NVIDIA
NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pro
Bottom line: The NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pro ($309.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 10:16 UTC): Tegra X1+ with real-time AI upscaling of HD sources to 4K; main trade-off: 16GB internal storage fills fast; USB expansion is effectively required.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Tegra X1+ with real-time AI upscaling of HD sources to 4K
- ✓ 3GB RAM and 16GB storage - the step up over the base SHIELD TV
- ✓ 2x USB 3.0 for drives, tuners, keyboards, cameras and controllers
- ✓ Plex Media Server runs on the box, no always-on PC required
- ✓ Dolby Vision HDR plus Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus output
Cons
- ✗ 16GB internal storage fills fast; USB expansion is effectively required
- ✗ Game controller is sold separately, adding cost for GeForce NOW play
- ✗ Wi-Fi tops out at dual-band AC, not Wi-Fi 6
- ✗ Tegra X1+ is a refresh of an older chip, not a new-generation SoC
Manufacturer description
The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (model 945-12897-2500-101) is the streaming box that doubles as an emulation and media hub, built around the Tegra X1+ chip with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage. Its AI upscaling converts HD sources to 4K in real time, and Dolby Vision HDR plus Dolby Atmos pass-through give your home theater the picture and surround audio that cheaper sticks skip. The Pro tier is the one worth buying if you tinker: two USB 3.0 ports take external drives, keyboards, USB cameras, controllers and TV tuners, and Plex Media Server runs directly on the device so your library serves…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pro using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro consoles category. NVIDIA's retro consoles lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for retro consoles of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SHIELD TV Pro and the regular SHIELD TV?
The Pro adds 3GB of RAM (up from the base model), 16GB of storage, two USB 3.0 ports for expansion, and built-in Plex Media Server. The tube-shaped base model has none of the USB expansion.
Does the SHIELD TV Pro support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos?
Yes. It outputs Dolby Vision HDR for picture and supports Dolby Atmos plus Dolby Digital Plus for surround sound through your receiver or soundbar.
Can I add external storage?
Yes. The Pro has 2x USB 3.0 ports that accept external drives, and the same ports work with USB cameras, keyboards, game controllers and TV tuners.
Does it come with a game controller?
No. The box ships with the backlit motion-activated remote. A game controller is sold separately and is needed for Fortnite, GeForce NOW and other Android TV games.
Key Features
- The Best of the Best. SHIELD TV delivers an amazing Android TV streaming media player experience, thanks to the new NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling. 2x USB 3.0 ports for storage expansion, USB cameras, keyboards, controllers, and more. Plex Media Server built-in, 3 GB RAM, and 16 GB storage.Connectivity Technology : Bluetooth 5.0
- Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR, and surround sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio
- Best-In-Class Design. Designed for the most demanding users and beautifully designed to be the perfect centerpiece of your entertainment center, SHIELD TV Pro levels you up to more storage space, more RAM, the expandability of 2x USB 3.0 ports, and Plex Media Server. Get the best connectivity with Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. The all-new remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated, backlit buttons—including a customizable menu button. Plus, with voice control, Bluetooth, IR control for your TV, and a built-in remote control locator, you have the most advanced remote yet
- Unlimited Entertainment. Enjoy the most 4K HDR content of any streaming media player, and access to thousands of apps and games, including top apps like Netflix,YouTube, Prime Video, Disney + and Hulu. Add a game controller (sold separately) and play today’s most popular games like Fortnite and GeForce Now. Even stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K
Full Specifications
| Brand | NVIDIA |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro |
| Resolution | 4k |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | TV Box |
| Video Codec | H.265/HEVC |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB, WiFi |
| Model Number | 945-12897-2500-101 |
| Compatibility | Android |
| Built-In Media | Remote Controller |
| Connector Type | HDMI |
| Item Type Name | Streaming Media Player |
| Controller Type | Voice Control |
| Mfr Part Number | 945-12897-2500-101 |
| Special Feature | Android Phone Control, Microphone Feature |
| Compatible Devices | Television |
| RAM Memory Installed | 3 GB |
| Warranty Description | One (1) year from the date of purchase of your new Warranted Product. |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Full listing title | NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pro | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player High Performance, Dolby Vision, 3GB RAM, 2X USB, Works with Alexa, Model:945-12897-2500-101 |
Ready to buy?
NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pro | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player High Performance, Dolby Vision, 3GB RAM, 2X USB, Works with Alexa, Model:945-12897-2500-101 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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