Definitely worth it.

I've had Chromecast (gen 1 and 2), Xiaomi, and Fire TV. All had irritating UX issues. (Scrubbing, stability, performance respectively). Non-chromecast devices are also very hit-and-miss when it comes to casting (esp screen casting).

So far the new Chromecast has none of these issues.

Worth it ?

It is, unless you are an audiopile who need HD audio to be passtrough, otherwise, it's OK so far.

is there any other hiccups I should be aware of prior to purchase ?

Check out the subreddit, there is plenty of information about users reporting issues, frustrations, joyfullness, etc, etc.

Anyway, here is my recommendation about some ATV devices you may take into account before you make up your mind:

Certified AndroidTV/GoogleTV boxes organized in alphabetical order:

- AirTV Mini (US only)

- AT&T TV (US only. Netflix only)

- Channel Master Stream Plus (US only. No Netflix/Prime Video. ATSC dual tuner built-in but outdated Android TV version)

- Chromecast with Google TV

- Ematic Jetstream (Engel EN1015K for Europe)

- JBL Link Bar

- Mecool KM6 Classic Edition (Prime Video only. AV1 hardware decoding. Available at mecoolonline.com )

- Mecool KM6 Deluxe Edition (Prime Video only. Gigabit ethernet. AV1 hardware decoding. Available at mecoolonline.com )

- Minix Neo T5 (No Netflix/Prime Video. Gigabit ethernet. Remote control doesn't have a microphone)

- Nvidia Shield TV (The most expensive but powerful)

- Tivo Stream 4K (US only)

- Verizon Stream TV (US only)

- WeTek Air (EU only, No Netflix/Prime Video. DVB-T2/DVB-S interchangeable tuners)

- Xiaomi Mi Box S/4K

- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (1080p only)

For more info about all certified Android TV devices, head over to Android TV Guide website.