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Included as standard with the unit is a game controller, worth 50 bucks alone. The unit links up through Wi-Fi Direct and has incredibly low latency. Latency, as we'll discuss later, is overall a non-issue with the entire kit, including streaming games. Now, if in the past you already purchased a Shield Tablet, well you can use and hook up that one too and play with two people if the game supports it.
The updated Shield controller is a bit of a gem really. The new revision is much lighter, a little smaller and feels very comfortable in my hands. Nvidia did remove the touch-pad, though in-between the two joysticks there still is a touch compatible slider to alter say volume or something. Integrated here as well is an IR transmitter so you can say lower the volume on your TV. Pressing the Nvidia button activates voice interactions - You can speak to your SHIELD and start movies, music, TV show, YouTube videos, and other content using the built-in microphone on the SHIELD controller.
The unit sits well in my hands, and I have big hands. It does resemble a mix of the Xbox One and PS4's gamepads. It comes with two in-line control sticks, four buttons (A, B, X and Y), then at the rear you'll spot two sets of buttons and a directional pad. The polygon curve design takes a little getting used to though, but isn't a restriction. There is also a headphone connector available, something the old controller also had. The unit can be charged and a full charge will last you many hours.
