Nvidia Shield gains Remote GameStream, KitKat with April update

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We're only a week away from the calendar turning over to April, but that could feel a whole lot longer for owners of Nvidia's Android-based mobile gaming system now that details have surfaced on what the next update has in store.

TechCrunch has scored details on next month's Nvidia Shield update, which will go live as a free, downloadable update for owners of the company's mobile gaming console on April 2.

The forthcoming update will finally bring the system the latest and greatest Android 4.4 KitKat version of Google's mobile platform, including a refreshed Tegra Zone store to help find game titles optimized for the device.

The April update will also deliver news about future Shield updates right to the Tegra Zone app, along with the added convenience of Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support for those who find the built-in controller too limiting while taking a break from gameplay.

Remote streaming

Nvidia Shield owners will also finally be able to truly get their game on thanks to Remote GameStream, which allows players to wake a LAN-connected PC back home and stream favorite console games to anywhere there's an internet connection.

GameStream does come with some moderately hefty requirements for successful remote gameplay, with Nvidia recommending an internet connection capable of at least 5mbps up and down, but players will be able to tweak their quality and framerate settings as needed.

Nvidia is also stepping up efforts to promote the Shield with a $50 (about UK£30, AU$55) discount on the hardware, which brings the price down to a slightly more affordable $199 (about UK£120, AU$217).

Shield players will have more to choose from with more than 100 titles (up from two dozen at launch) currently available, although GameStream will allow remote streaming of any title on your PC, whether Nvidia has optimized it or not.

• Still prefer a console? Check out our review of Microsoft's Xbox One!