Now that you've got your PSP protected in a fresh case, it's time to focus on protecting your other investment -- all those UMD's. As you might expect, there is a seemingly endless variety of disc cases. We've rounded up the best ones, detailed their features, capababilities and pointed out their pros and cons.
Depending on how many discs you have, you may consider getting a few different cases. Some are particularly well suited for travel, others are good if you're on a budget and then some cases work well if your collection stays solitary. Chances are you'll be doing a bit of everything, so pick your cases wisely and you'll be prepared for every scenario.
Airform UMD Pouch
This is a sturdy black case capable of holding 5 UMD discs and 2 Memory Sticks. There is a zipper and loop with an accompanying carry strap. The black case material is firm and strong, helping to prevent any damage due to drops. Dust and particle problems are a thing of the past as you can zip up your games and toss the case in your bag. Great storage capacity in a very compact package. We've heard of users cramming in even more discs. Highly recommended for only $8 USD. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Altoids Sours Tin
Many people submitted reviews for this item, but we found it to be highly gimmicky and cheap. Would you want to install a K-Mart muffler on your new Lambhorgini? The sours leave a nasty plastic aftertaste and the case is somewhat bulky. You can only really fit in two discs and a couple of Memory Sticks, leaving a bit of empty room. Some claim you can actually fit 3 or more discs, good luck. As this isn't intended to be anything more than a candy tin, don't expect protection. And don't plan on doing any ninja stealth missions with this in tow -- put in two games and a memory stick or two and everyone down the street will hear you coming. On the upside, the tight lid will keep dust and other particles out. Great if you're on a budget ($3 USD), but we recommend you pass it up. Product PageAll reviews
Capdase Deluxe UMD Protector
The Capdase Deluxe UMD Protector is an innovative design, capable of holding two UMD's or one UMD and two Memory Sticks. With multiple units (package only contains one) you can stack them. They also come with a set of stickers to make finding your games and movies easier. The plastic doesn't feel particularly high quality, but it get's the job done. Not bad, but the $6 USD price tag to store two discs is quite high. Innovative design that looks cool, and your friends will go buggy eyed over it, including when you reveal the price tag. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Dragon UMD Storage Tower
This tower has the highest capacity of any UMD storage units currently on the market. The front half is a see-through plastic with an indigo backing. You can insert an optional 2 x AAA batteries to light up the bottom of the unit, which has an On/Off switch. We found the lighting to be cheap-looking and gimicky. The high number of UMD's you can store is great, but you'll either have to remember the location of each disc or take each one out to find the one you're looking for. The design is sturdy and compact and will fit nicely on a desk. Unfortunately, even if you use all the slots, there are thin gaps in each slot so don't expect too much protection from dust and particles with the Dragon UMD Storage Tower. For $12 USD it is a great price for an ok product. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Dragonplus New Epoch UMD Case
This is a package of 5 cases in multiple colours (green, red, blue, yellow, black) for only $6 USD. Each case can be taken apart to put discs in / out, or you can simply slide it out by pushing against the disc. Unfortunately, sliding the disc out without taking the case apart causes the UMD to get scratched as there are two dimples in the case which help to keep your disc secure. The great thing is that no amount of shaking caused the UMD to pop out. Great security and there is little if any space for dust to get in, but it's a shame about the scratching. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Gamefly 4 x Disc Holder
Simple plastic case that holds 4 UMD discs. Design feels cheap for the $6 price tag, but holds the discs as advertised. Unfortunately, the lock mechanism is slightly flimsy and discs could easily pop out. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Gamefly Protective Disc Case
Gamefly's other protective cases come in a pack of 3 (white, grey, blue) at a cost of $8 USD. The plastic is incredibly light and opens up partly to let you slide your disc in and out. Each case is very sturdy and air-tight as we couldn't get a disc to pop out by force. Decent case, but the price is high. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Hori Media Pouch
The Hori Media Pouch can hold six UMD discs and two Memory Sticks, all in a soft yet sturdy black package. The design resembles a regular CD holder with sleeves. Although the sleeves are permanently attached and you can't add more. To keep the disc from sliding out of its sleeve, there is a top flap that keeps the UMD secure. The zipper will keep the insides free from dust and particles, and the carabiner is a nice addition. The inclusion of two Memory Stick holders is great, making this an all around useful case that we recommend highly. Priced to move at $7 USD. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Hori Slide Case
Hori's single-disc Slide Case comes in a package of two units, one with a white backing and the other a black. UMD's slide effortlessly in and out with your hand, but no matter how hard we tried, they wouldn't pop out. These cases are incredibly secure and air-tight. The see-through front helps you see each game or movie. Currently the case is only available from importers for $6USD. If you can wait a bit, Hori will be selling the product outside of Japan for half the price at $3 USD. We would've preferred the case design to be closed like the MadCatz single case below, but this is the case we recommend if you're not interested in buying a MadCatz bundle (required to get the MadCatz cases). Aside from that, this case has the best design, features and functionality in a single-case format. Product PageAll reviewsBuy it
Madcatz Game Case
MadCatz' Game Cases are a single disc unit that is sturdy and compact. They come in either white, black or blue. The most unfortunate thing is that they're not sold separately, but are only available in a MadCatz accessory pack. The closing mechanism can be a little fiddly sometimes as you have to place the UMD down just right. The clear ones are one of the best single disc cases out there, allowing you to see each disc clearly. Very plain and dust-free, but it's a shame they're not available separately. This is the case design (UMD shape, closed) that UMD discs should be packaged with by default. Product PageAll reviews
Madcatz UMD Magazine
This unit by MadCatz, capable of holding four discs, is without a doubt the most innovative case we've seen. The see-through case houses a cylindrical grey object with 4 tentacles. You slide the cylinder out to reveal the tentacles, each of which has a circular magnet (covered in grey plastic). To attach the UMD's you simply put the discs center onto the magnet. Slide the cylinder down and the cases are stored securely. Airspace is fairly tight so there shouldn't be much dust getting in. This is a very strange case but it works surprisingly well. MadCatz hasn't yet announced a release date, but it will be sold separately for around $9 USD and in accessory packages. Product PageAll reviews
Thoughts
When the PSP initially launched there weren't many options for UMD storage. The situation has improved but it isn't quite perfect. What we'd love to see is better single and multiple case holder design. The MadCatz clear single case is the best for single discs because it keeps everything locked tight, no dust/particles, but you have to place it down just right or else it won't lock. If you've already got a MadCatz bundle, then go with the Hori Slide Case when it becomes available in North America, at $3 USD for 2 it's a top quality set of cases. Airform and Hori's multiple holders were great but we'd love to see some kind of fusion between the two. Hori is on the right track with a binder design, but the loose flaps are quite bulky. Airform's case is good, it can hold multiple UMD's and Memory Sticks but you have to take out the discs to see what they are.
And what about gamers with 5 games and 10 movies? And what happens in a year when there are people with 20 games and 20 movies? There should be a case that holds more discs (10-20) in a compact package and the ability to see each disc without taking it out. It would be great to have a binder type design with hard plastic sleeves, allowing you to add more sleeves later on. We've eyed cases that are heading in this direction by a few manufacturers and will be reviewing them in the future. In the meantime, let's go over our favourites for this case roundup.
I worry that, no matter how strong that magnet is on the MadCatz case, any excessive back and forth rotation of those discs in the open position could make a few of those UMDs come off the magnet and fall. Not a very pretty thing is you are mobile somewhere like a sidewalk. Hopefully I am wrong.
No need to worry aroundfam, even if one of them WERE to pop off the magnet, which I don't think could happen because there's so little room (and it would immediately get caught by the magnet again), there wouldn't be enough room for it to fall OUT of the case. That's because once the discs are pulled back inside the case the fit is really tight, and if you have four or three UMD's on, there is even less room for anything to fall out.
wtf I can easily fit 3 games in to an altoids case, then the fit snug, no rattle, easy! to get them out hold the altoids case upside down in one palm and lighty tap it.
I found a cost effective product that will protect existing UMDs or repair broken/cracked UMD cases at link. The UMD replacement case is a 2 piece shell that snaps together and is nearly unbreakable. I would suggest these cases for broken UMD games and as protection to the UMD disc itself. Currently link is offering 50% off to the first 1000 customers for there grand opening.
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This is a sturdy black case capable of holding 5 UMD discs and 2 Memory Sticks. There is a zipper and loop with an accompanying carry strap. The black case material is firm and strong, helping to prevent any damage due to drops. Dust and particle problems are a thing of the past as you can zip up your games and toss the case in your bag. Great storage capacity in a very compact package. We've heard of users cramming in even more discs. Highly recommended for only $8 USD.
Many people submitted reviews for this item, but we found it to be highly gimmicky and cheap. Would you want to install a K-Mart muffler on your new Lambhorgini? The sours leave a nasty plastic aftertaste and the case is somewhat bulky. You can only really fit in two discs and a couple of Memory Sticks, leaving a bit of empty room. Some claim you can actually fit 3 or more discs, good luck. As this isn't intended to be anything more than a candy tin, don't expect protection. And don't plan on doing any ninja stealth missions with this in tow -- put in two games and a memory stick or two and everyone down the street will hear you coming. On the upside, the tight lid will keep dust and other particles out. Great if you're on a budget ($3 USD), but we recommend you pass it up.
The Capdase Deluxe UMD Protector is an innovative design, capable of holding two UMD's or one UMD and two Memory Sticks. With multiple units (package only contains one) you can stack them. They also come with a set of stickers to make finding your games and movies easier. The plastic doesn't feel particularly high quality, but it get's the job done. Not bad, but the $6 USD price tag to store two discs is quite high. Innovative design that looks cool, and your friends will go buggy eyed over it, including when you reveal the price tag.
This tower has the highest capacity of any UMD storage units currently on the market. The front half is a see-through plastic with an indigo backing. You can insert an optional 2 x AAA batteries to light up the bottom of the unit, which has an On/Off switch. We found the lighting to be cheap-looking and gimicky. The high number of UMD's you can store is great, but you'll either have to remember the location of each disc or take each one out to find the one you're looking for. The design is sturdy and compact and will fit nicely on a desk. Unfortunately, even if you use all the slots, there are thin gaps in each slot so don't expect too much protection from dust and particles with the Dragon UMD Storage Tower. For $12 USD it is a great price for an ok product. 
This is a package of 5 cases in multiple colours (green, red, blue, yellow, black) for only $6 USD. Each case can be taken apart to put discs in / out, or you can simply slide it out by pushing against the disc. Unfortunately, sliding the disc out without taking the case apart causes the UMD to get scratched as there are two dimples in the case which help to keep your disc secure. The great thing is that no amount of shaking caused the UMD to pop out. Great security and there is little if any space for dust to get in, but it's a shame about the scratching.
Simple plastic case that holds 4 UMD discs. Design feels cheap for the $6 price tag, but holds the discs as advertised. Unfortunately, the lock mechanism is slightly flimsy and discs could easily pop out. 
Gamefly's other protective cases come in a pack of 3 (white, grey, blue) at a cost of $8 USD. The plastic is incredibly light and opens up partly to let you slide your disc in and out. Each case is very sturdy and air-tight as we couldn't get a disc to pop out by force. Decent case, but the price is high. 
The Hori Media Pouch can hold six UMD discs and two Memory Sticks, all in a soft yet sturdy black package. The design resembles a regular CD holder with sleeves. Although the sleeves are permanently attached and you can't add more. To keep the disc from sliding out of its sleeve, there is a top flap that keeps the UMD secure. The zipper will keep the insides free from dust and particles, and the carabiner is a nice addition. The inclusion of two Memory Stick holders is great, making this an all around useful case that we recommend highly. Priced to move at $7 USD.
Hori's single-disc Slide Case comes in a package of two units, one with a white backing and the other a black. UMD's slide effortlessly in and out with your hand, but no matter how hard we tried, they wouldn't pop out. These cases are incredibly secure and air-tight. The see-through front helps you see each game or movie. Currently the case is only available from importers for $6USD. If you can wait a bit, Hori will be selling the product outside of Japan for half the price at $3 USD. We would've preferred the case design to be closed like the MadCatz single case below, but this is the case we recommend if you're not interested in buying a MadCatz bundle (required to get the MadCatz cases). Aside from that, this case has the best design, features and functionality in a single-case format.
MadCatz' Game Cases are a single disc unit that is sturdy and compact. They come in either white, black or blue. The most unfortunate thing is that they're not sold separately, but are only available in a MadCatz accessory pack. The closing mechanism can be a little fiddly sometimes as you have to place the UMD down just right. The clear ones are one of the best single disc cases out there, allowing you to see each disc clearly. Very plain and dust-free, but it's a shame they're not available separately. This is the case design (UMD shape, closed) that UMD discs should be packaged with by default. 
This unit by MadCatz, capable of holding four discs, is without a doubt the most innovative case we've seen. The see-through case houses a cylindrical grey object with 4 tentacles. You slide the cylinder out to reveal the tentacles, each of which has a circular magnet (covered in grey plastic). To attach the UMD's you simply put the discs center onto the magnet. Slide the cylinder down and the cases are stored securely. Airspace is fairly tight so there shouldn't be much dust getting in. This is a very strange case but it works surprisingly well. MadCatz hasn't yet announced a release date, but it will be sold separately for around $9 USD and in accessory packages.