So I recently got a used Shadow Ghost and I figured I should give my thoughts on it in case people were considering getting one. TL/DR: I love it, but it isn't a necessity.

A few things you need to know before you get a Ghost:

1. You NEED to have a USB Mouse (and I suggest a usb keyboard as well). If you don't you can't set your ghost up, it needs some kind of USB mouse/trackpad for the initial use. You can connect a blueyooth keyboard but there's a small chance it won't work.

2. You also need an ethernet cable for set up, bc when I first received my ghost it wouldn't get past the update screen to get to set up until it connected to the internet so you need a ethernet connection to get past that for the first use.

3. If you're buying it used internationally you may want to get an outlet/plug converter. When I got mine it was a eur plug only (EDIT: Shadow Ghost officially comes with universal plugs adapters with ghost but your seller may not have them anymore)

4. I suggest getting a extra long Hdmi cable so you can keep the ghost next to you and access all the plug in peripherals. There's no remote way to turn it on and the Bluetooth isn't consistent enough you'll want to have the Ghost next to where you sit.

5. It runs basically the same program as the Mac and PC versions, so if your Mac or PC is working fine for Shadow then the ghost isn't necessary for you

Pros:

1. It really just works the way it should. Nothing is perfect but it'll be the best way to utilize shadow imo. I think its connection and stability is better than when I use my phone or Mac, but I can't be sure.

2. Works great over wifi consistently

3. Dedicated Shadow device with low latency and good connection. It basically feels like another console but is also a full fledged pc

4. It's small, light, and quiet.

5. Pretty thourough Bluetooth capabilities (though some issues I'll explain later) and compatible with most controllers and peripherals, either through Bluetooth or USB 3.0 utilizing USB over Isp (which is automatically set).

6. Rumble support for controllers but only over USB connection.

7. Like I said before I have a long hdmi cable so I have my Shadow right next to me, so it's easy to turn on and all my stuff (keyboard and mouse and controller) is connected directly to it.

8. Turns on pretty quickly and automatically detects plug in peripherals.

9. It basically runs the same shadow client as the PC and Mac versions so you'll have all the same options and is more stable imo than the android apk.

10. In my experience it actually has a more stable connection than a cheap PC. I've used Shadow on my Galaxy phones, 2013 Mac, and 2018 potato PC. And the best and most consistent connection I've had is with Ghost. While the galaxy phone connection is great it only goes up to 50mbs of bandwidth

Cons:

1. Bluetooth support could be better, I hear it works with most Bluetooth keyboards but it didn't with my mine (tbf it's some unknown Chinese knockoff board) and things don't auto connect when turned on.

2. No rumble over Bluetooth at least with DS4 controllers.

3. They're only available used atm, so that carries all the risks associated. Overall, I spent a bit over $200 for the ghost, international shipping, accessories I didn't already have (usb mouse and keyboard). Still cheaper than a console though.

4. May have to tinker around to get your settings and TV settings to work correctly with the instructions and support are not as seamless as a AAA console (for example took awhile for me to figure out how to get it to utlizie UHD for 2k/4k 60fps without having there be display errors).

5. There are so many ways to access Shadow it isn't necessary to have, it's a nice luxury.

6. Usb over IP was problematic with my DS4 and I hear it's an issue with most controllers. With Bluetooth it works perfectly with no lag but it's missing rumble and gyro. I fixed this by getting an official DS4 wireless adapter which now gives me all the features with no lag, but it's another expense.

Overall

I love this thing. It has made Shadow not just something I use as a supplement to my PS4 but it's becoming my main gaming console bc of Ghost. It's just so easy to use and get into a game now with it right on my tv already set up.

If you use Shadow a lot with your TV I'd look into getting it used or waiting when they start selling it directly again