Nvidia has announced that GameStream, which allows users to stream games from their PC to the big screen via Nvidia Shield, will be removed in mid-February.
Nvidia Shield was launched in 2015 as a game console first and foremost. It came bundled with a game controller while the remote control was an optional purchase. The balance has since shifted towards video streaming as Shield failed due to its inability to compete with Xbox and PlayStation.
One of the headlining features at the time was Nvidia's GameStream that allowed users to play PC games on the TV via home network.
GameStream was one of the headlining features of Nvidia Shield back in 2015. Photo: Nvidia
- "Starting in mid-February, a planned update to the Nvidia Games app will begin rolling out to Shield owners. With this update, the GameStream feature will no longer be available in app. Shield users can continue to use GameStream until that time," Nvidia explained in a support document. "Gamestream may continue to work for a time, but will no longer be supported and eventually will stop working. All other services supported by Nvidia Games, including GeForce Now, will require an app update to continue working."
Nvidia recommends that users switch to Steam Link which offers similar functionality. Steam Link supports game streaming via local network in up to 4K SDR. The Steam Link app for Android TV devices can be downloaded here. Another alternative is an app called Moonlight. Alternatively, gamers can stream PC games from the cloud with GeForce Now.
Nvidia has not detailed what else the software update in mid-February will change.
