The Quest for the Ultimate Nintendo DS and Gameboy Micro Case

b3b0p

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For a quite some time now I have been on a quest to find the ultimate and most perfect Nintendo DS and Gameboy Micro case. I was thinking of importing a nice Hori case from Play Asia, but decided today to check out the closest Gamestop and scope out their inventory.

I was torn between a few cases, but ended up picking up the following:
  1. Gamestop All-in-One Case (Pelican)
  2. DS Princess Peach Bundle (BD&A)
  3. Leather Micro Case (BD&A)




Gamestop All-in-One Case
Made by Pelican
Gamestop Branded
Price: $9.99



At first I was turned off by the Gamestop branding and the fact it was made by Pelican. However, I decided to give a closer inspection as it was the only case that was manageably small enough to transport around easily, versatile (more on that later), was able to carry games, and the fucking power adapter!

This case is advertised in the PSP section of the Gamestop website. However, in the store it was in the Nintendo DS section and advertised as both a Nintendo DS and/or a PSP case. Too cool!

It has three compartments. One compartment is for the system. Another is for games and the third compartment is for the power adapter.



The compartment that holds the system is a nice snug fit for the DS. Not too snug, where it feels like it’s being crushed and not too loose where it moves around like my previous case (original Gameboy case ). This is the competition the Gamestop case has going for it:



Upon trying to close the compartment with the system inside it is not too difficult and closes fairly smoothly. Just make sure to push it down all the way. I would have liked a little more room perhaps on the sides or top to fit the DS strap a little easier though.

The second compartment is for the games.



As you can see, this compartment has a divider. Games can be stored on both sides of the divider as well on the inside walls of the compartment. It easily and nicely fits 2 DS games per pocket or one Gameboy Advance cartridge. There are a total of 8 pockets, so 8 Gameboy Advance or 16 Nintendo DS games can be easily stored safely away from any harm or dangers you may encounter.

The third compartment is advertised as a holder for the power adapter. At the store this compartment looked a little bit on the small side, but when I got it home and crammed the DS power adapter inside, it was a perfect fit.



Now with the Gamestop All-in-One completely crammed full with a Nintendo DS, DS and Gameboy Advance games, and the DS power adapter I am happy to report that it does not feel too large or cramped endangering your DS and/or DS games. In fact, it feels almost like a perfect fit.



In conclusion, I was very surprised by this case. It is the only case that I have found so far that can carry a system, games, and power adapter and maintain a relatively transportable size. As a bonus, it will also work with the PSP, however, I have not tested that yet. In the end, I have to give this case a very solid recommendation. It is only $9.99 at Gamestop, so you can go check it out in person before you purchase it.


DS Princess Peach Bundle
Official Nintendo Seal
Made by BD&A
Price: $9.99



I first saw this on the Gamestop website. I thought it was somewhat unique in its color, accessories, and branding (Princess Peach). These were the main selling points for me and the fact it was made by BD&A who happen to make some of my favorite Nintendo accessories (my Gameboy Advance SP case) and misc items (Nintendo 8 Beanie Set from nearly a decade ago). So, I had faith in this purchase.

This is a neoprene case that snugly fits the DS. It has a long strap with a cheap feeling clip and comes with a little baggy that can be attached to the DS or clip with a screen cleaning cloth inside. The cloth is a attached to the inside of this little bag, so it makes it hard to lose as long as you have it attached to something. There are no extra pockets and it has a nice cool looking Princess Peach text graphic on the front.

However, when I say it fits snugly I really mean snug. Too snug in fact. For the record lets call it just plain tight. It’s quite difficult to put in and take out the DS of this case. Super Princess Peach is too skinny. Notice the bulguing out of the sides.



There is not much more I can say about this case. It is just a case for the Nintendo DS with some extras and has some fancy Nintendo marketing attached to it (for which I fell for). I cannot recommend this case or it’s fellow siblings (currently available in Metroid) due to the fact that the Nintendo DS system does not even fucking fit! May be a perfect candidate the Nintendo DS Lite though.


Leather Micro Case
Official Nintendo Seal
Made by BD&A
Price: $9.99



I actually missed all the Micro cases, but noticed this on my way out. So, I went to put my stuff in the car and came back to purchase this (along with a Kingdom Hearts 2 Preorder and Limited Edition Guide). Also, next this was a BD&A case of 3 different colored socks for $4.99, but I thought this leather case looked better and more rugged, so I stuck with it.

When I got home and took it out I was even more surprised. It smelled just like real leather (just like the package says!). After the initial shock of the leather I got out my Gameboy Micro and shoved it in the fancy new case. As I suspected, it fit perfectly. Ahh, bliss!



This is almost a near perfect case, but I do have at least one problem with it. One of my new favorite games is Drill Dozer. For those that own the game, you probably know where I am going with this. I’ll let the pictures do the explaining.



The only other wish I had with this case is that the sides were as rugged and stiff as the front and back. It is too easy to hit the L and R buttons when taking it out for one thing, but it would be nice for added side protection.

If you don’t need a power adapter (who would with the Micro since the battery lasts so long) and don’t need to carry around more than a single game at one time, this case might be perfect for you. I can highly recommend it.


Next up for review are the Hori Nintendo DS Rockman EXE and Hori micro Pouch.

All pictures can be seen here: http://kaukis.com/pics/case_quest/

Any questions or comments? I would be glad to respond.
 
Aye, good reviews Sir b3b0p!

I'm quite the case fanatic myself (you'll especially see what I mean when I put up pictures of my gaming setup), so I'm always on the lookout for quality cases that can keep all needed accessories, yet stay portable.

I assume you'd check out an NDS-14 case by ALS, yea? It's very portable, and you won't have the issue with anything being too snug. I've been able to pack my DS along with 16 games (if you double stack them, which isn't explicitly suggested but it's very capable), USB adapter, power adapter, *and* car adapter. In truth, when you add the car adapter, the case as a whole gets a bit snug, and you can cause some damage to your DS's outer casing (I made a tiny dent), but it can easily handle the load.

Best perks? 1) Small enough to fit inside, say, a gf's purse (muahahahha), and 2) Circuit City will sell these for $5 occassionally. I've bought, honestly, at least 8 of them, and have put all my GBs in them (including GBAs, SPs, and Micros). Really can't go wrong imo.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006VC3SA/104-1379798-3939103?v=glance


I tried an NDS-15 for a while, but the compartment for the DS is *way* too snug. It's workable, but much, much too snug. Chances are it will be perfect for a DS Lite.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/ALS-...99000753/oid/124065/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Finally, I'll mention this since it is on sale for a few days, but you can buy one of these off Axshop.com:

http://www.axshop.com/details.aspx/sku-979/

Use the code "GETONEMORE" until 3/15 and get one free. So with free shipping, you can get two cases for 14.25. It's large, with plenty of space for system + accessories. I have one for my PSP and can put all the following in it: System, 5 UMDs, power adapter, Fotochute (for data transfers), USB cord, mini-stand, and a car adapter. Lots and lots of space.

I'm really debating buying another one. Of course, I have to figure out a way to brand it a DS case. :) But it's a worthy option!

When you review cases, I'll have to pay attention. I'm fanatical about them.
 
cool. :applause:
they are a good deal~ I have two of those all in one cases, heh. One for my PSP, when I want to take the charger and multiple games with me, and one for my digital camera (great for holding usb cable, etc). It fits obviously a little more snug then the ds lenghtwise, but still good.
I have the play-thru case for the ds as well that I bought used for like $2, it's good for when i want something to protect the system without being big, I haven't had an issue with it but I don't really trust the games staying in the mesh pocket (i'm a klutz).
 
Thank you for the nice comments.

Perhaps I'll throw in my Gameboy Advance SP case review. I stumbled on this case at Circuit City with a price error for $4.99. It's also BD&A brand.

Those reviews took me damn near all afternoon. I was so pissed about the Princess Peach case I wanted to let everyone know that it is a complete and total waste (I've had my eye on it and the Metroid for a while now). Then I decided to just write a review of all three while I was at it for fun.

Strell, I have seen those ALS cases. I have been checking them at Best Buy everytime I go, but just did not like them enough to warrant a purchase.

So far, this Gamestop case kicks ass though! I'm having CheapAssMom pick another one up for me for next time she visits to use for my PSP. The ability to carry games and the power adapter is just too cool! I like the Play Gear pocket, but no games, no power adapter, hell, nothing else fits in that thing. Now they have the Play Gear Street or some such. This thing is a monstrosity! Can you imagine carrying that thing? WTF!?!?

Anyway, ordering my Hori cases soon from Play-Asia, I'll be sure to write a review if you guys liked these.
 
[quote name='Strell']Oh yea, I should mention that a Playgear Case-equipped PSP fits very easily in that Axshop case I mentioned.[/QUOTE]
That looks like a real nice bag, but I really want something that fits in my backpack without taking up space needed for my books and laptop. That thing looks quite large.
 
It's about the size of a Nerf football. I dunno if that helps or not. It could easily fit in a backpack, but it is one of the larger cases. I don't carry my systems around in bags much (outside of a Micro), so this is really more of a separate, "all-inclusive" sort of thing.

Nice though. I'd say it's not much larger than the "GBA backpack" cases you see at Cricuit City and Target.
 
My co-worker (nosuchsoul on these forums) bought me the Princess Peach case. Why? Because it matches with my Candy Pink DS, it owns hard. Now I am uber 1337 with a Pink DS and matching case.

Though he intended it to be a gag gift since I get ripped on all the time because I have a Pink DS.
 
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