Soft Case for Sony PSP


Average Rating: 68 out of 100
Owned by 726 users
On 5 wishlists
85
oh well ive bought 5 cases now...all have failed to live up to their potential...
so fed up im using this...should have done in the first place and saved myself about 30 quid!!!
does what it says...

100
I have the soft case that came with the value pack and its probably the best case out right now. I don't have any problem with it. Many of you say the case scratches the screen, that's because you dont use a screen protector. What I use is the Hori screen protector and on top of the sreen protector I use the Crystal Face.

Also many of you say its slips out of the case, well what I did to stop that from happening is I sowed on a zipper on the soft case. Which I found lying around so I put it to good use. Even though I have the crystal face, 2 umds, and the cleaning cloth in the case it does not make it that bulky.Instead it ads more protection to the system.

96
I love this case cause im not a big fan of hard cases. It's sleek and very comfortable. If you are looking for a soft case, this is the one. It also comes with wrist strap, which is very useful. You should buy the screen protector, because ur PSP screen might get scratches everytime you take it in and out. Btw, this case is not meant to protect the PSP from dropping it, only to prevent from scratches.

90
I am very dissapointed with the reviews. If the case does what it says, then it is fine! This case is not to protect the PSP from a fall. It is just to protect the scratches. The case does not say "WILL PROTECT PSP FROM FALLS OVER *XX* FEET." Plus... It does what it says. It is currently protecting my PSP from scratches. Why? Because I have not yet purchased the hard case which is what I am planning to do. Overall, this case is good for doing what is says. Only one bad thing... Large part of PSP sticks out.

60
You don't need to worry about it falling out, but it doesn't offer real protection. Nice free case but I'd definately use a hard case.

70
Sony's Soft Case is probably the most underrated case in the PSP's lineup, but it is also far from being noteworthy. To many, the soft case is actually considered the "Stock Case" for the initial year the PSP was launched. Now that the core unit has been available to the general public, the soft case I feel, needs a proper review from a purchaser's perspective.

Instead of breaking down the pros and cons of the product, I'll be concise as possible with a benefits versus negatives review. If you're wondering out the door what the case is rated in my personal opinion, it's a solid, mediocre, case. You shouldn't buy it, but if you like the extras in the value pack, it's also not something to simply toss aside. Basically in a nutshell, it's a good addition to the value pack, but not worth a seperate purchase.

A benefit of the soft case is that it's weightless. Although that's not physically possible by definition, it is possible judging from all the other cases out there. Negative to this benefit is that the weightless nature of the case means no protection for force / shock damage. If you drop your case, it's going to get quite damaged. The soft case does not have a exoskeleton, which means the ridges are completely soft and provide no structure.

A major benefit of this case is that it's minimal in size. Next to a skin grip, the soft case basically covers your PSP only exposing a whole side of it. It's thick enough with a semi-decent material to ward off minor water hits, from rain, splashes, or minor spills. Negative to this benefit is the exposure of the left side. Cases by definition should truly envelope the entire product, and leaving a whole side exposed poses more problems than one might tend to believe. For starters, the scratches, dents, or dings you thought would be warded from the soft case can be tottaly nullified if you hit it on the exposed side. As for water warding, the matieral isn't thick enough to sustain moderate amounts of water. So if you drop it in a puddle, you better fish it out quickly. Not that the exposed part is going to help the issue either, along with the force / shock damage.

Rounding up the review is the white strap that is included with the case. The strap is actually made of a good double stiched imitation leather, so it's far from going to snap if left dangling from something. However, like all straps, the thin string like material part that is actually tied to the PSP is very flimsy. You have a better chance of getting that part cut then the actual strap itself, so be forewarned.

The most important thing to consider the soft case as a whole is it's relative price raito compartive to others. There are a myraid of cases that range in the $10 zone that far outperform the soft case, but at the same time, as part of the value pack, it's not such a bad deal being bundled with the other extras. If you still have the soft case from a value pack, I wouldn't just leave it in the box or let it collect dust somewhere in your drawer. It's a really portable, easy to use, simplistic case for SAFE, CONTROLLED travel. Trips to the mall, the dentist's office, or other situations where you're going to be in a non-volatile travel enviroment are what this case was suited for. It's summer clothing for a beatiful summer day. Minimal, easy to use, and provides modesty to a otherwise naked PSP. Something is better than nothing.

84
Included with the value pack, I couldn't resist not using this case. I'll be brutally honest and admit I have nothing to compare it to, however.

The soft case is a snug fit around the PSP, giving it a good hold, but also allowing the PSP to slide in and out with ease. The fact that it's a soft case allows for some expansion to be used. I managed to cram an additional UMD in along the back with very little change in the utility of the case. I also routinely charge the PSP in the soft case, even though the charger is on the opposite side of the case from the open end.

The case won't protect your PSP from, say, a falling brick crusing your screen, but it'll definately keep it clean, and free from scratches. It also provides a little (and I stress little) anti-shock proection, but I wouldn't trust it to protect my PSP from the floor.

One interesting thing I've noticed about it is that it tends to leave a little bit of lint, barely noticable, on the PSP. An interesting side effect is that it can leave a subtle "PSP" printed on your screen, when viewed at the right angle, and with the PSP turned off. My friend finds it rather creepy and considers it to be subliminal messaging on the part of Sony. I find it an interesting side effect and call him paranoid.

One big catch here, however, is that there is no place to hold additional Memory Sticks. I have a couple small ones, and I nearly lost them dropping them in the case. The MSDuo's won't always fall out, and might fall out at the wrong time (nearly lost one in the couch!). A good memory card holder is recomended if you happen to have one or two more sticks than included. UMDs can do well inside of the case, but they're, quite simply, much larger than the MSDuos.

In all, if you blew all your money on games and Memory Sticks, keep the case, just be careful to manage your MSDuos. This will definately help out in keeping your PSP safe. I wouldn't store my PSP in my pocket without it (assuming I had pockets big enough to store my PSP).

96
I personally love this case, it is alot of times easier to carry around the PSP in this case versus the pelicon case. You can get a neck strap and hold it from youir neck and know that it is padded and safe. The white wrist strap however is my main complaint. Why make a black PSP and give a white wrist strap out with it. The white clashes with the black and the strap is also extremely hard to put on.

35
At first I thought this case was OK, it did the job of protecting my PSP in my bag. Well done Sony, then about a month ago I tried using my WLAN switch and found out to my dismay that its busted. As you can see the case leaves the left side unprotected and the WLAN switch exposed for damage. This sucked immensly.

Now I'm off to buy a PGP and wait for repairs.

50
It's free for any value pack or giga pack buyers. So don't complain.

Now, if you are thinking of purchasing one. Don't. It's not worth it for anyone, even Bill Gates.

You slip your PSP into the (very) soft case and that's it. The hole where you slip it in doesn't close shut and there is nothing on it that can take an impact. I personally don't use a wrist strap. Not sure why would anyone want their PSP flying about as they walk down the street. It could hit something! Anyway, the wrist strap is alright. Doesn't do anything special.

Now as a free item, thanks Sony. As something to purchase, no. If the soft case had a zipper to shut it and more room to hold the headphones and remote in a reasonably organizable way then this wouldn't be a horrific case like it is.

If you want to purchase it, check yourself into a mental institution. There are cheaper (shakes head at Sony) and better cases out there for the PSP. DO NOT BUY THIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

Dare I say that you could stuff your PSP into 3 pairs of socks and get the same protection and perhaps even more fuctionality (you could tie the socks at the end to close off the opening) than the Soft Case.

30
Sony remarks that the PSP's screen is scratch proof. Well if its so scratch proof why the hell does this case manage to scratch it up? Honestly try it, leaving your PSP in this case will cause Micro scratching. I'm really touchy about scratches. Even with my Playgear Pocket I have the cloth over it. All in all I say toss this out.

60
As it is a freebie you wouldn't expect Sony to put much effort into it and they haven't. Its basically a glorified sock that you put your PSP in. It won't protect the PSP from anything, but it keeps it warm at least. If you wanna protect your PSP then you'll have to get better than this.

1
Don't use this case, it will scratch your screen.

80
It's a nice case to have. It offers good protection, but don't drop it. It's cool that it came with the PSP.

94
It's neoprene with a nice velour lining. It's not going to protect your PSP if you drop it from a roof, but I don't think any case will (and why are you running around on a roof with your PSP anyway?). It's stretchy enough to let you slide an extra game against the back of your PSP, and I like to tuck my memory cards in a regular memory stick case, into a oakley shammy/pouch, into the sleeve too. I've tried lots of other cases. I use the original sleeve.

77
This case works really well for me. I have never had the urge to buy a more protective case (maybe that's because of the lack of aesthetic and functional cases, but that's not important right now).

It protects from scratches and smudges which are my main concern, because I'm so obsessively careful not to drop it. It is quite nice looking, but useless if you are really going to take your PSP with you and not use the cardboard box that apparently came free with the purchase.

45
The title sums up the value of this package quite well. Of course both items are inlcluded with the 'PSP Value Pack' but, the overall impact these two items add to the 'value' of the 'pack' is nominal at best.

Useful
The wrist strap comes in handy because of the smooth PSP. Easy to use, easy to remove, functionaly sound, it's just worth having. You don't have to worry about every really dropping your PSP when using the wrist strap.

However, there are countless alternatives to this which diminish the value overall. In fact, I've recently taken this strap off to use the one from my Nakiworld case when I'm playing my PSP.

Worthless
The 'soft case' is nothing more than a 'padded pouch' that barely contains the PSP itself. The shape is form fitted perfectly for the PSP itself with minor tapering for use with the wrist strap connect. Therein lies the problem though, it's form fitted and nothing more than a pouch. The 'shock' protection it provides is all but non-existent. If anything, it will keep the system from getting straches or dings but, nothing more.

However, that's only if the PSP will actually stay in the pouch. The edge always wants to stick out and the slighest pressure applied to the other side of it will pop the PSP right out. No zipper, button, or velcro closure is present to secure the PSP in the pouch but, that's probably because it wouldn't close even it such a feature were present.

I use the pouch to hold my UMDs for now and am currently using the Nakiworld case to hold my PSP. As soon as I find a better overall case, I won't be using the PSP 'soft case' for anything at all.

63
If you don't have a better case and still use this. Don't go outside with it unless it is in your pocket. This is a good case but the PSP can easily come out since there is no safety for it. So put it in your pocket and not in your hands. If you drop it then you might have to return it

55
This case is ok. It's nothing special. It gives no real protection to the PSP system. All it does is cover it with foam or whatever it is made out of. If your PSP didn't come with this case, don't even think about buying this unless you want your PSP broken in an instant.

20
The soft case happens to be too thin, and dropping it won't save your PSP. The case itself is too tight, causing the buttons to compress and giving you a bad case of stuck buttons.

It will at least save you from scratches.

85
Putting your PSP in this gives you a feeling of safety knowing that as long as it's in there the screen will be safe and if it falls your PSP might survive it. However there is an open end from which your PSP could slip out if you're not careful. If you drop your PSP while it's in there and it lands on the open side you will most likely damage it. If you don't have this, I don't recommend you buy it.

88
but it came with it, so i'm not complaining.

65
A solid sleeve-based case that works well to keep dust and grime off your PSP, but does nothing for protecting it from shocks or dropping.

Mobility: 10/10
A very very small case, adds really nothing to the size of the PSP, so is perfectly mobile. You probably won't find many cases that are much more mobile. Only problem is of course, you will want to be very careful still while transporting this case.

Protection (Dirt): 8/10
Provides decent protection for the screen and face from getting soiled, as long as you apply pressue to the back of the PSP as you slide it in (Otherwise lint and foreign particles may press against the screen as you slide it in). About standard fare here.

Protection (Shocks): 2/10
This case's main flaw, it provides almost no protection at all if you drop the PSP while it is in the case. It has a thin layer of foam that helps absorb some shock, and it will help protect against scratches from the dropping, but you should still very easily damage the LCD while it is in this case.

Playability: 0/10
You can't play the PSP while it's in this case at all, it must be entirely removed.

Overall: 6.5/10
An okay case, it keeps the PSP pretty clean but offers no real protection outside of that. Decent first case to come with a PSP pack, but upgrade to a hard case as soon as you can.

78
Useful to have but it won't protect your prized possession from a heavy fall or knock or from pressure on the screen. Upgrade your case as soon as possible to a tuff/hardshell case. (Also buy a screen protector).

92
Sony gave cruddy type headphones with the PSP. The remote is flimsy and 32mb card in the value pack is an understatement. But the sodt case and its lanyard are awsome. It actually helps protect and keep the PSP safe in your bag. The lanyard holds the PSP well against you accidently slipping the PSP out of your hands.

68
This will be a simple review, as there isn't much to say about the PSP Softcase and Strap.

Design
This is a very simple design, created simply to hold your PSP tightly and protect the screen while placed in your pocket. It's not attractive, although it has the letters "PSP" engraved in its exterior. It doesn't zip or close; it's merely a pouch.

Pros: Pouch design allows you to quickly insert your PSP quickly and easily.
Cons: Very bland, not exactly a case, will not protect your PSP from a fall.

Strap
It's a strap. There really isn't much to say about it, but it comes in handy. I always have the strap around my wrist while playing my PSP; it helps reduce the risk of deadly drops. Sadly, it's bland.

Pros: Helps reduce the risk of drops while being worn.
Cons: Bland.

75
This thing protects pretty well against your little cousin who wants to play PSP but cant figure out how to take it out of the soft case. Otherwise very useless.

70
It's okay as a first case, but it doesnt protect against dropping, just against scratches. The strap is very nice.

30
While this is definitely not intended to protect your PSP from drops, it will protect it from collecting dust (although I'm not sure why a PSP should be dusty) and getting scrathes. This doesn't do much, but what it does do, it does well.

If this weren't included in the value pack, I, and I'm sure lots of others, would not have this. Seeing as they retail for $19.95 I don't see why anyone will have these once PSPs are sold by themselves. Go get the Logitech case or somehting if you want real protection. I would definitely get a new case, definitely.

25
You can get a better case from a gamestore for $10. I recommend not using this case at all. It may look descent, but you are just asking for your PSP to fall out the unsealed end! Also, I have heard of severeal people who's PSP screens got scratched by the edges of the case as they were pulling unit the out. Ouch. Definitly wanna go buy a different case when you purchase the PSP!

87
Everyone is complaining about the PSP soft case.... saying things like "it'll come out the opening" and "this thing is cheaply made."

Wrong. I got my PSP in December of 2004 and had no other options BUT the soft case. It was the main transportation for my precious player. And in NO way has it ever come close to falling out! It's very tightly fit, and looks great while keeping scratches off your PSP.

As for it being cheaply made, I'd have to object to that. The stitching is very precise; the lettering is very well made... all-in-all it's quite decent quality.

It is what it is. It's a free case with the basics you need to take your PSP around without one worry. It's safe... doesn't protect from shock but hey, it's a heck of a lot better than keeping your PSP in an open purse, or buying a large alternative. It's very slim, and it works.

It doesn't get a perfect score, simply because there are many more options, but it works, as said.

80
The original Soft Case found in Value Pack is nothing more than... a soft case, to keep our console safe in some light conditions. We're getting this almost free, so don't expect the steel armor. But it does best what it is supposed to do: if you keep your PSP in a bag, backpack or pocket (BIG one it's safe wearing a soft case.

People used to moan about this simple black pouch, but seriously, there is nothing to cry about - it's headphones and Memory Stick that costs more in VP - so enjoy the free case with a strap. I don't know about any scratches made by the case to LCD (personally I doubt it), but if you worry, apply a screen protector (I bought mine with it). Case is definitely 100% safe for PSP surface - zero scratches on mine. Definitely worth keeping for free ... but if you're gonna buy one - think about more possibilities that many other cases offer.

25
If you're still using this as a primary case, you're asking for the death of your PSP. Yes, it's a "soft" case. So soft, infact that it doesn't protect the PSP from anything!!! Drop it, you're done for. Press on it, you're done for. There is no protection whatsoever. The opening is always accessible, so dust, dirt and crap is free to get in. Don't store this case anywhere but in your hand, or in the trash.

100
Freaking LOVE IT! Fits like a glove. Sleek, soft and a terrific compliment for your new toy.

70
the soft case that came in the value pack looks good, but i think sony should have include a better/higher quality one. it's really not a bad case, but it seems not sufficient enough to protect the sexy psp. but most psp owners should be able to get by until they found a better case.

65
Ok, now that PSP is all new and shiney asking to be scratched right? While your trying to reason with the new PSP to try and not get itself scratched, you think, "Wait why am I talking to my PSP"

Seriously though, the softcase is nothing more than a holdover until the Logitech Polycarbonite metal case is released in early April.

The case feel somewhat soft on the inside, and is pretty well padded. I used it today in my pocket, and the black material, picked up every single piece of lint in my pocket.

I see many of these on eBay once the more wanted cases are released.

90
This case came with my JP Value Pack, and I was using it for around a week before I got my AirForm case. Since I carry my PSP in the right pocket of my bermudas, this was a great case that didn't add too much bulk. The exposed side made it easy for me to slip the console out, and there's an area for headphone/remote access, which I found to be useful since I do listen to my MP3s when I'm not playing.

My only grouse would be : Why couldn't Sony just stitch a neoprene pocket or two so we could slip UMDs in for a total of 3 games on the run? Or at least one pocket could be used to hold the remote and earphones which keep getting tangled up in my pocket!

70
the Case
Actually, this was better than what I expected from looking at internet pictures. The indented 'PSP' on the top looks pretty cool. The PSP fits snugly, however, if you pull one end of the case, the PSP will fall out. It is not waterproof. It is about ~4 mm thick on each side. It provides cushion to protect from scratches, smudges, minor bumps, and drops from low heights, but do not expect anything more. Because of the nature of this case, one side of the PSP is always exposed. Also, you cannot protect your PSP while you're using the PSP which is a big disadvantage compared with other cases. The other reviewers must not be washing their jeans properly, because my PSP case did not pick up any lint or dust. This case comes free in the PSP Value Pack. If you want a more protection, then consider a different case, such as the Logitech Playgear Pocket Case.

the Strap
This is the strap that comes free in the PSP Value Pack. You tie it around the bottom left corner hole opening of the PSP, and it goes around your left hand. It feels like it's made of leather. I think that it is artificial leather, but I'm not an expert at leather. Nonetheless, this is classy and emphasizes that your PSP into a fashion statement just like the iPod. At the end of the strap, it shows the familiar "triangle" "circle" "x" and "square" indented. Very cool.

65
This case comes with the value pack and is good to protect your psp if you carry it in your pocket or in a bag. The case will protect against small knocks but it woont be much help on bigger falls.

Case offers good protection due to the spongefilling of the case and will stop damage from movement in a pocket or inside a bag.

The case has just enough room to fit the PSP , a memory stick and the cleaning cloth in but other than that you wont fit anythng else in. If your looking for a case to hold a few UMD's look else where. This case is purley for you psp.

The case its self looks quite good with PSP embeded on the side and with a SONY lable on the top right.

A good case to offer protection from the start but if you want ot carry your games etc you may need to look elsewhere.

50
It does exactly what it says on the tin ... a small but perfectly padded little case to keep your PSP safe while it's not in use.

However there seems to be much better cases out there so if you didn't get this free with a value pack then really really don't waste your hard earned cash on it.

100
Common Complaints

* The Soft Case "breathes" which allows condensation to occur.
* The Soft Case has an opening on the side allowing the system to fall out.
* The Soft Case may collect dirt which can scratch the system when it is used.

Rebuttals

Depending on which job I currently am at, I would either be working in a room that has to practically be refridgerated by air conditioning because it is full of machinery which heats up the room quickly or I am in constant movement. So, I would be at high-risk for this problem. Yet, I have never had the condensation problem...

I don't know if the second complaint is valid because I actually own the Soft Case and I always keep the PSP inside when not in use. It is a very snug fit and the only way you can make the PSP fall out of the case is if you attach a string to the end of the case without the opening and spin around with the system inside the case.

It is possible to get dirt inside... but how often are you using the PSP while holding the case in the other hand near a sandstorm, construction site or another active dirty area? The case could be placed in a dirty area which might get dirt in it but why would anybody do that?

Reality Check

The only times this case does not protect the system is if it is in your pocket and you bump into something or if you drop the system.

So, if you have really bad luck or are clumsy this case is bad for you.

Rating: 100
I don't believe in luck and I'm not clumsy.

80
First of all, The soft case is great! BUT the open space that allows for your PSP to be kept safe, IS really not safe. The good thing about it is that is protects your psp from damage and you can also use the thing to clean the screen if your psp is too greasy. One thing people complain about, is the fact the little particles can get into the case. So when you pull your psp in and out can cause damage to the screen...

PRO: looks good!!
CON: can damage your screen

100
The slipcase is essential if you don't have any other protection for your PSP. However, be aware that if you get dust in it (mainly by putting your PSP away dirty), it can scratch the screen as you slide it in or out. Not good. Keep it clean by tapping or blowing compressed air in there from time to time.

PRO: Keeps the PSP somewhat safe, maintains pocketable size.
CON: Not the best protection from drops, can get dirty inside and scratch the screen.

50
The soft case will do until there's other cool stuff out. I'll wait until all the firms bring the new cases out. It's all about personal taste and you need to see these things in your hand up close before you buy.