don't know how to launch Dolphin directly into game, or have individual shortcuts for reach game to use in Steam library:

Create a shortcut to Dolphin.exe, right click shortcut -> Properties.

In "Target" field

"Location of Dolphin.exe" /e "Location of iso"

So on my computer, it is

"D:\Dolphin.exe" /e "D:\Games\Wii\SX4E01.iso"
 
Alright guys.

I've been follow thing thread since it was created and following the shield since it's first announcement.

I think I'm finally ready to pull the trigger tomorrow. A lot of factors on why the late choice but I can't think of any reason not to.

Minus the fact that a shield 2 maybe come out sometime next year. But that's ok because if I love the Shield that much, then I'll get it's successor.

My current plan is to trade in the Vita tomorrow at Gamestop for about 80 bucks, and pickup my Shield for about $120.

Other than the fact that I currently have a 570 gtx video card, and will soon probably pick up a 760 (just for this stuff) is there ANYthing you guys think I should know before making the commitment?

I have this whole thread to scour on setup issues and best whatevers. I think my router is dual-band, and I think it's sufficient, but I'll check that out tomorow.

Lastly, I plan to check out Splashtop or the other one... crainy? rainy? or whatever it is for streaming before I plop down $250 for a new video card.



This device is 100% only for streaming.

The only other things I may one day use it for is DQ8 via Android and Xenoblade via Dolphin.
 
is there really no way to make the Shield work w an AMD GPU? there must be so code gurus or wizards working on this right?

I would get a Shield immediately if it works... much prefer to play games on a portable device (various reasons)

Does GameStream only work when both devices are in the same wifi network? or can I use the Shield in school and stream games from my home desktop PC?
 
wilflare said:
is there really no way to make the Shield work w an AMD GPU? there must be so code gurus or wizards working on this right?

I would get a Shield immediately if it works... much prefer to play games on a portable device (various reasons)

Does GameStream only work when both devices are in the same wifi network? or can I use the Shield in school and stream games from my home desktop PC?
Click to expand...

Uhhh, it's called an NVIDIA Shield. It uses GeForce Experience. Not sure who wants to try and code that. Sell your AMD and buy an NVIDIA card.

And no, GameStream doesn't need you to be on the same network (your PC should be connected via ethernet not WiFi too). You could theoretically use your Shield at school, but you'd need good upload at home and fast download at school to get a decent result.
 
ZeroX03 said:
Uhhh, it's called an NVIDIA Shield. It uses GeForce Experience. Not sure who wants to try and code that. Sell your AMD and buy an NVIDIA card.

And no, GameStream doesn't need you to be on the same network (your PC should be connected via ethernet not WiFi too). You could theoretically use your Shield at school, but you'd need good upload at home and fast download at school to get a decent result.
Click to expand...

the Shield is on my tobuy/wishlist. would really help with clearing my Steam backlog and those emulator goodness.

hmm I kinda prefer AMD GPUs... maybe I haven't been keeping up but they still provide the price/performance balance.

while I understand why nVidia did so... but it would be nice if they allowed to Shield to be used for the other half of the market that use AMD GPUs
 
wilflare said:
the Shield is on my tobuy/wishlist. would really help with clearing my Steam backlog and those emulator goodness.

hmm I kinda prefer AMD GPUs... maybe I haven't been keeping up but they still provide the price/performance balance.

while I understand why nVidia did so... but it would be nice if they allowed to Shield to be used for the other half of the market that use AMD GPUs
Click to expand...

Grab a 750Ti if you want price/performance/power efficiency, most balanced card on the market, $150. For the Shield you only need to render at 720p anyway, so you can still get high+ effects.
 
ZeroX03 said:
Grab a 750Ti if you want price/performance/power efficiency, most balanced card on the market, $150. For the Shield you only need to render at 720p anyway, so you can still get high+ effects.
Click to expand...

I would get a 750, but with a 570 in my rig, it'd be a downgrade.

I hate having to buy a 760 for $250 though.
 
Hey, so, just so I could check in with GAF people who own a Shield - for the past two GFE updates, PC streaming has been completely broken for everyone, right?

Nvidia isn't responding at all over on their forums, in this thread: https://forums.geforce.com/default/board/136/general-discussion/

I'm not really looking for technical assistance (since at this point there's nothing I can do but sit on my hands and wait). However, I would like this to get some media attention if the marquee feature of Nvidia's hardware has been out of commission for 2 months straight.

Let me know.
 
CuckFupertino said:
Hey, so, just so I could check in with GAF people who own a Shield - for the past two GFE updates, PC streaming has been completely broken for everyone, right?

Nvidia isn't responding at all over on their forums, in this thread: https://forums.geforce.com/default/board/136/general-discussion/

I'm not really looking for technical assistance (since at this point there's nothing I can do but sit on my hands and wait). However, I would like this to get some media attention if the marquee feature of Nvidia's hardware has been out of commission for 2 months straight.

Let me know.
Click to expand...

My Shield in-home streaming has been working fine with the latest beta drivers and latest GFE. I played a bunch of Shovel Knight on it earlier today.
 
Tablo said:
what? A 750 Ti is an upgrade to your 570 in performance and VRAM, features, and on top of that power sipping and quiet.
Click to expand...

Is not a complete upgrade, though (some games will perform is worse). In all, I would say that is not worth the ~$100.
 
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