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.
Intro
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 - Price Unknown
JP's PSP Case - restraints
JP's PSP Case - Full view
What is it?:This case, direct from China, is a simple faux-leather black case with space for 3 UMD's, 2 Memory Stick PRO Duo cards and your PSP. What's unique about this one is the hard plastic restraints that are used to hold the PSP in place. To hold everything together, there is a magnetic clasp on the bottom of the case.
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 - $20 USD
PDair Leather Face Cover
Front/Back
What is it?: The PDair Leather Face Cover isn't a case but it deserves mention in this roundup because of the fact that it will protect the front of your PSP. The unit consists of a leather cover with a strap in the middle that extends out to screw into the top of your PSP.
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.
Sony Soft Case (included w/ NA Value Pack) - $0 to $30 USD
Sony Soft Case
What is it?: Those of you buying a North American PSP will be getting this Sony soft case. It is a simple black, cushioned case that comes with a white strap that has the Triangle, Circle, X, Square logo engrained into it. The design of the case is very simple and lackluster, almost to the point of looking cheap.
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.
MadCatz Leatherette Case - $20 to $50 USD (as part of bundle)
MadCatz Leatherette Case
What is it?: The MadCatz Leatherette Case is a very simply designed black holder with a velcro strap to lock the PSP in. There is also a belt strap on the back. With MadCatz, you have to buy a bundle to get this case, the cheapest of these bundles also comes with 6 UMD cases and in-ear headphones.
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.
MadCatz Hard Case - $20 to $30 USD (as part of bundle)
MadCatz Hard Case
What is it?: The MadCatz Hard Case that we have is not a final version, but is close enough to what we've seen in stores. It is a thick, hard case that fits your PSP and two UMD games inside. The cheapest bundle that the hard case is available in also comes with 6 UMD cases, in-ear headphones and 4 screen protectors.
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.
What is it?: The Airform PSP Case is a black semi-firm case with space inside for a few UMD's and two straps to hold the PSP down. The whole interior can be closed off with a zipper. There is also a carry strap that is permanently attached to the case (not the zipper), which is a nice touch.
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.
What is it?: The Aero Case is quite similar to the Airform Case reviewed above. It is slightly bulkier and has a slightly stiffer material that is accompanied by a much sturdier mountain climbing type hoop. On the inside there is space for your PSP, held down by two straps. There is a 'flap' in the middle with room for two UMD's and the top-inside of the case can hold a few extra goods loosely (earbuds, Memory Stick, etc). The case can be closed off by one of two zippers.
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.
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.
What is it?: The Intec Aluminum Case is a large black case with a very sturdy silver aluminum finish. Inside, there are 5 compartments on the bottom, separated by hard foam. Here you can store the headphones, car adaptor, PSP carrying strap, a case for three UMD's and PSP. On the top, there is a thick pad that can be released to reveal more carrying space. However, the storage room in the top portion is loose, so it is recommended that you use a UMD case if storing UMD's. Otherwise you could store manuals and whatever other accessories you had. Similar to the MadCatz cases, this Intec case comes with earbuds, car adaptor, a case to hold 3 UMD's, PSP carrying strap, protective screen for your PSP and a cleaning cloth.
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.
What is it?: The Logitech Playgear Pocket Case is made of a "virtually indestructible" polycarbonate. This case is strictly for holding your PSP as there are no slots for holding UMD's or anything else. The outside case is clear and the inside is black, giving a sleek and stylish look that matches the PSP very well. Rather than covering the PSP entirely in the hard case material, Logitech chose to provide 4 gaps in each corner, allowing you to access the headphone port, power port and both shoulder buttons, even when the case is closed. Finally, you can flip the top portion of the case back at a 45 degree angle which will prop up the PSP inside.
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.
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.
The Joytron case is just perfect. [www.joytron.us] I like the idea of skins, but I hate to “stick” things to my systems. This case is basically a skin that you snap on, (I got the clear case so I can see the Darth Vader picture on my system.) It was so easy to install, it has 4 pieces, all neatly stuck to a sheet of protective film in the product box. There are easy to follow instructions, but the assembly is so intuitive I didn't really need them. The UMD cover is a wonderful design, you don’t have to remove anything to change games. All buttons and plugs are easily accessible, heck even the wrist-strap anchor is accessible. Who ever designed this case is as obsessive as I am, so as far as I’m concerned this case is perfect.
With this case I can actually use my system with out fear of every little scratch or scuff that comes with day to day use.
Oh… almost forgot... shipping was perfect also. I paid by PayPal, got an email when the order was processed the next day. I also got an email with tracking info on the shipment. And I got the case in only a hand full of days.
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