Hey all,
I know it may still be early, but I suppose that's even more the reason to nip this issue in the butt. There's always a period of time shortly after a console launch that companies put out ridiculous accessories and cases for the system. While there are some good ones out there, it usually takes a bit of time for people to learn by trial and error. I'm hoping this thread can help share wisdom in that respect.
I bought two cases because one came with a car charger and screen protectors while the other was more of the style I wanted:
--3DS microsuede touch pak:
http://www.gamestop.com/nintendo-3ds/accessories/3ds-microsuede-touch-pak/89893--3DS explorer starter kit:
http://www.gamestop.com/nintendo-3ds/accessories/3ds-explorer-starter-kit/89897?ref=recpdp&cross=800713The microsuede one was the one I got for myself. The explorer pak I intended on giving to a friend since I only wanted the extras in it, which you can buy separately in fact, but it made a good opportunity for investigating and comparing these two cases.
The Explorer pak is your boyscout kind of case. It has room for accessories like chargers and headphones as a mesh pocket. It has a flap for holding games (three) and the other half of the shell is for holding the 3DS, embraced by two elastic bands. The outside of it has a cool carbon fiber style too it and, on first glance, comes off as secure and withstanding of impacts. When my friend tried to put his 3DS in it though, he ran into the typical reason why I avoid these kind of cases: The 3DS fits, but with a little effort to put in and take out. The elastic can be cumbersome and given the hard exterior, the case doesn't give much, forcing you to duke it out with the bands. Still, this may just be part of the breaking in time with the case and may get easier as you go. It also has a zipper to close the case, so splashes and whatnot are less likely to get to your stuff. Of course, once this zipper goes, you'll be shopping for a new one. The system comes with ear buds (which suck), two spare styluses, screen protectors, cloth, and car adapter.
The microsuede pak was the one I opted for. I'm constantly commuting to my two jobs, so I needed something minimalistic but not at the expense of utility. The pak itself has a nice feel and looks great. It has the bare essentials, three game pockets and a pocket for the 3ds, which all items fit into well. The integrity of the pak is still pretty stiff and secure. The two down sides I've noticed are that the system is still exposed on the sides with just a band of microsuede about half the width of the system and that there isn't a way to charge the system with the case closed (this is true for the explorer pack as well). The pack comes with two fat pen-like styluses which are nice, but won't fit into the case. I try to keep one around in my bag, using the in-system one only for quick or backup uses. If you get this pack, you might as well pay another ten bucks for the screen protector pack, which comes with extra styluses, a cloth, two individual game cases, and screen protectors. with that you'll still be paying five bucks less than the explorer pack, you just won't have a car charger.
Overall, if you plan on carry around the system like in a back pack or messenger bag, the microsuede is a nice approachable case. The explorer pack is definitely for someone who's going on a trip or needs a more robust case to withstand being packed in luggage.
I know there are a lot of other cases, especially given the fact that the system is the same size as the DS lite. Feel free to add to this post with your recommendations and input on products. If we can save someone a little bit of money to avoid a bad accessory, this is well worth it.
Thanks for reading.
Panda
Topic: Best 3DS accessories (Read 21684 times)
