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Mar 22 2005
PSP Case, Protection and Storage Roundup
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With the cost of your new PSP coming in at $300-$600, your first priority should not be what game to get or even playing that game, rather, you should be concerned about protecting your new treasure. There's a wild assortment of protectors out there with different users in mind and similarly varied price tags. PSP411 has rounded up ten PSP cases for a head-to-head battle. Entrants are: JP's PSP Case, PDair Leather Face Cover, Sony Soft Case (included w/ Value Pack), Madcatz Hard Case, MadCatz Leatherette Case, Airform PSP Case, Aero Case, Intec Leather Case, Intec Aluminum Case and the Logitech Playgear Pocket Case.
Some of you probably won't take your PSP out of the house, while others will be taking it on car trips or perhaps you need the ease of mind that will allow you to toss that $300-600 toy carelessly into your backpack each morning. With ten cases to choose from, there is bound to be one for all of these uses and then some.
Each case is judged on a few different qualities -- what is inside, what does it hold, wiggle factor and finally our thoughts on the case in general. The wiggle factor is a subjective test of how much wiggle room there is inside. The more room there is for things to get tossed about, the worse, and subsequently the higher our score out of 10. The score also takes into account the sound and movement of any other accessories that can be put inside the case.
 JP's PSP Case - restraints JP's PSP Case - Full view
Holds: PSP, 2 x UMD, 2 x Memory Stick PRO Duo.
Wiggle Factor: 0 out of 10. No movement, but good luck getting your PSP, UMD's and Memory Sticks in or out of this thing.
Thoughts: Conceptually it's a great idea, a slim case that can hold a few UMD's and Memory Stick's. In practice it is completely useless. Not only do the UMD's not fit into their slots without extreme shoving, once you do get them in, the case won't shut because it becomes too fat and the clasp is not long enough. If that weren't bad enough, the plastic restraints are badly designed and give you the impression that your PSP will sustain some sort of damage if used frequently.
Hopefully JP's goes back to the table on this one and gives it another go because it has great potential such as the UMD / Memory Stick slots, but the current product is impractical.
PDair Leather Face Cover Front/Back
Thoughts: The reason the PDair cover works well is because you can quickly put away or access your PSP. Whereas with larger and more protective cases you'll have to undo the lock mechanism and get the unit out, you only have to flip the leather cover and power up while using the PDair Cover. If you intend to carry your PSP in your backpack or outside often, then you should consider another case. For those of you who mainly use their PSP at home, this is perfect.
- Check this link for the extended PSP411 review of the PDair Leather Face Cover.
- Buy the PDair Leather Face Cover.
Sony Soft Case
Holds: PSP.
Wiggle Factor: 8 out of 10. There is no movement up to a point, but if you give it a moderately forceful wiggle, the PSP can pop out.
Thoughts: It's interesting that a company widely known for its aesthetic prowess could come up with something so beautiful as the PSP, yet pair it with a soft case that looks downright cheap. There have been concerns on the net that this case scratches the screen, although we haven't experienced this. The white leather strap feels professionaly done, and makes a nice accompaniment to the PSP by attaching at the lower left hook on the unit. Overall, the case seems like an afterthought. It'll get you by until you find a case more appropriate for your usage.
- Buy the Sony Soft Case & Hand Strap.
MadCatz Leatherette Case
Holds: PSP
Wiggle Factor: 4 out of 10. Slight room for movement inside, PSP may move if it slides too quickly.
Thoughts: MadCatz will probably end up being a popular choice as you can get a variety of bundled accessories depending on your needs. This case is part of a few different bundles ranging from $20 to $50. The design is simple and seems to be decently effective. The inside is lined with a soft material and the top / bottom is stiff to provide better protection. The construction isn't great, but not terrible either, just decent but the price will surely appeal to many.
- Buy the MadCatz Leatherette Case.
MadCatz Hard Case
Holds: PSP, 2 x UMD.
Wiggle Factor: 2 out of 10.
Thoughts: Overall, we found the case to be reliable and sturdy, but not exceptional on account of the lock. The accessories you do get are of a somewhat lesser quality than what you may find elsewhere. The inclusion of space for two UMD's is a very nice touch, and notably lacking from any other hard case that we've seen in this size. Furthermore, your movies / games will snap into the storage slots very firmly, unlike other cases which are loose.
- Buy the MadCatz Hard Case
Airform PSP Case
Holds: PSP, 2 x UMD.
Wiggle Factor: 5 out of 10. Cases heard shaking, just what you'd hear if you were to hold a UMD and shake it slightly.
Thoughts: The inclusion of the UMD holders is a nice thought, but they're not firmly held down, and thus may end up sliding around if you've only got one UMD. That may not be a problem but we would've preferred a more solid design with the UMD's being held in place. The construction material isn't hard, so it is easy to press down on the top and potentially cause damage to your PSP. Finally, getting the PSP in and out was a little awkward due to the straps. The obvious upside is the price, but the Aero Case is slightly better for only an extra dollar.
- Buy the Airform Pocket Case.
Aero Case Aero Case - Carry clip Aero Case - Inside
Holds: PSP, 2 x UMD, Earbuds, Memory Stick, cleaning cloth, etc.
Wiggle Factor: 3 out of 10. Cases heard shaking slightly, less than what you'd hear if you were to hold a UMD and shake it slightly.
Thoughts: As it's only a touch more expensive than the Aiform case, this is certainly the better deal. Your UMD's will be held down firmly and you'll have room for your earbuds, cleaning cloth, Memory Stick and more. The mountain climbing style hook is a stronger alternative to the thin carry strap present in the Airform case. Be careful taking the PSP out as the left strap may catch on the analog stick. Overall, this is a great buy if you're on a budget yet need a good bit of function.
- Buy the Aero Case.
What is it?: The Intec Leather Case is a simple black leather case with a belt hoop and a magnet clasp. The sides are made of a semi-stretchy material to make inserting and removing the PSP much easier. This will also help to prevent any possible scratching/rubbing that may occur with stiffer cases. The unit also comes with a carry strap that you can attach to the sides of the case, allowing you to put the strap around your neck or shoulder.
Holds: PSP
Wiggle Factor: 1 out of 10. Tried to shake the case so the PSP might pop out but it never did!
Thoughts: We were impressed by the high quality construction of this case. The magnetic clasp is incredibly strong and repeated attempts to get the PSP to 'pop out' when shaking were met with firm resistance. The inclusion of both a belt hoop and the carrying straps (which are optional and can be removed) will give you the option to carry it how you like. Overall, a great case.
- Buy the Intec Leather Case.
Intec Aluminum Case Intec Aluminum Case - Top Intec Aluminum Case - Inside
Holds: PSP, earbuds, case for 3 UMD's, car adaptor, large loose storage space on top
Wiggle Factor: 7 out of 10. More movement than we were comfortable with. Upon opening, UMD case was displaced, though with the top pad we're uncertain if it would travel far.
Thoughts: This is the perfect case for travellers with lots of accessories. We were somewhat concerned by the loose compartments. If you don't have many accessories, it's possible that things could slide around inside a little. The middle flap is supposed to prevent any such movement, but we did experience a little bit of shuffling anyway. Without getting into too many details (this is a case roundup), we were quite pleased with the quality of accessories included. Overall, the quality of the case is great and the included accessories will make this a great package for some. It is large, so those of you looking to travel light should look at another case.
- Buy the Intec Aluminum Case (Pro Gamer's Kit bundle).
Logitech Playgear Pocket Case - Propped Logitech Playgear Pocket Case - Top Logitech Playgear Pocket Case - Side
Wiggle Factor: 1 out of 10. We heard and felt slight movement but couldn't see any movement.
Thoughts: The fit inside is incredibly snug and the case feels absolutely sturdy. The ability to use the headphone port and power port are great touches that will allow you to use your PSP as a media player while on the go (with the PSP in your backpack). What we liked best is the way in which the top part of the case flips back to act as a prop for the PSP. This will allow you to not only protect your investment, but also to watch movies, and you can even play games while in this position, giving your hands a break. The firm lock clasp will prevent any accidental opens, and the sturdy construction gives you the confidence you need to toss this case around with confidence.
- Buy the Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case.
With at least ten cases on the market, choosing one can be a bit like a sports or robot game where each character has skills which have to be carefully chosen based upon their pros and cons. Similarly, one of these cases should work great for you, but it depends on how you intend to use it. Will you be travelling alot? Will you simply be playing at home but still want some protection?
In general, PSP411 makes the following suggestions.
Best hard case for protecting PSP only: Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case
Best soft case for protecting PSP only: Intec Leather Case
Best case on a budget: MadCatz Case / Aero Case
Best case for outside use: Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case
Best case for inside use: PDair Leather Face Cover / Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case
Best overall: Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case
At $20, the Logitech is the clear favorite. The very hard and stylish exterior, coupled with the prop-up capability makes for a multi-functional case at a great price. The downside is that you will need to store your UMD's and extra Memory Stick's elsewhere.
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Comments
03/25/05
13 
captain
| 
| Ontario Canada
No, PSPaddict, you have to take the PSP out before you can change games. But it's fine, it's a case, not a protector to protect your system while you're playing. If you want something like that go for the PDair Leather Face Cover.
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03/25/05
15
MichaelHBCA
| California USA
what about the INTEC aluminum case that just holds the system
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03/26/05
16
phildo
| Ontario Canada
booo intec. yay logitech!
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03/26/05
14
Mobius
| California USA
the one that just holds the psp system is pretty sweet if u dont load to much into that upper net area i would suggest no more than a memory card or two and maybe a umd, but there is room for another umd under the system, and i dont hear much wiggleing a faint shifting sound but nothing hazardous to that lovely psp
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03/26/05
15
MichaelHBCA
| California USA
i cut the netting out because it made me nervous about my PSP screen
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03/29/05
2
Phil916
| Florida USA
im gettin the aero its sleek and it holds umd's cuz when u think about it where r u gonna put ur games cuz i already have 3 and many more to come and the logitech just looks cool,also the aero is mega cheap mostly around 8-10 dollars on sites so i mean to me aero is the way to go
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04/03/05
8
pspaddict
| UK
thanks capatin  (sorry for the delay in sending you my gratitude)
hmmmm i am still debating... I agree with phil916 about holding
UMDs my boyfriend says i should get the logitech probably because
he's scared whenever he (steals) plays with it he'll drop it.
I think i might get the nyko charging case and then buy a soft (pouch)
case to keep it in with the umds
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Anyone know if the Logitech will fit into the All-in-One case? I have the All-in-One case and the Face Armor but if the Logictech will fit, I would like to take back the Face Armor. Any idea captain?
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05/26/05
26
BakaNezumi
|
Nope, the Pelican All-in-One case is too small to fit a Logitech Playgear. The only case I've found so far is the Koei case that will hold the Playgear.
+
07/08/05
14
Reynen
| Ontario Canada
Logitech PlayGear is the ... enough said... not only does it protect your psp completely, provide you with access to all the jacks, and let you play while it is in the case but , it also allows users to throw on skin and can act as a stand enabling the user to watch movies... 23 1/2 thumbs up for Logitech!!!
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07/18/05
26
Kuluhome
| Hong Kong
There is no doubt that the Logitech PlayGear offers the maximum protection to your PSP, and it is COOL! The next day I bought the PlayGear I had a question: How to protect my PlayGear? I am now using a 8" x 5" soft pouch designed for Pocket PC. May be Logitech has to think about it!
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07/18/05
4
GT
| Masschusetts USA
People need a case to protect their protective case? A meta-case, I guess. Seems silly, but to each their own.
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07/24/05
6
iLLK
| Australia
I just got the Logitec case and it's great. I read somewhere it was hard to open... well, mine is easy, it's very sterdy and I would'nt hesitate throwing it in my bag and having it move around with my other junk... buy it, its a good case.edited: Jul 24 2005
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08/05/05
4
bas
| Texas USA
Warning!!!!!! stay away from the alumanum cases!!!! my bro's PSP fell out of it once due to the bad lock system.
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03/19/08
deadpres
| Tennessee USA
If any one is looking for a hard case for ths slim PSP check this out After searching high and low for a hard case designed specifically for the PSP slim, I came across the Joytron/Nuri Tech PSP Slim Crystal Clear Protective Case. So far I am thrilled with the product. Here is a link to there website link
I think the case is designed primarily to keep scratches and fingerprints off the vulnerable PSP Slim, but it also seems as if it will provide a fair level of shock protection. It comes in 4 pieces, each piece is covered in a plastic film which keeps the plastic scratch free before instalation. The 4 piece design seems like a great idea especially when needing to change out the battery, with this case you do not have to remove the entire case just the battery section.
It fits the PSP slim like a glove and does not make it to much thicker and you can still fit the PSP with case in the original Sony PSP soft pouch if so inclined. there are cutouts for all the ports and buttons. It does not have a screen protector, which I like because I prefer to use the invisible shield type.
So far this seems to me to be the best available PSP Slim specific hard case on the market. I found it at Amazon for $19.99 with free shipping, but it also seems that you can order directly from Nuri Tech.
As a side note, I order tons of stuff on the internet and this is the first time I have ever had a hand written side note on my invoice thanking me for my order and telling me to have a wonderful week.
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