Nvidia Shield pre-orders start today, shipping in June for $349

Nvidia is starting orders of its new Android-powered handheld console, Shield, today. After announcing a $349 price tag and June release date earlier this week, the gaming company has decided to move its pre-order date forward from Monday 20th. The handheld can be pre-ordered directly from Nvidia, or from retail partners including Newegg, Gamestop, and Canada Computer — Micro Center will be accepting pre-orders shortly.

Shield will arrive with access to Google Play (and the full suite of Google services), TegraZone, Sonic 4 Episode II THD, Expendable: Rearmed, Hulu Plus, and TwitchTV. Nvidia cites "growing buzz" as the reason for the early launch, but the fresh release date also gives the company a few extra days in the limelight before Microsoft reveals its next-generation Xbox plans on Tuesday 21st May.