Gaming
Games
Nvidia Shield: Console games are coming to Android
The AAA titles coming to a TV near you – on a Google games machine.
Nvidia Shield
© Nvidia
That’s right, the super slim, $199 (€180) Google-powered console will soon be able to play the likes of the PC crushing Crysis 3, cel-shaded action RPG shooter Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and even upcoming RPG epic The Witcher 3. Between a bevy of Xbox 360/PS3 gen games being ported directly to Android, and some much newer titles streamable via Nvidia’s new GRID service, this might just be the first Android console to give Sony and Microsoft a run for their money. Read on for the games you definitely won’t find on an Ouya anytime soon.
Crysis 3
The third instalment in the Crysis franchise is one of the top titles that Nvidia’s keen to shout out about, and it’ll be able to run in native glory on your brand new Android Nvidia Shield micro console. It’s easily one of the best looking games on any console we’ve seen to date, and it looks like the new X1 chip featured in the microconsole is more than capable of handling its graphical fidelity. Even more impressive in that it can actually run the latest version of the CryEngine too. We’ve come a long way from the days of “Can it run Crysis?” when a device running smartphone software can answer “Er, actually, yes.”
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Gearbox Software’s latest cel-shaded action adventure RPG shooter romp is also headed to the Nvidia Shield box, as the developer handed over the source code to Nvidia, which has since ported the game over. It looks like it runs on par with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 counterparts, which makes the Android-powered Shield even more impressive, and dwarfs Gearbox’s own attempt to squeeze Borderlands 2 onto the PS Vita.
Doom 3: BFG Edition
iD Software’s legendary games franchise is also touching down on the micro console, in the form of Doom 3: BFG Edition. The updated shooter looks to be running at full speed in its native glory on the Shield console, and promises all the same frights as the original when it launched back in 2004. There’s bonus content too, including the Resurrection of Evil expansion pack, along with The Lost Mission campaign which should have you on the edge of your seat.
Portal
Nvidia brought over Valve’s first-person puzzling classic Portal to its Shield handheld when that originally launched, and it still holds up as as one of the greatest puzzle games of all time. While we wish its 2011 sequel was also playable on Nvidia’s consoles, we’ll settle for playing the original on the big screen with the new Android TV-toting Shield. Now hurry up with the rest of The Orange Box.
War Thunder
Online title War Thunder puts you right into the cockpit of a WWII airplane or tank, and it’s on the way to Nvidia’s Shield platform too. It’s up to you and your skills to take on opponents around the world whether you’re dogfighting it up in the skies, or you’re firing mortar shells at each other on the ground – either way, it’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Impressive, considering the game is also on the way to Sony’s much more powerful, pricy PS4.
Let’s not forget Nvidia’s GRID streaming platform either...
Batman: Arkham Knight
Nvidia’s Shield isn’t just limited to the Android games installed on your console, it’s capable of streaming top full fat PC titles from its GRID service too. Batman: Arkham Knight is set to be one of those you’ll be able to stream down soon, and as the premier next-gen Batman game is capable of being played on a tiny Android TV console, it’ll be sure to give the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 a run for their money.
Saints Row IV
If you can’t wait for some of the future open world titles to arrive on the GRID platform, Volition’s over the top open world game Saints Row IV is already available to stream down, letting you get to grips with the ridiculousness all through the power of your internet connection. Who needs Grand Theft Auto now?
GRID 2
If you’ve got a thirst for speed, Codemasters’ excellent sequel to GRID will surely scratch that itch, giving you a fast and furious driving title to whip through on your Shield console, tablet or handheld. Fast tracks and even faster cars are at your fingertips, and all you’ll need is an equally rapid internet connection. Yes, we’re aware of how confusing it is that you can play GRID on something completely different also called GRID, but you’ll want to, believe us.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
You won’t have to shell out for a next-gen console if you want a taste of the latest Metal Gear Solid games. That’s right, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is on the way to Nvidia’s streaming platform, letting you get a play of Snake’s latest outing platform via the GRID. We’re betting the next epic instalment, The Phantom Pain, will be playable on the service in the future too, which is just as well since Ground Zeroes is quite literally 20 minutes long.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD-Projekt’s highly ambitious, highly anticipated sequel to The Witcher 2 is on the way this year, and it’s also set to hit Nvidia’s GRID platform too. If you’re hankering for an RPG adventure in the vein of Skyrim and Dragon Age, this will be right up your alley, and you’ll be able to beam it down to your Shield console of choice. We fancy clubbing dragons senseless with enchanted maces over Wi-Fi, how about you?
Get the best gaming stories delivered straight to your inbox with the Red Bull Games newsletter.
