Nvidia Raises Shield TV Pro Price 50% as Memory Costs Climb
The seven-year-old streaming device jumps from $199.99 to $299.99, with Nvidia citing AI-driven component shortages. The company has also discontinued its standard Shield TV model.
Nvidia has raised the price of its Shield TV Pro streaming box to $299.99, up from the original $199.99 launch price—a $100 jump for a device that has not undergone any significant hardware overhaul. The company attributes the increase to surging component costs, particularly memory, driven by demand from the artificial intelligence sector.
An Nvidia spokesperson explained to Ars Technica: "Starting October 2, SHIELD Pro will be priced at $299. The cost of components, including memory, has increased substantially across the industry." The price adjustment coincides with Nvidia's decision to halt production of the standard Shield TV model, making the Shield TV Pro the sole Shield-branded streaming device in Nvidia's current lineup.
Despite its age, the Shield TV Pro retains relevance beyond basic streaming functionality. The device runs on Nvidia's Tegra X1+ processor paired with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. It includes two USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and the ability to connect external storage drives—features that appeal particularly to users managing personal media collections and Plex servers.
The hardware supports 4K HDR playback at 60 frames per second and a comprehensive set of video technologies, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and AI-powered upscaling. Audio capabilities span Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS-X surround sound, and numerous other formats.
Gaming functionality distinguishes the Shield TV Pro from conventional streaming boxes. Nvidia's GeForce Now cloud gaming service and native Android game support provide capabilities absent from many competitors. The device also stands out as one of the few Android-based TV streaming platforms that continues to receive software updates nearly seven years after launch.
Availability appears increasingly constrained, with the device out of stock across most retail channels. A Best Buy listing showed the 16GB model priced at $249.21—roughly $50 below Nvidia's new official price—though that listing was unavailable at the time of reporting. It remains unclear whether Best Buy's lower price represents a temporary promotion or the retailer's standard pricing structure.