This is actually the third (that I'm aware of) generation of the Shield Controller (not including the one that is intrinsic to the original Nvidia Shield).
The prior to versions have identical hardware, save for the capacitive buttons for Back/Home/PlayPause.
To really understand this review, you have to consider the prior controller hardware. It was bulky but not uncomfortable, chock full of features, including a headset/mic jack (3.5mm), microUSB port for charging, volume rocker switch (that was large) and even a touch screen. It was only missing the kitchen sink. Such flexibility necessitated a larger than normal gamepad.
It was actually quite comfortable to hold despite its size - and although it used the slightly inferior (opinion) PlayStation stick configuration, everything was kind of "on par". The shoulder triggers were tactile enough, and the face buttons had plenty of travel. The DPad, as with a lot of Dpads nowadays, needed a lot of work. The touchpad was useless, and the positioning of the capacitive buttons meant that there were occasional mispresses.
Enter Version 2. MUCH more ergonomic to hold, feels much more dense (Read: sturdy) in the hand, and the larger triggers are a touch mushier, yet still tactile. Face button travel is a lot more responsive, and the DPad is worlds better. It's not longer mushy, and has a satisfying clicky feedback. The sticks are different, but seems to be mostly unchanged. They're far more easy to reach though, comfortably. The headphone jack has been relocated to the bottom.
Gone is the touchpad (good riddance!) and it's a sacrifice I'm willing to accept. The poor volume rocker switches have been replaced by the NVidia Shield Remote-esque capacitive rocker, which works well. The previously capacitive Back/Home/PlayPause buttons are now physical, and are satisfyingly tactile, located on the bottom edge, away from the other buttons and sticks. I don't think that mis-presses are going to be an issue any longer.
The look is... well, either you like it or hate it, but it is undeniably more comfortable in hand.
The only thing I'm concerned with is that it appears to run on Bluetooth, which, in my experience, has lagged moreso than the 2.4GHz wireless. I could be wrong here.
Anyway, time will tell if the lag difference is going to equate to more deaths in Dark Souls 3. But, for now, I am ecstatic about a purchase that I was admittedly originally on the fence about.
Highly recommended for PC, Nvidia Shield K1, and the Nvidia Shield TV. Already thinking about getting a second.
Pro's:
* Vastly improved ergonomics.
* Vastly improved D-Pad; best one out there outside of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
* Better Volume adjustment
* Physical Buttons for Android OS functions
* Longer Battery Life
* Rumble functionality
Con's:
* Bluetooth instead of WiFi direct - should mean increase latency
* No more touchpad (is this really a con?)
* You have to buy it (I'm stretching here, at this point)
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From the manufacturer
Brand New Design
The SHIELD controller has been completely redesigned with improved feel, shape, and sensitivity of dual analog sticks and trigger buttons. It’s sleek and stylish, with a battery that lasts over 60+ hours before needing a recharge, thanks to advanced Bluetooth technology.
Rumble Feedback
Dual vibration lets you feel the action on your TV screen directly in your hands, adding a new and exciting dimension to your gaming experience.
Private Listening
Plug in your headphones and get a private listening experience. Go full blast on volume and be completely immersed in your gaming action.
Voice Search—Only Smarter
Find the entertainment you want—fast. Ask 'Show me DC Comics TV shows' or ask 'Who played Elliot in Mr. Robot?' and the results appear instantly. You can also start games by saying 'Launch Tomb Raider' using Google voice commands.
The Gateway to Your New Smart Home
Because the SHIELD controller is always on, you can command your living room with Google Assistant, completely hands-free. Dim the lights, change the temperature, the possibilities are endless.
Note: SHIELD controller can be turned off, Google Assistant coming soon.
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Mehhhh!! (Review just for the controller on Shield Tablet and other android devices)
UPDATE:My tablet and the controller did receive an update and now I can see the details related to the controller like its battery status. One confusion I have as to how would i know if the controller is off or not after I am done using it? Do I "Forget" the controller from the Shield Accessories every time or how do I do it? And also one thing I cannot still play NFL Madden Mobile through the controller. Tried my hand on Asphalt 8 and was able to play with the help of the controller, but did not feel any rumbling effect when I did crash into other cars. I am not sure if it is supposed to do so or not. Thanks for the software update! :)======================================================================================================I got this controller 2 days ago.. 5 stars for amazon and the delivery services.. Since this is my first controller and I am really excited about using it in near future on my Shield tablet (whenever Nvidia pushes the update, about which I have been reading since they introduced this new toy), I am giving it 3 stars or else would have had stopped at 2.. Or even less than 2 stars because you first check the controller's compatibility with at least some of your latest devices and then introduce it in the market.. I did not like that because I am not able to do a lot of things on my Shield tablet using the controller and I am little frustrated because of it.. Yes it connects easily to any android device through Bluetooth but when I tried to play Madden NFL mobile on my Shield tablet, I couldn't do anything.. Also, I tried scrolling through Facebook on my tablet and couldn't do anything.. I was able to scroll through on the Twitter application though.. I faced the same issues when I connected the controller to my Nexus 6.. So I'm assuming that it'll be the same for all the android devices.. I am just hoping that all the software related issues will work out when Nvidia pushes the promised Android N update on shield tablet. .. Also the hardware specs are not that great.. Yes the controller is very comfy and it feels incredible in my hands but how would I know if the battery is about to die or not?? There is no way to know the battery level of the controller... Forget that; i'll eventually figure it out that the charge is over when the controller will die but when I'll plug it in for charging, how would I know if the battery is 100% charged or not?? I charged it once after I started using it and I was only able to estimate that the controller had enough charge when I was able to feel that the space between the left handle and the left joystick had turned little warm.. not hot, just lukewarm.. This is another thing that irritated me little, apart from the software non-compatibility.. I am wondering if it is possible for Nvidia to develop an application which will indicate the battery level of the controller.. Well, because it is Nvidia I am having such thoughts.. Anyways, If you are not able to resist yourselves from buying this controller you can order it right now and wait for the full compatibility or else you can wait till the Android N update has been pushed and the reviews for it are out.. I will keep on updating my review..
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Cliente de Amazon
Gran calidad
Reviewed in Mexico on July 2, 2022Edition: NVIDIA Shield ControllerVerified Purchase
Insomne
El mando ideal para la Nvidia Shield
Reviewed in Spain on August 29, 2022Edition: NVIDIA Shield ControllerVerified Purchase
MIKAEL
R2 knappen åkte in i gamepaden
Reviewed in Sweden on May 14, 2023Edition: NVIDIA Shield ControllerVerified Purchase
MIKAEL
Reviewed in Sweden on May 14, 2023
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cyclopebox
La meilleure manette pour votre box Nvidia Shield TV
Reviewed in France on November 5, 2020Edition: NVIDIA Shield ControllerVerified Purchase
P. J. Clark
Quick delivery. Exactly what I needed
Reviewed in Australia on November 26, 2021Edition: NVIDIA Shield ControllerVerified Purchase
