If you're in the habit of carrying your DS in a pocket or in a bag, you've probably considered some sort of slim case or armor, if you don't have one already. Sure, the DS is pretty sturdy overall, but do you want to risk those hinges or shoulder buttons? Better safe than sorry, right? If, like us, you're interested in protecting your handheld, you might want to check out the above armor, the Monaco aluminum case.
We spent a couple of days banging the slim-fitting case around and testing its functionality, and have mostly good news to report.
We spent a couple of days banging the slim-fitting case around and testing its functionality, and have mostly good news to report.
The Monaco aluminum case from Wireless Ground is a sleek, close-fitting layer of protection made of aircraft-grade aluminum (i.e., not the kind used in soda cans). Look-wise, it's a lot like this case we checked out last year, but without the emblem or the wrist strap. The Monaco case is available in matte black or silver; we took a look at the former, and found the effect with the crimson and black Lite to be rather pleasing. Since the darker portions of that model are also matte, they went very well together.
But how's it work? The Monaco case serves as heavy duty armor without the weight you'd expect. The case itself is very thin -- slightly thicker than a thumbnail -- with an almost-invisible neoprene layer to protect your DS from scratches as you put on and remove the armor. All of the slots and buttons are accessible through openings in the case, and unlike most cases, you do not have to remove the Monaco case in order to play (that's what makes it more similar to armor). However, the top half does not attach to the top screen portion of the DS when the handheld is open and in use -- it falls open. That extra layer may bother some gamers, but we found that it in no way impeded game play, even though we tried it in a variety of positions. If you happen to have the habit of shaking your DS vigorously up and down, it may be a problem, but if you do that, the top half of the armor is probably the least of your issues. It does just hang there free-swinging, though, and we can see how that might bother some folks.The armor also has nonskid rubber "feet" on the bottom, in case you're the type to slide your DS around all willy-nilly. The fit is perfect, and the case doesn't add any noticeable bulk if you slip the handheld into a pocket.
Look: Very sleek, matte black, trim and nice!
Weight: Not enough to be noticeable.
Durability: We were unable to scratch it with other metal items, dent it, or otherwise damage it.
Price: Regular price $39.95, currently on sale for $24.95
Additional colors/patterns? Also available in silver, and Wireless Ground also offers leather cases.
Essential? For most DS owners? No, not essential, and if your DS fits snugly into a larger case, the armor may add too much bulk. But if your Lite is in a position to take a lot of wear and tear, this armor is definitely recommended!
Essential Extras is a new irregular feature here at DS Fanboy, in which we check out one accessory and determine whether or not it's a good buy. Is there something you'd like to see us feature? Leave a comment here, or fill out our direct comment form with your suggestions.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-12-2008 @ 6:09PM
briancstrock said...
Get paid for product reviews much?
Reply
5-12-2008 @ 10:01PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
Leave ridiculous comments much?
See, we can both play this game.
5-12-2008 @ 9:07PM
Bryan Law said...
How about this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11634
Better IMO. Only $9.50, stays attached to the DS at all times, including the lid. It's a hybrid aluminum/plastic case, and has all the niceties of both :)
Reply
5-12-2008 @ 9:58PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
Ooh, I like that. I think the lid on this one would start to irritate me after a while. Not sure about the plastics, though, and it's shiny. But the fit is nice.
I want to get some of that Nerf armor to check out, too!
5-13-2008 @ 12:06AM
Puddles said...
I never understood the point of having a close-fitting case like this. Instead of your DS getting scratched, your case gets scratched – what's the difference? The only difference is you just paid $25 for your DS to be bulkier. I take good care of my DS and it looks fine. When I need to put it in my backpack, I have a nice little $2 toiletry bag to carry it in, along with the charger and some headphones.
Reply
5-13-2008 @ 12:18AM
Puddles said...
By the way, if anyone in BC wants a great $2 DS case, they have stylish little toiletry bags at Daiso in Richmond.
5-13-2008 @ 2:01AM
BPM [SSBB: 5026 4120 1186] said...
The purpose is to have something to prevent your DS from being scratched, yet still be able to fit easily in your pocket.