EDIT 2 All images are now linked to larger images, enjoy CAGers!
EDIT 1 Added Ma12kez's review of the Hori Multi Pouch and Mario Sleeve Kit (from Circuit City).
Hori Compact Pouch Review
Since so many people are looking for a good DSL case, I thought I'd review my Hori Compact Pouch- one of the more popular options.
The case can be found at Play-Asia for about $14 shipped (economy mail, takes 5-10 days). Here's the link: http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-b6-49-en-15-compact%2Bpouch-70-19m5.html
And here's Hori's official page on the case: http://hori.jp/products/dsl/dsl_compact_porch/index.html
Lets begin.
Here we have the case, a DSL, and 12 DS games. We'll see what this case is capable of.
First and foremost, the case looks really nice both inside and out. The design is very simple and doesn't really give a sense of ruggedness. It doesn't scream 'look at me! I'm carrying a little game system!!' like many other cases do... it's more like, a camera case- it's more professional. Like many other cases, it's a clam shell like design with a interior holding area and zipper to keep everything inside. It's built very well as far as I can tell, the materials all seem like good choices and the stitching is flawless. The internal material is very soft and has terry-cotton like texture which is great if there is dust/grime on the system. The terry-cotton like texture will actually safely remove some of the crap on the DSL from your dirty fingers. A smooth cloth surface may rub the dust/grime on surface and end up scratching it. Also nice, the case has a strap and ring to hang from a belt, backpack, or one of those clips.
Here's the DS resting inside its new home and this is also where a concern of mine comes up. At Hori's site, it shows a picture which makes it look like you can play the DSL while it's inside the pouch. Well, you can't.. not games that use the shoulder buttons anyway. It's just too flimsy and there's too much room around the unit to. You can press them, but it's rather difficult. Using the face buttons and any touch screen only games work fine though. But take heed, you can't open the DSL all the way without the unit lifting itself up from the case to open at the angled or flat lock points. Honestly, it's not big deal because it does feel all that comfortable holding the case as if you're going to play the DSL.
And now here's my only real gripe about the case, there's no room for the charger.x This is a major flaw... I don't think I really need to explain why. And whats worse is that if they placed the two smaller pouches vertically (rather than horizontally) and moved them over to the left, they could've expanded the bigger pouch enough to make room for the charger.
There's plenty of room for games, with two small pouches and 1 large pouch. The larger pouch can house 1 GBA cart and the GBA slot cover. The smaller pouches can each hold 2 DS games snugly (or they can each hold a GBA game).
Remember how we started with 12 games in the first picture? Well, now they're all in the case. That's right... all 12 fit in the pouches; it's very tight though. The smaller pouches have 3 each and the larger pouch has 6.
Now here's where we learn why this thing's call 'compact'. Even with all 12 DS games and the DSL inside, it's not all that big or hefty. It won't fit in your pocket or anything but it's still pretty small and light. And even still, I would honestly feel safe dropping my DSL from a second story building on to a solid surface if it was inside this case. The top and bottom are very stiff giving the unit a fairly tough exterior shell. With the inside leaving a bit of room between the unit and the cushioning, it helps to soften the blow to the unit from falls rather than transfer it to the unit as is the issue with other... cases.
Overall, I say this is a very good pouch... also most perfect actually if you know what to expect ahead of time. The main reason I got this was because I thought I'd be able to play my DSL without having to take it out and expose it to my fingers. But I was disappointed to learn that I couldn't with most games. But even still, I'm amazed by the build quality and looks. If it only had room for the charger, I'd be a happy man.
Design: 9/10
Storage: 6/10
Material: 10/10
Workmanship: 10/10
Score: 8.5/10 (not an average)
About the only people I wouldn't recommended this to are those who plan to carry their DSL with them on trips (or whatever) so that they'd need room for the charger. Otherwise, this is great.
There you go people, hope it helps.
Here are Ma12kez's reviews!
Hori Multi Pouch Review
Well my friend and I just got our pouches in the mail today, and I got to admit that they are pretty awesome!
I chose to get a White-Gray Multi Pouch (he got the compact one; hopefully he'll post his impressions on that), and I've got to say it was exactly what I was looking for. I was expecting it to be big and bulky, but it was actually smaller. I guess those online pictures make it look bigger than usual. Anyway, the case is split into two pockets: one side completely devoted to the Lite, and the other for the accessories. The Lite fits perfectly snug in the pocket, and the flap covers the exposed area of the side of the Lite; preventing it from falling out and stuff like that. The other pocket is intended for accessories (which actually has two separate sides). One side contains the following: 1 pocket for an extra stylus, 2 DS game slots (which can hold 2 each, for a total of 4 DS games altogether). The opposite side has a net pocket, where you can place various things (even the DS Lite charger; though I think you can probably fit a lot more DS games if you chose not to place the charger there). I chose to put the charger in the net pocket, since the main reason I chose this was to have my charger with me wherever I went. At first I thought it wouldn't fit, but if you use a twisty tie to roll up the excess cord (like how it was tied when you opened your DS Lite box) it fits perfectly; just make sure the adapter goes at the bottom of the net pocket with the cord following it.
It also has a strap that will wrap around the shoulder of your backpack straps, as well as a metal clip to help it cling onto things. It has enough cushion as to protect your handheld and accessories. Overall, I think it's the best pouch out right now (although some would disagree). But for me, as long as it could hold the charger and a couple games, it does the job. It doesn't hurt to look sexy as well!
As for the Compact Pouch, I didn't get to take a good look at it, but it definately fits in your pocket pants; front or back (unless you wear tight jeans or something). It looks sort of bulky in your pocket, but not as bulky as it would if you had a PSP in there. The plus side about it is that you can play while it's still inside the pouch, however you cannot hit the shoulder buttons (which is the downside to it). But if you have little kids around, it'll protect your Lite from your kids' CRAYON STYLUS! I think it had 1 GBA pocket and 2 DS pockets. The DS pockets were about the same size of the Multi Pouch, so I'm guessing it could fit four as well (not totally sure). But overall, it looks just as sexy, and it fits in your pockets (though I think using the Mario Bundle Sleeve Kit, where you get free at CC, would be a better choice for an in-your-pants pouch. The major downside for me was that it won't hold the charger, so I didn't pick it up.
These are just my two cents, hope it helps anyone that's still looking for one.
So here are the pictures (NOTE: These pictures are taken with a DS Lite, charger, 4 games & 1 Stylus already in the pouch; Mario cleaning kit NOT included) Let me know if these pictures don't work please (it's my first time posting pics in a message board):
So here is the pouch. It's a pretty slick design, not too big or bulky, but just right.
As you can see, it's not that thick or bulky at all, even with all the pockets filled in with something plus the charger.
Here's the interior of the accessories side of the pouch. As you can see, it is two sided. And for those that are unsure if the charger can fit: if you can coil the cord in this fashion, you should have no problem zipping up the pouch. Some other guy reviewed this pouch on his blog, and kept complaining that his pouch was going to explode if he put the charger in. The last picture to the right is a side view with the shoulder strap opened to expose if the charger does stick out. And from that picture you can see it clearly does not, if any.
Here's the interior of the DS side of the pouch (sorry it's kind of hard to see), but I think it's made of the same soft material that the compact pouch is made out of. And like the OP said, the fabric reassures you that no scratches or scuffs will get on your Lite.
I hope this little addition with pictures helps you guys out.
Overall Score: 9/10 [Maybe could have had more slots to store games, but other than that, it does its job flawlessly.
Mario Sleeve Bundle Kit Mini-Review
WARNING!!!
Before considering the Mario Sleeve, take heed. Both Linkycat and Ma12kez have said that the Mario Sleeve, the red one specifically, have tainted the matte finish on their DSL. Check out posts 67 and 69 on page 4 of this thread for their testimonials.
Also here's a comparison of that Mario Bundle Sleeve:
From this, you can see that it'd definately fit perfectly in your pocket. So anyone looking for a pouch (neoprene fabric) that can fit in your pocket, this is the way to go. It won't fit anything else but the Lite, though it does come with a cool cleaning kit. It's a simple pouch design with two velcro strips to keep your Lite from falling out. However, there's something to note about this particular pouch. I haven't experienced it before, but some people say the colored ones (blue or red) leave marks on your Lite after a while. So to be safe, if you consider picking this particular pouch up, get the white one. Though I haven't had any problems with my red one thus far, but then again I haven't had this for over a week yet. I'll let you guys know if anything happens.
EDIT 1 Added Ma12kez's review of the Hori Multi Pouch and Mario Sleeve Kit (from Circuit City).
Hori Compact Pouch Review
Since so many people are looking for a good DSL case, I thought I'd review my Hori Compact Pouch- one of the more popular options.
The case can be found at Play-Asia for about $14 shipped (economy mail, takes 5-10 days). Here's the link: http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-b6-49-en-15-compact%2Bpouch-70-19m5.html
And here's Hori's official page on the case: http://hori.jp/products/dsl/dsl_compact_porch/index.html
Lets begin.
Here we have the case, a DSL, and 12 DS games. We'll see what this case is capable of.
First and foremost, the case looks really nice both inside and out. The design is very simple and doesn't really give a sense of ruggedness. It doesn't scream 'look at me! I'm carrying a little game system!!' like many other cases do... it's more like, a camera case- it's more professional. Like many other cases, it's a clam shell like design with a interior holding area and zipper to keep everything inside. It's built very well as far as I can tell, the materials all seem like good choices and the stitching is flawless. The internal material is very soft and has terry-cotton like texture which is great if there is dust/grime on the system. The terry-cotton like texture will actually safely remove some of the crap on the DSL from your dirty fingers. A smooth cloth surface may rub the dust/grime on surface and end up scratching it. Also nice, the case has a strap and ring to hang from a belt, backpack, or one of those clips.
Here's the DS resting inside its new home and this is also where a concern of mine comes up. At Hori's site, it shows a picture which makes it look like you can play the DSL while it's inside the pouch. Well, you can't.. not games that use the shoulder buttons anyway. It's just too flimsy and there's too much room around the unit to. You can press them, but it's rather difficult. Using the face buttons and any touch screen only games work fine though. But take heed, you can't open the DSL all the way without the unit lifting itself up from the case to open at the angled or flat lock points. Honestly, it's not big deal because it does feel all that comfortable holding the case as if you're going to play the DSL.
And now here's my only real gripe about the case, there's no room for the charger.x This is a major flaw... I don't think I really need to explain why. And whats worse is that if they placed the two smaller pouches vertically (rather than horizontally) and moved them over to the left, they could've expanded the bigger pouch enough to make room for the charger.
There's plenty of room for games, with two small pouches and 1 large pouch. The larger pouch can house 1 GBA cart and the GBA slot cover. The smaller pouches can each hold 2 DS games snugly (or they can each hold a GBA game).
Remember how we started with 12 games in the first picture? Well, now they're all in the case. That's right... all 12 fit in the pouches; it's very tight though. The smaller pouches have 3 each and the larger pouch has 6.
Now here's where we learn why this thing's call 'compact'. Even with all 12 DS games and the DSL inside, it's not all that big or hefty. It won't fit in your pocket or anything but it's still pretty small and light. And even still, I would honestly feel safe dropping my DSL from a second story building on to a solid surface if it was inside this case. The top and bottom are very stiff giving the unit a fairly tough exterior shell. With the inside leaving a bit of room between the unit and the cushioning, it helps to soften the blow to the unit from falls rather than transfer it to the unit as is the issue with other... cases.
Overall, I say this is a very good pouch... also most perfect actually if you know what to expect ahead of time. The main reason I got this was because I thought I'd be able to play my DSL without having to take it out and expose it to my fingers. But I was disappointed to learn that I couldn't with most games. But even still, I'm amazed by the build quality and looks. If it only had room for the charger, I'd be a happy man.
Design: 9/10
Storage: 6/10
Material: 10/10
Workmanship: 10/10
Score: 8.5/10 (not an average)
About the only people I wouldn't recommended this to are those who plan to carry their DSL with them on trips (or whatever) so that they'd need room for the charger. Otherwise, this is great.
There you go people, hope it helps.
Here are Ma12kez's reviews!
Hori Multi Pouch Review
Well my friend and I just got our pouches in the mail today, and I got to admit that they are pretty awesome!
I chose to get a White-Gray Multi Pouch (he got the compact one; hopefully he'll post his impressions on that), and I've got to say it was exactly what I was looking for. I was expecting it to be big and bulky, but it was actually smaller. I guess those online pictures make it look bigger than usual. Anyway, the case is split into two pockets: one side completely devoted to the Lite, and the other for the accessories. The Lite fits perfectly snug in the pocket, and the flap covers the exposed area of the side of the Lite; preventing it from falling out and stuff like that. The other pocket is intended for accessories (which actually has two separate sides). One side contains the following: 1 pocket for an extra stylus, 2 DS game slots (which can hold 2 each, for a total of 4 DS games altogether). The opposite side has a net pocket, where you can place various things (even the DS Lite charger; though I think you can probably fit a lot more DS games if you chose not to place the charger there). I chose to put the charger in the net pocket, since the main reason I chose this was to have my charger with me wherever I went. At first I thought it wouldn't fit, but if you use a twisty tie to roll up the excess cord (like how it was tied when you opened your DS Lite box) it fits perfectly; just make sure the adapter goes at the bottom of the net pocket with the cord following it.
It also has a strap that will wrap around the shoulder of your backpack straps, as well as a metal clip to help it cling onto things. It has enough cushion as to protect your handheld and accessories. Overall, I think it's the best pouch out right now (although some would disagree). But for me, as long as it could hold the charger and a couple games, it does the job. It doesn't hurt to look sexy as well!
As for the Compact Pouch, I didn't get to take a good look at it, but it definately fits in your pocket pants; front or back (unless you wear tight jeans or something). It looks sort of bulky in your pocket, but not as bulky as it would if you had a PSP in there. The plus side about it is that you can play while it's still inside the pouch, however you cannot hit the shoulder buttons (which is the downside to it). But if you have little kids around, it'll protect your Lite from your kids' CRAYON STYLUS! I think it had 1 GBA pocket and 2 DS pockets. The DS pockets were about the same size of the Multi Pouch, so I'm guessing it could fit four as well (not totally sure). But overall, it looks just as sexy, and it fits in your pockets (though I think using the Mario Bundle Sleeve Kit, where you get free at CC, would be a better choice for an in-your-pants pouch. The major downside for me was that it won't hold the charger, so I didn't pick it up.
These are just my two cents, hope it helps anyone that's still looking for one.
So here are the pictures (NOTE: These pictures are taken with a DS Lite, charger, 4 games & 1 Stylus already in the pouch; Mario cleaning kit NOT included) Let me know if these pictures don't work please (it's my first time posting pics in a message board):
So here is the pouch. It's a pretty slick design, not too big or bulky, but just right.
As you can see, it's not that thick or bulky at all, even with all the pockets filled in with something plus the charger.
Here's the interior of the accessories side of the pouch. As you can see, it is two sided. And for those that are unsure if the charger can fit: if you can coil the cord in this fashion, you should have no problem zipping up the pouch. Some other guy reviewed this pouch on his blog, and kept complaining that his pouch was going to explode if he put the charger in. The last picture to the right is a side view with the shoulder strap opened to expose if the charger does stick out. And from that picture you can see it clearly does not, if any.
Here's the interior of the DS side of the pouch (sorry it's kind of hard to see), but I think it's made of the same soft material that the compact pouch is made out of. And like the OP said, the fabric reassures you that no scratches or scuffs will get on your Lite.
I hope this little addition with pictures helps you guys out.
Overall Score: 9/10 [Maybe could have had more slots to store games, but other than that, it does its job flawlessly.
Mario Sleeve Bundle Kit Mini-Review
WARNING!!!
Before considering the Mario Sleeve, take heed. Both Linkycat and Ma12kez have said that the Mario Sleeve, the red one specifically, have tainted the matte finish on their DSL. Check out posts 67 and 69 on page 4 of this thread for their testimonials.
Also here's a comparison of that Mario Bundle Sleeve:
From this, you can see that it'd definately fit perfectly in your pocket. So anyone looking for a pouch (neoprene fabric) that can fit in your pocket, this is the way to go. It won't fit anything else but the Lite, though it does come with a cool cleaning kit. It's a simple pouch design with two velcro strips to keep your Lite from falling out. However, there's something to note about this particular pouch. I haven't experienced it before, but some people say the colored ones (blue or red) leave marks on your Lite after a while. So to be safe, if you consider picking this particular pouch up, get the white one. Though I haven't had any problems with my red one thus far, but then again I haven't had this for over a week yet. I'll let you guys know if anything happens.