If you’re deep into the world of home theater, you’ve likely heard the legend of the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Even though it launched back in 2019, it has maintained a cult-like status among enthusiasts. While cheaper dongles like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max come and go, the Shield TV Pro has stubbornly held its crown. The biggest gripe? It’s almost never on sale. That changes today, as a Black Friday discount slices $30 off its price, bringing it down to $169.99.
For those seeking an even deeper discount, deal hunters on Slickdeals have spotted a potential pathway to get the Shield TV Pro for as low as $120 from Perplexity. It’s worth noting that this method involves a multi-step process and a hit-or-miss PayPal discount, making it less reliable than the straightforward Amazon markdown.
What Makes the 2019 Shield TV Pro So Timeless?
In a tech landscape obsessed with the "next big thing," how does a device from 2019 remain the gold standard? The answer lies under the hood. The Shield TV Pro is powered by Nvidia's Tegra X1+ processor, a chip that has simply refused to become obsolete. It delivers a buttery-smooth, lag-free interface that puts most modern smart TVs to shame.
For gamers, the chip’s 256-core GPU unlocks a fantastic cloud-gaming experience, making it the perfect companion for Nvidia’s GeForce Now service. But its prowess goes beyond menus and games.
This Android TV powerhouse is one of the few devices that can handle 4K HDR content, especially high-bitrate files from a Plex server, without breaking a sweat. It flawlessly streams your favorite apps like Netflix and Disney+ in Dolby Vision and HDR. (A minor shortcoming is its lack of support for HLG HDR, a format used by some broadcasters, and its remote can feel a bit awkward to some).
Perhaps its most celebrated feature is its best-in-class AI upscaling. The Shield TV Pro can intelligently enhance older, standard-definition content to look remarkably sharper on a 4K display. In this area, it even outshines Amazon's more expensive flagship, the Fire TV Cube.
Ready to experience the legend for yourself? You can find the Nvidia Shield TV Pro on sale for $169.99 at Amazon here.
More Than a Streamer: The Ultimate Entertainment Hub
One of the biggest compromises with most modern streaming sticks is their lack of connectivity. This is where the Shield TV Pro's "Pro" moniker truly earns its keep.
Despite its compact size, it comes packed with a generous array of ports that budding home theater architects will love. You get two full-sized USB 3.0 ports, allowing you to easily expand upon the built-in 16GB of storage or connect a webcam for Google Duo calls. And while it only features Wi-Fi 5, it includes a gigabit Ethernet port, letting you bypass wireless altogether for a rock-solid, high-speed wired connection without any clunky adapters.
When it comes to sheer performance and speed, the Apple TV 4K is often seen as its primary competitor, boasting similarly swift navigation and instant app loading. However, for those invested in the Android TV ecosystem who crave deep customization, expansive connectivity, and unparalleled Plex performance, the Shield TV Pro is in a league of its own.
This $169.99 Black Friday deal is a rare opportunity to invest in a device that has proven its value over time. It’s the clear choice for the viewer who demands more than what a standard Fire TV or Roku can offer.