In response to a growing amount of “buzz” generated around NVIDIA’s SHIELD Android gaming unit, pre-orders went live today. Initially, they were dated to go up on May 20, but if you planned on shelling out the $349.99 and possibly another $60 on accessories in the shape of a case and custom lids, you can do so now. 

Well, pricing is official - NVIDIA’s SHIELD gaming system will run $349 at launch. So the big question now is, are you going to buy one? This product was first unveiled some five and a half months ago at CES to a mix of emotions and reviews from both media and consumers. We all wondered if there was a need for a portable gaming system that can stream and play your PC  games along with your current mobile collection? Is your phone already a good enough mobile gaming device or is this truly the future of mobile gaming? What would the price be? All tough questions that I’m not sure anyone has an answer for (well outside of the price which we now know), until we can spend more time with.

So tell us, are you buying SHIELD? If so, sell the community on why you are buying it. If not, we tell what is holding you back.

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Details have finally been released for NVIDIA’s highly-anticipated SHIELD. Previously known as Project SHIELD, they dropped “Project” and decided SHEILD was a better way to go. Either way, we first saw the Tegra 4-powered SHIELD at this year’s CES in January, so after months (it felt like years) of awaiting news on pricing and a release date, we finally have it. 

NVIDIA continues their teasing of Project SHIELD with another video, this time featuring an upcoming Android title, Arma Tactics. With Tegra 4 enhancements, Arma Tactics is an extremely well designed warfare game, with random missions and objectives, meaning gameplay should never be the same twice. 

Were you one of the people that thought Project SHIELD was pointless? Prepare to eat your words. Here at GTC, I caught a glimpse of an NVIDIA employee flying his new Parrot AR Drone, running on Project SHIELD. 

At the 2013 CES, NVIDIA took center stage with Project SHIELD, showing off an upcoming Android title called Real Boxing. Well, we still don’t have SHIELD (and you know how I feel about that), but Real Boxing hit Google Play this AM. Real Boxing is the most life-like fighting experience you will find on Android currently, bringing enhanced 3D graphics and lighting. The game is so detailed, you will see every drop of blood as you pummel it out of your opponent. 

As we sit in our caves, awaiting further information on some type of release date or pricing for Project SHIELD, NVIDIA seems rather content on dangling this device in front of us, giggling as we become frustrated with their lack of transparency. Oh well. 

From what we can see, either you love the idea of NVIDIA’s Project SHIELD or find it to be the biggest waste of resources ever. According to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Product Manager’s recent comments, I think we know where they stand on that one.

In a recent chat with The Verge, Raj Tulluri said that these devices will find a way to come out to market on their own, which gives Qualcomm little reason to compete with their customers in the hardware-making game. In essence, he feels that they would be stealing business from themselves if they made a rival to Project SHIELD.