Jun 09 2005 Nyko Charger Case Review
PSP Hardware Review | Charge
Nyko Charger Case for Sony PSP


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Summary: Two in one!
Reviewed by captain
90
As the name reveals, the Nyko Charger Case is a case that also charges the PSP.

Our review unit is actually a limited edition silver model with a brushed aluminum surface. The regular version is black but should be identical in every other way. There are two long horizontal pads on the bottom of the case to keep it more secure to your surface. Towards the front by the metallic lock are two ports covered up by a thin flap, next to this flap are two lights. The lights simply indicate charge status -- a solid green light means that the unit is charging, flashing green light indicates a full charge and flashing red light means that the case charge is low and needs to be recharged. Inside, there is a power port plug (see pic 3).

The bottom portion of the case is raised to fit the UMD door perfectly and is lined with neoprene to keep it from moving. Also a nice touch are the raised notches that stick out to meet the shoulder buttons. All in all, the inside casing is perfectly matched with your PSP to keep it safe and sound.

What sets this case apart from others is the fact that you get a free charge while protecting your PSP. Say you've got some spare time while you're outside. You can do a few hours of UMD movie watching, gaming, check out some tracks on your Memory Stick and then put the PSP in the case to charge it back up. No need to carry around a case and a spare battery.

What's also interesting about the case is that you can use it as a cradle. One of the ports on the front is for your PSP AC Adaptor. You simply keep that plugged in whenever the case is on your desk and that will charge the internal battery in the case. Then, if you want to do some gaming and charge at the same time, the package comes with a power extension cable for the other port. You simply plug the extension cable to the case and into your PSP and you can charge both your PSP and case while gaming, in that order, meaning your PSP will get charged first and then the case.

Externally, the case feels incredibly safe and sturdy. The metal lock actually takes a bit of effort to open, so there's no chance it'll pop open on its own. Overall, the quality of the case is quite good.

At $60 USD, the price is equivalent to a spare battery and a hard case, with the added functionality of everything being combined into a sturdy case. You don't have to loosely carry around the other battery, swap it out, then charge it when you get back home only to swap it out again later. You simply keep the charger case plugged in when you get home and it's ready to go the next time you're out.

There are a few minor dissapointments. The first has to do with the design of the case. It's great at protecting your investment, but it feels like a brick, both in shape and weight. To be fair there is a battery in there, so it isn't fair to compare it to a Logitech case or others which don't have any charging capabilities. Another thing is the lock, it takes more than a little bit of force to open. The case would get bonus points if they had included space an extra UMD or two, but as it stands it'll only hold your PSP.

The Nyko Charger Case is a great concept and is executed well enough to warrant a purchase from those of you who require an extra charge while on the road. Whether you're flying or have a long commute to work/school, this is a perfect accompaniment.

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Comments

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06/09/05 Agent808
when i looked at it one word came to mind, "brick" lol. then when you used that word to describe it as well completely turned me off to this hehe. i'm sure its very useful and it looks like its pretty well made but the logitech playgear pocket is as bulky as i want to go even if this does add charge.
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06/09/05 ProjectGSX
My only concern is about the weight. I dont need to carry a spare battery around at all times.
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06/09/05 teomf
Looks teriffic.. could do with the stats on the case like how much it weights. I think I'll get it!
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06/09/05 captain
Unfortunately I don't have a scale, teomf, but it's not that heavy. Overall it rates as one of the better cases we've tested.
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06/09/05 tapone
If your concerned about weight, just get an additional battery.
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06/09/05 teomf
Captain, Would you say it's better than the logitech playgear?

I mean if you had a choice to buy and use - which would it be?
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06/09/05 GT
Teomf - I won't say they're not comparable, but this and the logitech case have VERY different feature sets, so preference would be based on which side of the tradeoffs you prefer. Do you travel and have need for extended battery life or is it more important for you to have a case you can customize with inserts? Is it more important for you to have the charger feature or a case that can be used as a prop for movie viewing? Do you want the ability to play games without removing the PSP from the case? Depending on your answers, one will be better than the other and it's really specific to the user.

But maybe Capt. can tell things like weight difference, size difference and appearance since he has access to both, features that are more objective.
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06/09/05 zarkon
Isnt there another case like this about to be released, except it has 2 circular speakers in the case???
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06/09/05 GT
Zarkon: I think you mean this one link
The Nyko Theater Case, very similar to the charger case but with speakers.
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06/09/05 captain
Temof, as GT points out, it's not fair to compare the two. Obviously the Logitech weighs less, it doesn't have a battery inside! It all depends on what you intend to do and what your pattern is. If you find yourself running out of juice often, then you might consider this case because it'll allow you to keep gaming / watching without having to swap out batteries or wait till you get home.
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06/10/05 teomf
Got ya.. well if anyone of you see this baby for sale in Europe or where I can have it sent over to Ireland let me know!

Cheers!
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06/12/05 0J0
The problem I see with this case is that it is designed to be used while one is out and about. It has the build in charger so that one can charge their psp while they do not have access to a wall plug. The confusing part is that if it was made to enhance the portability of the PSP why is it so heavy / bulky? This isn't something one can just slip into their pocket. It has to be transported in some sort of bag. This seems like a tradeoff one has to consider when thinking about purchasing this product. Yes it is secure and yes there is a battery in there, but it is also heavy, bulky, and can't be easily transported on one's person.
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06/12/05 Enygma
I own this (In the limited edition silver as well) ... and I don't like it. First off I think it's not the most pleasing design to the eye. I also found it difficult to use the PSP while it is in the case. As for its weight. That is really not an issue, as it is not heavy at all. However, for me my leather holster from Pelican, along with my Pelican travel bag (with all the accessories it comes with) has just been the best value, and the most useful.
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06/12/05 0J0
"That is really not an issue, as it is not heavy at all."

I think you're either lying or not telling the truth.
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06/13/05 Enygma
0J0 said: ""That is really not an issue, as it is not heavy at all."

I think you're either lying or not telling the truth."



Wow!! That's a pretty harsh statement... Hmm, well, it is not an issue. The case is not heavy at all... what more can I tell you? Go to an EB and hold one for yourself and see. (If they have one out of the plastic it comes in that is.) It can't be any more than 1/4 of a pound.

PS. Your statement was redundant. If you believe I was lying, then of course I would not be telling the truth
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