There is no official word about a new SHIELD model coming in 2021, only speculation
The Internet is a great place to find plenty of rumors on a new 2021 Nvidia SHIELD, but that's all they are at this point. We have heard nothing official from Nvidia on any new models being released this year. And with the supply chain and chip shortage, it's doubtful it will happen this year.
But there is always next year, and industry experts expect things to be better with some shortages easing by the second quarter. So it's very possible next year may bring us a newer, faster SHIELD model incorporating their latest Nvidia DLSS technology. Along with a faster chipset that may also one day power a new Nintendo Switch Pro. So far this has not happened either yet and a new faster Switch Pro running on Nvidia's latest processor is also missing for 2021.
Watch this video to see Nvidia DLSS in action:
5 Things Nvidia Could Do to the Next Generation Nvidia SHIELD Even Better
Hopefully, one day a new SHIELD will arrive and when it does, here are some changes that would make it rock.
1. Add Nvidia DLSS
Hopefully Nvidia adds DLSS to a new updated SHIELD TV box.
DLSS is a new AI technology that was invented by NVIDIA. It uses Tensor Cores that are already in use on their RTX graphics cards. By using AI deep learning technology, it can upscale low res images to higher resolution while keeping almost the same visual quality at a higher FPS rate.
Adding DLSS to a new Nvidia SHIELD would make it a better gaming platform and also enhance it's capabilities as a media streamer.
2. Replaceable SSD Drive
Another improvement Nvidia could make on a new updated SHIELD is use a SSD Hard drive in their Pro model. They could offer several variants, like 256GB, 512GB and 1TB drives. And if they made the SSD easy to upgrade like on a Sony PS4 Pro, this would be a bonus. This way end users could even add a 2TB or larger SSD drives as they come available. Then the SHIELD could be used as a true Plex or Emby media server with lots of additional room for media file storage.
3. Offer More System RAM Options
It would also be nice to see Nvidia make a SHEILD model with more RAM memory available. 3GB RAM on current Pro models for how much they sell for is a little light. This would be ok for the non-pro models, but Pro models should come with a minimum of 4GB of Ram, and if they could offer another enhanced model like a Pro+ that came with 8GB of random access memory, all the better.
4. Enhanced Universal Remote
The new improved remote is much nicer than the model that preceded it. But Nvidia could make it even better by making it fully universal. How great would it be if you could control all your audio video gear from a single remote? The back light was a nice upgrade as well.
But the Netflix button for those that don't have Netflix not so much. Yes, you can reprogram that button to open other apps. But maybe include some extra stickers, for popular apps as well. Like maybe a KODI, Plex or Emby sticker, as well as one for Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, AppleTV+ and YouTube TV.
Nvidia probably got paid a lot of money from Netflix to include the Netflix button on their remote. But they could probably recoup some of this by charging each company a small percentage to include their branded sticker for the remote in the box. And leave it to the end user on which sticker they would like to have this button shortcut applied to.
Otherwise, they could add a small OLED display and include the graphics and allow the end user to program several channel shortcuts with the graphics already loaded in memory.
Here's how to reprogram the Netflix remote control button on the latest Nvidia SHIELD.
As nice as the SHIELD is, many potential cord cutters are missing out on it because it's just too expensive. If Nvidia could bring the price point down to $100 for a Pro base model with 4GB of Ram an 16GB of storage, and then offer enhanced models which came with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB, 500GB and 1TB SSD sales would undoubtedly explode. Many people would probably still gladly pay $200 or more for a top of the line the Plus model. But the entry level price of $100 would make the Nvidia SHIELD much more competitive against Apple TV, and a Roku Ultra.
So there you have it, our Nvidia SHIELD Christmas Wish List is in. Please make it happen Nvidia, even if we have to wait until 2022. The wait will be well worth it.
Before you sell or give away your old Nvidia SHIELD, be sure to perform a factory reset.
Otherwise, they could add a small OLED display and include the graphics and allow the end user to program several channel shortcuts with the graphics already loaded in memory.
SHIELD Pro Tip
Here's how to reprogram the Netflix remote control button on the latest Nvidia SHIELD.
5. Lower the Price
As nice as the SHIELD is, many potential cord cutters are missing out on it because it's just too expensive. If Nvidia could bring the price point down to $100 for a Pro base model with 4GB of Ram an 16GB of storage, and then offer enhanced models which came with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB, 500GB and 1TB SSD sales would undoubtedly explode. Many people would probably still gladly pay $200 or more for a top of the line the Plus model. But the entry level price of $100 would make the Nvidia SHIELD much more competitive against Apple TV, and a Roku Ultra.
So there you have it, our Nvidia SHIELD Christmas Wish List is in. Please make it happen Nvidia, even if we have to wait until 2022. The wait will be well worth it.
Before you sell or give away your old Nvidia SHIELD, be sure to perform a factory reset.
