A major update to the Nvidia Shield will allow owners to operate their handheld consoles through their televisions and play a wider variety of Android games that don't support controllers.
The Nvidia Shield, which merges a full-sized game controller and 5-inch display into a handheld device, was upgraded on Monday morning. The update bundles several new features with Android's Jelly Bean operating system. The console previously ran on Android 4.2.1.
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Nvidia unveiled Shield's new Console Mode, which lets gamers plug the handheld into their televisions with an HDMI-out cable. The Shield can then act as a game console, responding to a Bluetooth controller to play Android games and watch movies. It also works with the Shield's PC streaming technology to stream games from a compatible computer to the TV at 720p.
The other fresh feature is GamePad Mapper, which unlocks thousands of other Android games to controller play. Players can create a profile for each game that maps virtual joysticks, buttons and gestures to the Shield's physical controls, for games such as Angry Birds and Jetpack Joyride. They can share these control schemes with their friends or download ones Nvidia created.
Nvidia Shield owners can download the update now. The company is also offering a rebate program through the holidays to lure in new customers. Those who purchase certain Nvidia GTX graphics card will receive a $100 discount on a Shield, plus free copies of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Batman: Arkham Origins.
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BONUS: 5 Games to Play This Week
The Dark Knight is coming back to gaming this week for the third installment of the Arkham series of games.
This time, we meet a much younger and angrier Batman, as he deals with his first real challenges. The Black Mask has put a bounty on Batman's head; meanwhile, our hero must stop eight assassins and keep Gotham safe all at once.
Not only do players go head-to-head against some of the most interesting Batman villains, they must also use Batman's detective skills to solve mysteries.
Batman: Arkham Origins came out Friday for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U and PC. There is also a companion 3DS and Vita game entitled Arkham Origins: Blackgate.
Nicoll Hunt was a man with a mission: He wanted to create the best brawler ever. When Hunt approached Kickstarter with his idea, the community happily embraced his wacky, 8-bit Fist of Awesome, in which players fight angry deer and bears that are trying to destroy humanity. Did we mention there's also time travel involved? The game is just as epic as you'd expect.
Fist of Awesome is out on iOS, Android, OUYA and GameStick, with PC and Mac versions in the works. It costs $3.99.
Cooperative games are rare, wonderful finds, especially ones that mix action and puzzles well. The team behind Forced was so committed to good co-op, they spent years living in closed quarters to get their game made. Forced is a top-down, twin-stick action game for PC, Mac, Linux and Wii U that forces up to four players to cooperate to survive levels of punishing gladiator training. Each player has their own unique powers and weapons. The game is fast-paced, and each stage adds a new challenge. It fills a huge gap in the co-op world. Forced is out this week for $15.
Lego games have their own special kind of appeal, uniting kids and adults with their whimsical and fun gameplay.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes continues that unique tradition by allowing players to inhabit all of their favorite Marvel characters in minifig form. Users can inhabit the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Spider Man, members of the X-Men and even famous comic creator Stan Lee, as they battle through a Lego version of New York City.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes is out this week for Wii U, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, 3DS and PS Vita. It will also come to next-generation consoles when they launch.
If you've missed yelling "Objection!" at every turn, gaming's favorite attorney is back with his fifth game to hit North American shores.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Duel Destinies is the series' first entry onto the more powerful 3DS handheld.
Players go through five cases with Phoenix and his protégés, Apollo and Athena. Fun for fans of the series as well as new players, it's a game with a quirky story and lots of detective work.
Duel Destinies debuted Thursday for 3DS. It costs $39.99.
Image: Nvidia