Google has built-in malware scanners in the Android OS. You can even turn it off (not recommended, of course). You do hear about Android malware in the news, but for the number of active installs, up-to-date Android devices are actually better protected than most people think.

Can the Shield get malware? If so, any good anti-virus out there for it?

Don't use anti-virus crap you find in the playstore. Install mainstream apps and if you install anything non-mainstream, just keep an eye on the permissions off the app before you install.

You can emulate GameCube and Wii with the dolphin emulator. GC games run quite well eg. Zelda Windwaker. Wii games run not so smooth. However it's getting better with every release. There is no stable release so you have to use one of the alpha versions.

PS2 emulation on android is not working at the moment.

For further information visit /r/emulationonandroid

if you want to do games emulation, give a try to retrox. There is a shield tv dedicated thread here https://www.reddit.com/r/ShieldAndroidTV/

• It's theoretically possible for the Shield to get malware, but if you stick to known good app sources like the Play Store, it's rather unlikely.
• The Shield can use the newer Xbox One S controllers that use Bluetooth. The original Xbox One controllers won't work, and nor will the Wii U controllers.
• There is a working build of Dolphin for the Shield, which can run Gamecube and Wii games. AFAIK, PS2 isn't there yet.
• I'm afraid I don't have any recommendations for flash drives.
• One small tip: make sure to update Plex Media Server on the Shield, even if you don't plan to use it. The Shield uses Plex to provide network access to its onboard storage, which will make it much easier to load files (such as roms) to it.

Don't install pirated apps and you won't ever get malware. It's that easy. When you see news articles about android malware it's almost ALWAYS some random fucking site and not Google play store. And in the few occasions where it is, it's some random Korean app you've never heard of and would never have installed anyway.

Android malware is just media FUD.

Can the Shield get malware? If so, any good anti-virus out there for it?

Anything connected to the internet can but if you are only using apps from the app store you will be fine.

Can I use my Xbox One and/or Wii U Pro controllers on this machine?

No

hat's the most it can do emulation wise? Gamecube/PS2 era? 60 FPS or no?

I've seen people play Gamecube on it.

What USB flash drive does everyone recommend? Nvidia has their own list but I'd rather hear from users themselves.

Anything from Amazon will work from a reputable company.

What "little" tips or tricks do you have once I get the machine in the mail?

Looking to setting up a Plex server.