Amid the longstanding console war between the next-gen PS4 and Xbox One, the gaming industry is also expanding to accommodate new releases to offer an even wider and better range of gaming experiences, made better with improved monitor designs and resolutions to make sure that an optimized experience is always at hand.

This time, two new devices have been recently released, one that enhances your gaming experience via a new BenQ monitor, while the other is the handheld Nvidia Shield.

Nvidia Shield: the Swiss knife gaming device

With the onslaught of companies aiming to integrate all possible angles of entertainment, communication, and gaming in one device, Nvidia Shield emerges as a device's version for gaming needs.

It features the capability of switching from app to Android games to even PC streaming and other PC-related commands are pretty ambitious, but according to EndGadget, the Nvidia Shield does this impressively and with an even more impressive speed.

Of course, you can expect glitches in a system that aims to put multitasking to a whole new level--some network interferences here and there, as per some reports, but if you can play the likes of BioShock Infinite on this handheld, you know you have something.

Perhaps the biggest competition that the Nvidia Shield poses for is Mad Catz's MOJO controller, which also aims to make use of the already large Android gaming industry for its games.

A closer look at the specs

The hardware for the most part, is pretty close to the standard controller for your typical console, which is understandable, as the design borrows from the two top controllers, Xbox 360 and the PS3.

According to AnandTech, the Xbox 360 has the same analog feel, clickiness of buttons, and friction as the Xbox 360, it borrows the placing of the analog sticks from the PS3, which are located at the bottom part of the controller.

The device also features a 5-inch 720p display with a large bezel at the sides, as well as an active cooling component. Its OS consists of the Android 4.2.1, pretty standard, though the Android 4.3 is coming out.

For connectivity, you get I/O ports, the microUSB 2.0, a headphone jack, a mini-HDMI, and a microSDXC. It runs on the NVIDIA Tegra 4 at 1.9 GHz, and has 2GB worth of RAM.

EndGadget reports that what's also great about the Nvidia Shield is that it can last up to 10 hours of use, and the usage ranges from streaming videos to playing games directly from the device, all the while keeping connected to the Internet--and that's with no power saving tricks like pushing down the screen brightness to a minimum.

However, charging the device can take a while, for up to 5 hours when you go below 10% of the battery life.

Android gaming: Fast, easy, efficient

At a $299 price tag, you have a pretty nifty Android gaming device. Forbes even praises the way that the user interface navigation using the gamepad controller is as easy as pie.

From the home menu to flicking through app pages, you can easily make use of the D-pad or the analog sticks, and even make use of the right stick as a mouse pointer.

The games are even more of a marvel, as Android ports like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Expendable: Rearmed, and Virtua Tennis Challenge all deliver a great gaming experience even with the replacement of touchscreen during play.

Downsides: More casual play that mobile play

As a handheld device, you'd expect people to be waiting in line or riding a commute while pushing the buttons on this new device, but according to IGN, the design, while well-made and functional, really takes off from console counterparts than an optimized design for mobile gaming.

Its controls are full-sized compared to those scaled down for better mobile play. The system's speakers are loud enough, and can practically block sounds when you use headphones, which is a more desirable function for those who want to play on the couch rather than catching a bus at a stop.

Perhaps this is the compromise, as the Nvidia Shield is not just a mobile device, but also one that aims to tap into the PC streaming market. Overall, Nvidia Shield is a device that aims to traverse markets, and while it does on a certain level, it also focuses on certain types of play with a specific target market.

BenQ's latest weapon in gaming: XL2411T

On so many levels, BenQ's newest gaming screen exceeds expectations, with the simplicity and ingenuity of one thing: giving its market what it's asking for.

In a recent press statement, BenQ Australia has announced the release of its latest addition to the gaming industry, a potential weapon for those looking forward to intensive gaming in the form of the XL2411T gaming monitor.

Design and price--decked to impress

According to their official statement, the monitor has 144Hz Refresh Rate and 1 ms GtG Response Time, bringing an advantage to gaming for both Australian gamers and discerning players worldwide.

According to TechRadar, the good thing about BenQ's latest addition is that, while retaining the quality 3D-capable monitors seen in its XL2420T and TX, the XL2411T has cut down on the luxuries to give a more affordable spin.

Design-wise, the XL2411T also takes off from BenQ's more expensive display panels, with the bottom bezel housing the controls, and, as TechRadar puts it, BenQ has got the OSD design down pat.

PC Monitors also report that the screen features thinner bezels at only 18mm at the side and 16mm at the top and bottom, making for a bigger screen access without taking up too much space.

Enjoyable technology within

The XL2411T also allows for the Nvidia 3D Vision 2. As far as the main menu functions are concerned, you won't have much problems, with the response rate and layout being as friendly as possible.

The main meat of the monitor features the 120Hz, which delivers great contrast, impressive black levels, and even better white saturation. For those who have already experienced some of BenQ's previous models, the BenQ XL2411T is selling at a cheaper price, while also being a first-choice monitor for gaming.

GROM release from BenQ

The company doesn't stop with the XL2411T, as it is also slated to launch the GROM or Gaming Refresh rate Optimization Management, alongside the new monitor. In a statement, Joshua Ewards, marketing for BenQ Australia, has stated that this is a key improvement that is incorporated into the new XL monitors, so that it can deliver a game-changing display innovation for a better gaming experience.

GROM is said to be a solution that lets professional gamers build a personalised experience by having customisable refresh rates, display sizes, and resolutions, all at the ready for their own personal tastes and blends.

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