A game case really only needs one thing: a place to securely hold games. Everything else, including cuteness, is basically extra, even if we consider it essential (and oh, we do). We know the Penguin United cases are cute. We know they hold a lot of games. But are they worthwhile? The short answer is yes. The long answer is full of misdeeds, games, and vinyl, and is located after the break.
It's important to note that the cases don't come with any instructions -- it's just the zippered pouch, which contains four vinyl sheets, and a box. Actually, a pretty hilarious box, but that's not as important as the lack of instructions. And why, you might ask, would you need instructions for something as simple as a game case? In order to best answer that, we must direct you to the nearest DS cart. Note that it's almost square, but not quite.
This means that it's very easy to put the game carts in sideways, which is, uh, exactly what we did. Had a hell of a time with it, too; the suckers were quite a tight fit, for reasons we didn't figure out until much, much later.The good news? If, like us, you're completely without live brain cells, you can merrily tuck away your DS carts in any way you choose, and believe us -- they're not going anywhere. Sideways (as in, not the right way), they're so secure that they're almost protected even from your fumbling efforts at freeing them so that you can actually play.
Once we referred back to the official pictures, there was a chorus of "dohs" as we set about trying the games the proper way. We're happy to say that they work just fine both ways, though if you want to be able to simply slide your DS games in and out of the slots with ease, we recommend trying it the right way -- that is, with the logos sideways.
The Penguin United 24x Gaming Pouch is rather smaller than we expected, as well; even full, and zipped up, it's very thin, and it's only six inches on the longer side. That means it fits easily into just about anything. The adorable penguin-stamped exterior is lightly padded, too, for safety's sake.
Once inside, whether the games are situated properly, or in our more creative (and, uh, difficult) fashion, they look really nice. The pouch is perfectly sized to frame them nicely. In fact, there's not even anything bad we can possibly say about the case. It's even versatile enough for people who aren't paying attention to the obvious!
Look: Slim, smooth, and super cute.
Weight: Very light. Even full, hardly a noticeable addition to a purse or backpack.
Durability: Seems very sturdy. White surface smudges easily, but also cleans up well.
Price: from $10.99 to $14.99
Colors/Patterns: Blue/white, red/white, black/blue
Essential? If you are the type who needs to carry a lot of games around at once, then yes -- we can go ahead and call this one essential. It's a great little case, and the only ones we've seen that are cuter are handmade. If you don't need to carry a ton of games, however, it still may be useful for traveling, and at the current price, it's a good deal even if you don't use it all the time.
Look: Slim, smooth, and super cute.
Weight: Very light. Even full, hardly a noticeable addition to a purse or backpack.
Durability: Seems very sturdy. White surface smudges easily, but also cleans up well.
Price: from $10.99 to $14.99
Colors/Patterns: Blue/white, red/white, black/blue
Essential? If you are the type who needs to carry a lot of games around at once, then yes -- we can go ahead and call this one essential. It's a great little case, and the only ones we've seen that are cuter are handmade. If you don't need to carry a ton of games, however, it still may be useful for traveling, and at the current price, it's a good deal even if you don't use it all the time.
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)
7-30-2008 @ 3:19PM
Phil said...
Er, neither of those links to the contest actually links to the contest - they link to a closeup of the pouch.
Reply
7-30-2008 @ 5:05PM
Jacksons said...
I probably would have stuck them in like that as well, or at least attempted to.
Reply
7-30-2008 @ 5:33PM
Kimiko said...
Nice new feature.
Is it hard to write an article about just one accessory?
Reply
7-30-2008 @ 7:40PM
Michael said...
Can anyone even name 24 (or 10!) DS games worth buying??
Reply
7-30-2008 @ 10:05PM
Neo Senku said...
1. The world ends with you
2. Mario Kart
3. Final Fantasy 3
4. Final Fantasy 4
5. Sonic Rush
6. Sonic Rush Adventure
7. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
8. Legend of zelda: phantom hourglass
9. New Super Mario Bros.
10. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
11. Bleach: The Blade of Fate
12. Final Fantasy 12: Reverent Wings
13. Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
14. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
15. Star Fox Command
16. Elite Beat Agents
17. Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time
18. Metroid Prime: Hunters
19. Yoshi's Island DS
20. Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword
I made it to 20, four short aint that bad
7-31-2008 @ 5:13AM
aj said...
There are a great many games worth buying. But it all depends on what you are into. I do, however, recommend going over to MetaCritic and checking out every single game rated at an 80 or above for the DS. You are guaranteed to enjoy the bulk of those titles.
7-31-2008 @ 7:11AM
Michael said...
It was just a hint of sarcasm. I've owned only 6 different DS games (Pokemon Pearl, Phantom Hourglass, New Mario Bros., Mario Kart, Starfox, and Animal Crossing) I traded in Starfox and Animal Crossing because I thought they were really bad. I loved Phantom Hourglass and Mario Kart is the best in the series. But I feel that most DS games (including others I have played but not owned) have no lasting appeal even if they are brilliant. and most of the other games I have seen or played have no appeal at all. I think the DS is a great system but there is nothing for longtime gamers. I still can't believe that the point and click adventure hasn't even took off on the DS when it is so perfect for that type of game. Also, games are so expensive here that it would cost about €900 ($1400) to fill a 24 game case...
7-31-2008 @ 8:36AM
OtakuReborn said...
I own only 18 (well, I wouldnt' call 18 "only") but what you buy will heavily depend on your taste in games. I buy pretty much everything Atlus throws out. And you can bet your ass the DS will be coming out with a lot more stuff consistently. 24 isn't going to be a problem.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 12:21PM
Hak Foo said...
I've been using these for a while now. My Mom and Sister ended up buying some after seeing mine. They are great. No complaints other than it sometimes being difficult to get the plastic separated to slide the game in.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 12:50PM
Nitroactive said...
This is off subject but can you find these cases anywhere else? I'm not 18 so I can't win it but I could sure use one. I haven't been able to find them anywhere. Stores or online.
Reply
9-13-2008 @ 3:49AM
Michael Bronowitz said...
the Penguin United cases are on ebay tonight for 13 bucks free shipping http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Game-Card-Carry-Case-Pouch-for-NINTENDO-DS-Lite-NDS_W0QQitemZ140266494989QQihZ004QQcategoryZ139969QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
7-31-2008 @ 1:58PM
Nman55 said...
Wow. Looks cool and definately will help me carry around all those DS games.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 4:35PM
Niz said...
I think its kinda pointless why would you need to even carry so many at once? even if your going on holiday you take 1 or two 5 if you want but no need for so many.
Reply
7-31-2008 @ 7:56PM
SabreFox said...
I may have to get one of these, my wife love penguins, I could see her going bananas for this thing.
Reply
8-01-2008 @ 3:10PM
Nman55 said...
Hey everyone at DS fanboy. What's up? Also...I wanted to say that David Hinkle still hasn't added me to his friend roster in Smash Bros.
FC: 5026-4083-1126
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