Post by: TalesOfFan on June 16, 2013, 07:50:54 PM
How I found the Holy Grail of 3DS XL cases.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/34651
If you’re like me, you like to keep your electronics in the best condition possible. Of course, this typically means buying some sort of case to protect them. Usually, it isn’t hard to find cases for say, an iPhone or even the original 3DS, but finding anything that fits the 3DS XL without doubling its size has been difficult, even nearly a year after its release.
Before I upgraded to the 3DS XL, I went through several 3DS cases that varied in quality. For a while, I was very satisfied with a Zelda-themed case manufactured by PDP. The case had a soft lining that absorbed shocks and kept it from scratching the system. Other than the fact that the artwork rubbed off over time, the case seemed to do exactly what I wanted it to. It protected my 3DS without being too bulky.
However, I did run into an issue when the Circle Pad Pro was released. Because both parts of the case connected to each other, it was a pain to remove the bottom piece in order to use the Circle Pad Pro. So, I decided to look online for a case without the connections, and that’s when I found what I consider the best case offered for the system. The Hori manufactured case was available on Play-Asia.com under the name TPU Body Cover. Unlike previous cases that were made of hard plastic and were susceptible to scratches, the TPU Body Cover was made of a flexible, scratch resistant material called thermoplastic polyurethane. And, unlike other flexible cases that are made of silicon, the TPU Body Cover always stayed in place, and best of all, added very little extra material to the 3DS while protecting it from drops and scratches.
Sadly, a similar case wasn’t available for the 3DS XL until a month after launch, and by that time I had already given up finding a case for the system, especially since all that was available at launch were the incredibly bulky and childish Nerf Armor cases. Fast-forward to the release of the Animal Crossing-themed 3DS XL, and I’m again in the market for a case. Luckily for me, there are now several TPU Body Covers available for the 3DS XL, some of which even have Nintendo designs printed on them.
I opted for the clear version so it wouldn’t cover up the neat designs on the Animal Crossing 3DS XL. The XL case, which is sold under the name TPU Yawakata Cover for 3DS LL (it’s currently only available in Japan). It adds very little extra size to the XL (a big plus when cases like the Nerf Armor almost triple the size); it’s very easy to apply and very easy to remove, and yet, won’t come off unintentionally; it’s resistant to scratches, feels sleek to the touch, and provides decent protection against drops.
The only downside for Hori’s TPU Yawakata Cover, is the fact that it’s currently only available in Japan, so you have to import it. However, it appears that Hori is going to be bringing the 3DS XL version of the case to North America under the name, 3DS XL Duraflexi Protector, sometime this month. If you’re in need of a case for either your 3DS or 3DS XL, the TPU covers are probably some of the best available on the market.
Post by: UncleBob on June 16, 2013, 08:35:32 PM
Post by: pokepal148 on June 16, 2013, 09:17:24 PM
Post by: TalesOfFan on June 16, 2013, 09:19:20 PM
No link to purchase one? :DI wasn't sure if I should post a link directly in the article, but here's a link (http://www.play-asia.com/TPU_Yawakata_Cover_for_3DS_LL_clear/paOS-13-71-18g-49-en-70-5719.html) to the clear version that I bought for my 3DS XL. They also have some cool Nintendo-themed TPU covers on Play Asia like this Eevee one. (http://www.play-asia.com/Pokemon_TPU_Cover_for_3DS_LL_Eievui_Series_Version-paOS-13-71-1jn-49-en-70-6igt.html)Just type TPU in the search and make sure the case has TPU in the title.
Post by: leahsdad on June 16, 2013, 09:36:40 PM
Available on Play-asia.com here (http://www.play-asia.com/3DS_XL_Duraflexi_Protector_Blue-paOS-13-71-18g-49-en-70-6oab.html).
And available for a little bit cheaper, in fewer color choices, on Amazon starting TOMORROW (James, are you shilling for Amazon? Interesting timing....). You can find the link here (http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-3DS-XL-Duraflexi-Protector-Blue/dp/B00CM7TCGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371432709&sr=8-1&keywords=3ds+duraflexi).
So I take it from your article that this TPU/Duraflexi material is a good middle ground between hard plastic and the silicon that all of our Wiimote covers are made of?
Post by: UncleBob on June 16, 2013, 09:45:14 PM
Post by: TalesOfFan on June 16, 2013, 09:59:08 PM
So I take it from your article that this TPU/Duraflexi material is a good middle ground between hard plastic and the silicon that all of our Wiimote covers are made of?Definitely. The material is much more rigid than what you'd get with a silicone case, so it doesn't move once you've put it on the system. Though, unlike hard plastic cases, it's still pretty flexible and it doesn't get covered in small scratches after a few days of use. It'll probably take drops better too.
Post by: pandaradox on June 16, 2013, 11:01:33 PM
Post by: leahsdad on June 17, 2013, 12:29:11 AM
I still recommend phantom skinz or skinomi. They produce vinyl designs that guard against scratches and prints without adding bulk.
Whose article did I read about that? I remember being intrigued by those around the 3DSXL launch, but decided against it because it sounded like a pain to apply (with the hair dryer and all) and in any case, I'm more concerned with shock absorbing properties (even a little bit) than exterior scratches. I mean, let's face it...once the 3rd 3DS iteration comes out in a year or so, are we not going to buy it? Our XL's have a limited lifespan, unless Nintendo does something completely stupid and makes an iteration that's inferior, and the likelihood of that is...well, not very likely at all, given history.
But wait, that's a WHOLE other thread....
Post by: UncleBob on June 21, 2013, 01:55:29 AM
So, I bit and ordered one from Play-Asia. For $30. :(
Post by: UncleBob on June 26, 2013, 11:07:41 PM
I think I want to order one for my regular 3DS now.
Post by: Oblivion on June 27, 2013, 01:11:05 AM
Post by: UncleBob on June 27, 2013, 09:23:23 AM
Slips on and snugs tight against the system - doesn't add much bulk and virtually no weight, while protecting the system from scratches and such. The clear one shows off the Animal Crossing design. :D
It's just perfect. :D
Post by: tetrojensen on August 05, 2013, 08:05:23 PM
Post by: thethoughtful1 on October 19, 2013, 11:59:57 PM
Play-asia is sold out... and I have searched all over the interwebs to find the clear one... I really, really want one because I plan to get the limited edition Zelda 3ds xl and this would be perfect... Don't mind me I am just sad mad, frustrated, and doing a little venting. Why does Japan always have the best gaming stuff and never sells it in the States? Most of all why do they have to be sold out on this case right now? lol
Post by: elloen on November 14, 2013, 03:31:38 PM
Play-asia is sold out... and I have searched all over the interwebs to find the clear one...Both ebay and amazon are selling them. For ebay search, "3ds LL TPU" and you will get 10+ results. Remember, they will cost 20-30 USD due to shipping. Also, the base price of the product is roughly 12$ to begin with, so don't be shocked when you see the price.
I have the clear tpu case for my pokemon x and y red, limited edition and I love it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clear-hard-cover-for-Nintendo-3DS-LL-Yawa-TPU-official-licensed-products-for-Nin-/251373200275?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a8702a393 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clear-hard-cover-for-Nintendo-3DS-LL-Yawa-TPU-official-licensed-products-for-Nin-/251373200275?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a8702a393)
http://www.amazon.com/Clear-cover-Nintendo-official-licensed-products/dp/B008YAALT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384460678&sr=8-1&keywords=3ds+tpu (http://www.amazon.com/Clear-cover-Nintendo-official-licensed-products/dp/B008YAALT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384460678&sr=8-1&keywords=3ds+tpu)
I heard that clear TPU cases turn yellowish after a few months. Did you experience the same thing? :-\No, the Hori clear tpu case has not turned yellow on me and I have used it for 5 months. I have purchased lower quality clear tpu cases and they have turned yellow. If you're worried about yellowing, don't go for the clear case and go for one that is already tinted with a color.
