Is a used Gen 1 Shield worth $150?

by WhatWasWhatAbout

I'm struggling to decide which Android TV or Chromecast to get with my new 4k TV.

  • If money weren't an issue, the Gen 2 Shield would be an obvious winner, but money IS an issue... (i'm trying to save up for a Nintendo Switch ASAP).

  • The CC Ultra sounds great, and is only $60 now. But it doesn't have a standalone remote, or run standalone apps. I'd rather get my feet wet with Android TV...

  • The Xiaomi Mi Box hits a sweet spot with price, 4k capabilities, and Android TV, but reviews say it doesn't perform well with 4k. And who knows how Xiaomi will support it...

So now I'm browsing ebay, thinking $150 is the max I'd pay for a Gen 1 Shield. Do you think it's worth that much?

Update:

I'm struggling to even find used 1st Gens Shields for $150. Amazon is selling refurbs for $170. If you're looking to sell yours, PM me.

I also want to try out the Mi Box from Wal-Mart, and return it if it's not up to par for me.

gnartung

Even with the gen 2 out, if I spent $200 on a 1st gen today I'd still be 100% satisfied with it.

TSwizzlesNipples

My understanding is that the new Shield has the exact same hardware has the old Shield, so yes, it's worth the $150.

dreamz7013

My opinion - get the Gen 1 Shield.

That's what i have with my 4K TV. Does exactly what i need it for and more.

bos990

Chromecast Ultra at a discounted price of $60 is still way behind the Mi Box at $69!

Andrroid

Yes

shakuyi

Why don't you buy the Mi box first from walmart and see if it suits your needs and return it if it doesn't.

JimboLodisC

Some people bought it on sale for $150 brand new, so it's not the best price you could pay for a used 1st-gen but it's still a good deal for $150.

melog69

You can find it refurbished from Amazon for $169 which would be a little better than used Amazon Link

npaladin2000

Sadly, yeah. They've got the IR sensor and the MicroSD card that the Gen 2 is lacking. But otherwise the same hardware as the Gen 2. Probably worth at LEAST $150.

And I'd stay clear of the Mi Box. It's fine if you're only looking for 1080p streaming, but it's not so good with 4k.

thebrokn

Definitely worth it. I bought a 16 GB Gen 1 off eBay for $175 in November that came bundled with a 128 GB MicroSD and the Gen 1 Remote and controller. It's a beast of a set top box. You'll love it. Gen 1 is worth it for microSD alone. It's so nice to bump up the storage capacity without any dongles or drives attached. You'll nearly forget it's even in there!

LeopardJockey

I've bought a new 16GB shield including the gamepad and a remote for 155€ at the end of 2015 (from Amazon France). So, no I wouldn't buy from someone who's asking 150$ for it in 2017. I'd absolutely recommend Shield TV GEN1 but there must be better deals than that.

Another thing to consider is that the old controller doesn't have the always on mic so if you're interested in that you have to include the cost of an additional controller.

swimfan229

The Gen 1 is BETTER than Gen 2 due to the fact the base unit has an SD card slot.

Get the Gen 1 (unless you are going Pro, then the Gen 2 is slightly better because of the IR blaster)

MajorNoodles

16GB or 500 GB?

If it's the 500 GB, then yeah, it's worth it, because the Gen 2 is the EXACT SAME model as the 2015. The only difference is that the Gen 2 comes with the updated gamepad.

If it's the 16 GB, then definitely not, because for $50 more, you can get the Gen 2, which includes the redesigned remote control. Plus you get the redesigned gamepad too.

CuvisTheConqueror

The Gen 1 and Gen 2 Shields are nearly identical in hardware, and the latest software update has made them all but identical in that regard as well. In the small differences, the Gen 2 is actually a downgrade from the Gen 1 (no SD slot, for example). If you can get the Gen 1 for $150, I'd see no reason not to take it.

bgdg1968

Try the mibox easy to return i have a shield and a mibox unless you want the nvidia specific gaming stuff the mibox is great it is on more than any other box in my house zero problems

rohit275

Personally, I'm glad I have the Gen 1 with the microSD, IR blaster, and micro USB ports. Also, I felt the only thing I was missing was the updated controller, but apparently the bluetooth controller has more input lag than the older wifi controller (despite other improvements). Not sure if that's important to you, but that's another thing worth mentioning. To be honest, while there may be some improvements, I think the 2017 version is a downgrade. If you're getting the remote and controller with the older one, $150 is a good price as long as everything works.

chiefVetinari

There was a visa checkout discount of 25 dollars for the new shield. Not sure if it's gone now. 50 dollars difference is worth considering. I'd still be 50 50 on it as you're talking about a device that could be 2 years old. Return policy will also be worse etc.

dookiewater

Jet has a 15% of first order promo going. You could get the Shield 2017 model for $170 there.

krump2buck

Not sure if anyone posted this. But best buy has the visa checkout deal back again. Spend $100 get $25 off using visa checkout. I just picked up a gen 2 for $175 plus tax.

bos990

Given that a new Shield 2 is $200, I don't think a used Shield 1 I us worth $150!

Specs wise, no internal difference BTW Shield 1 & 2. If I can spare $150 on a used electronic, going the extra $50 for Shield 2 may be worth it.

If you are REALLY price sensitive, the Mi Box should be the answer - adjust the Mi Box display setting to 1080, 60Hz if you experience challenges with 4k.