NVIDIA updated its Shield TV consoles in 2019, and the new tube and Pro models are still the best Android streaming devices for gamers. There are so many great ways to play games on your Shield, from the growing collection of Android TV games available through the Google Play Store as well as AAA PC games streamed through NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service. If you want a controller or two for some couch multiplayer, you'll be happy to know that alongside its own excellent controller, the NVIDIA Shield TV offers Bluetooth support for other great gaming controllers.
Specially designed by NVIDIA
NVIDIA Shield Controller
Staff Pick
The NVIDIA Shield controller is designed to take full advantage of all that the NVIDIA Shield can do, with a built-in microphone for Google Assistant and a headphone jack, along with dedicated volume and Android system controls. It was released alongside the 2017 edition for the Shield TV but still works with the new model.
Retro gaming bliss
8Bitdo SN30 Pro
The 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro is much more than a nostalgia play. It features some tremendous modern improvements such as dual thumbsticks and a second pair of shoulder buttons. It's a great controller that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and can also be used with a wired connection via USB-C.
The latest from SteelSeries
SteelSeries Stratus Duo
The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is a great wireless controller that connects to the NVIDIA Shield or any Android device via Bluetooth, and can also be connected to a PC using the included USB Wi-Fi dongle. It's an exceptionally comfortable controller with a rechargeable battery that won't let you down during a marathon gaming session.
Best option for Sony fanboys
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Sony's wireless controller for the PlayStation 4 can also be connected to the NVIDIA Shield. Put the controller into pairing mode, and it should come up as an available Bluetooth accessory in the Shield settings. Powered by a rechargeable internal battery with a charging cable included, there's a good reason why Sony has stuck with the DualShock controller design for multiple console generations.
A great controller for Android
SteelSeries Stratus XL
The Stratus XL is still one of our favorite Bluetooth controllers for Android, so it deserves mention as an excellent accessory for our favorite Android streaming box. It has dedicated controls for controlling Android devices and pairs up quickly and reliably. It does require AA batteries, so be sure to stock up.
Microsoft's best controller
Xbox One Wireless Controller
Not all Xbox One controllers will work with the NVIDIA Shield. Only the controllers released since the Xbox One S include the necessary Bluetooth functionality for connecting to other devices such as your Shield TV. This iconic controller is available in a wide range of colors and styles and is a great option that you may already own if you regularly game on Xbox.
Compact gaming
Nyko Mini Wireless Core
Instead of getting a full-sized controller that can take up a bunch of space, why not check out the Nyko Mini Wireless Core? This controller offers a compact size with all of the buttons you will want, and it can double as a solid Nintendo Switch controller while working with the Shield TV.
Get a grip
8Bitdo SN30 Pro+
8Bitdo's SN30 Pro+ offers up to 20-hours of battery life, comes in three different retro colorways, and works with all of your various devices. The added benefit of the Pro+ over the standard Pro are the longer handles, making the controller more ergonomic.
Custom LED's
EasySMX Wireless Gaming Controller
With the EasySMX Wireless Controller, you'll be able to customize the various buttons on the controller, along with the LED lights that are built-in. But with this plug-and-play controller, you won't have to worry about fiddling with a bunch of settings and can just start gaming.
The NVIDIA Shield is excellent for couch gaming
Often overlooked for its gaming prowess, the NVIDIA Shield offers a plentiful variety of ways to play whether you're downloading games from the Google Play Store or streaming games from NVIDIA GeForce Now. The most reliable option is still going to be the because it's going to connect every time reliably and features volume controls and a headphone jack.
Beyond that, we recommend the , which also works well with smartphones and PC gaming. But gives you that retro look and feel that cannot be understated and has made an extremely welcome comeback in 2020. Plus, you'll be able to game for hours with the long-lasting battery life, which is perfect for those intense retro gaming sessions.
Specially designed by NVIDIA
NVIDIA Shield Controller
Staff Pick
The NVIDIA Shield controller is designed to take full advantage of all that the NVIDIA Shield can do, with a built-in microphone for Google Assistant and a headphone jack, along with dedicated volume and Android system controls. It was released alongside the 2017 edition for the Shield TV but still works with the new model.
Retro gaming bliss
8Bitdo SN30 Pro
The 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro is much more than a nostalgia play. It features some tremendous modern improvements such as dual thumbsticks and a second pair of shoulder buttons. It's a great controller that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and can also be used with a wired connection via USB-C.
The latest from SteelSeries
SteelSeries Stratus Duo
The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is a great wireless controller that connects to the NVIDIA Shield or any Android device via Bluetooth, and can also be connected to a PC using the included USB Wi-Fi dongle. It's an exceptionally comfortable controller with a rechargeable battery that won't let you down during a marathon gaming session.
Best option for Sony fanboys
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Sony's wireless controller for the PlayStation 4 can also be connected to the NVIDIA Shield. Put the controller into pairing mode, and it should come up as an available Bluetooth accessory in the Shield settings. Powered by a rechargeable internal battery with a charging cable included, there's a good reason why Sony has stuck with the DualShock controller design for multiple console generations.
A great controller for Android
SteelSeries Stratus XL
The Stratus XL is still one of our favorite Bluetooth controllers for Android, so it deserves mention as an excellent accessory for our favorite Android streaming box. It has dedicated controls for controlling Android devices and pairs up quickly and reliably. It does require AA batteries, so be sure to stock up.
Microsoft's best controller
Xbox One Wireless Controller
Not all Xbox One controllers will work with the NVIDIA Shield. Only the controllers released since the Xbox One S include the necessary Bluetooth functionality for connecting to other devices such as your Shield TV. This iconic controller is available in a wide range of colors and styles and is a great option that you may already own if you regularly game on Xbox.
Compact gaming
Nyko Mini Wireless Core
Instead of getting a full-sized controller that can take up a bunch of space, why not check out the Nyko Mini Wireless Core? This controller offers a compact size with all of the buttons you will want, and it can double as a solid Nintendo Switch controller while working with the Shield TV.
Get a grip
8Bitdo SN30 Pro+
8Bitdo's SN30 Pro+ offers up to 20-hours of battery life, comes in three different retro colorways, and works with all of your various devices. The added benefit of the Pro+ over the standard Pro are the longer handles, making the controller more ergonomic.
Custom LED's
EasySMX Wireless Gaming Controller
With the EasySMX Wireless Controller, you'll be able to customize the various buttons on the controller, along with the LED lights that are built-in. But with this plug-and-play controller, you won't have to worry about fiddling with a bunch of settings and can just start gaming.
The NVIDIA Shield is excellent for couch gaming
Often overlooked for its gaming prowess, the NVIDIA Shield offers a plentiful variety of ways to play whether you're downloading games from the Google Play Store or streaming games from NVIDIA GeForce Now. The most reliable option is still going to be the because it's going to connect every time reliably and features volume controls and a headphone jack.
Beyond that, we recommend the , which also works well with smartphones and PC gaming. But gives you that retro look and feel that cannot be understated and has made an extremely welcome comeback in 2020. Plus, you'll be able to game for hours with the long-lasting battery life, which is perfect for those intense retro gaming sessions.