The Nvidia Shield shows off its high-end components (pictures)

The Nvidia Shield is an Android-based portable gaming console that runs processing rings around pretty much every mobile device that came before.

True, high-quality console controls. The dual analogs are as good as those on an Xbox 360 controller.

Xbox 360 button scheme, but the actual buttons are flatter than those on Microsoft's controller.

The triggers are calibrated to near perfection with just enough resistance.

Connections include microSD, Mini-HDMI, Micro-USB, and a headphone jack.

All folded up and ready for travel.

One of two large vents on the Shield (that slit in between the green) keeps it from getting hot.

The Tegra 4 is capable of really impressive performance. If only more games took advantage of it.

Just because the Shield houses physical controls, it doesn't mean you can't use touch-screen games. It simply means it's more difficult to do so.