The Android market sort of split into cheap streaming sticks vs more expensive but niche boxes (like the Zidoo or Dune players). The former are meant for streaming but lack power. The latter are more capable players but often can’t stream from legit services due to DRM.

The Shield sits in this weird middle ground where it’s actually good for a variety of use cases….but unlikely to get an update due to small market demand.

Although I’d argue that unless you need atmos audio passthrough for Bluray rips…the AppleTV 4K is the best option these days. Super fast processor, no ads or bullshit in the OS, reliable frame rate matching, good track record of software updates and vendor support, and apps like Infuse which is a superb Plex and Jellyfin client. It’ll do 4K REMUX playback with lossless 7.1 audio, and the UI never lags…ever. Just a shame about no audio passthrough which prevents it from being an enthusiast player.

Most of what these devices do is fairly light compute-wise. There's no real need to have the most powerful hardware when all it will really do is add to cost. Are there use cases for more powerful hardware, of course but for most people what we have is good enough. That said, I would love an updated Shield or competitor.

Because it's good shit.

Much less than the $150 for the smaller shield and you don't have a lot of margin for a decent chip in there.

I use the 2017 edition and it works great. Has the same SoC AS a switch Lok but supports 4k

i'm still running a hardware steam link for our in home streaming (and have another one as backup should it die). the shield and the SL were the best options back then, and everything afterwards kinda sucked

It's going to be cheaper and fulfills OP's need. I don't know what else you'd want, what better things were you looking for?

Old hardware is cheaper, and these devices don’t need to be expensive.

Even when newly manufactured they’ll still use ancient CPUs because nobody wants to spend $500 on an android TV stick.

Even the latest shield pro uses a CPU from 2015 and it’s $200 brand new.