The big NVIDIA announcement is a SHIELD console

NVIDIA introduced its SHIELD Android TV console at the GDC in San Francisco. Based on the firm's Tegra X1 processor with 256-core Maxwell GPU and 3GB RAM, this device can playback 4K video content and tap into the Android app ecosystem. You'll not only be able to play Android games but also PC games at 1080p at 60fps via the NVIDIA GRID game-streaming service. The SHIELD console starts shipping in May for $199.

The device measures 130mm x 210mm x 25mm (H x W x D) and weighs 654g. Other features include 16GB internal flash storage, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, microSD memory card slot, and an included controller.

Game Developers Conference -- NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) today introduced NVIDIA® SHIELD™, the world's first Android™ TV console, which delivers video, music, apps and amazing games to the home.

Built on Android TV, SHIELD can play top-quality 4K video content, includes one-click access to Google Voice Search and provides the richness of Android's app ecosystem.

SHIELD is a sleek device that comes loaded with cutting-edge NVIDIA technologies, including the recently launched NVIDIA® Tegra® X1 processor.

SHIELD is also the gateway to the NVIDIA GRID™ game-streaming service. Powered by GeForce® GTX™ supercomputers in the cloud, GRID delivers an on-demand "Netflix for games" experience at up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second.

"SHIELD will change the way we enjoy digital entertainment at home," said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA. "It's an incredibly powerful, efficient and advanced living room entertainment device. It's the best Android TV experience. And it can transform into a serious gaming machine. It's made to game."

Made to Game
SHIELD -- sold with the SHIELD controller made for serious gaming -- is a single platform with access to a wealth of great games.

First, 50+ Android titles optimized for SHIELD will be available for download, including AAA titles like Crysis 3, Doom 3®: BFG EditionT and Borderlands: TPS. These can be played at blistering speed, thanks to SHIELD's Tegra X1 processor, with its 256-core Maxwell™ architecture GPU and 64-bit CPU.

Second, favorite AAA titles, including console games, can be streamed using the GRID on-demand game-streaming service. GRID will include with its subscription price access to 50 titles, such as Batman: Arkham Origins, GRID 2 and Metro: Last Light Redux, with additional titles added each week.

Third, the GRID service can be used to purchase and stream new release AAA titles -- including Batman: Arkham Knight and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt coming later this year.

Broad Developer Support
Some of the world's leading game developers and publishers have embraced SHIELD and the GRID service.

"The incredible processing power of Tegra X1 enables us to bring Doom 3: BFG to Android and we're excited by the possibilities that GRID is bringing to gaming." - Tim Willits, studio director, id Software

"Tegra X1's enormous processing capabilities running on Android TV gives us access to a much broader audience, and we're delighted to partner with NVIDIA to explore a variety of exciting possibilities for SHIELD, including the remastering of the survival horror classic, Resident Evil 5." - Jun Takeuchi, managing corporate officer, CAPCOM

"SHIELD is definitely made to game and thanks to Tegra X1 we have The Witcher: Battle Arena playing natively on SHIELD. With GRID, we'll be able to bring new hit games to fans immediately." - Benjamin Lee, The Witcher: Battle Arena lead producer, CDPROJEKT

Pricing and Availability
SHIELD will be available in May, starting at $199 with a controller. Optional accessories include additional controllers, a remote control and a stand enabling the device to stand vertically.