Mobility Digest Review: Translucent Protective Crystal Case for Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS is one of the best portable gaming consoles out today, and it seems to be getting better and better as time goes by. Spending a couple hundred dollars on a tiny gaming console can sting a bit and it will really sting if you drop it so a case is a must, at least I think so anyway. Mostly all of my devices have skins and cases on them, at the very least I have a case on all of my gadgets. I needed a new case for my 3DS and I wanted to see what Deal Extreme had to offer as they have great prices and most of the stuff I’ve gotten from them is surprisingly good even though it’s priced very low. The case I got isn’t some brand name, it’s just called the Translucent Protective Crystal Case and it costs under $4 and they even offer free shipping so in the end it’s very inexpensive. So read on for a quick review of an inexpensive yet decent case for your 3DS…

 

Author: Kristofer Brozio

Vendor: Deal Extreme

Price: $3.40

Overall Rating: 5/5

 

Specs/Features:

Protective Crystal Case for Nintendo 3DS (Translucent)

– Protects your Nintendo 3DS against scratches, dust and damages
– Good quality crystal material for a long time using
– Easy to install without the assistance of any tool

Dimensions: 5.39 in x 3.03 in x 0.94 in (13.7 cm x 7.7 cm x 2.4 cm)
Weight: 1.34 oz (38 g)

 

What’s in the Box?

The box is rather plain, just a generic picture on the front and back and a brief description on the back as well.

The case is wrapped in plastic for protection from scratches.

By the name I’m sure you noticed the case is clear. The case is plastic of course and it seems well made, it is rather thick so it should provide good protection for the 3DS inside.

The case is well made and there aren’t any imperfections that I could find. It’s hinged and there are openings for all of the ports, cameras and switches.

 

 

Impressions / Review:

 

When I got my 3DS I needed a case of course but I like clear cases so I can actually see the device. I ended up getting a Joystick Junkies brand clear case that cost about $16 not including shipping and it broke in about a week. The hinge part broke and the top cover just kept sliding off. I continued to use it as I didn’t have any other cases like it but it was still annoying having the cover sliding off. I was a bit surprised that it broke so soon after I got it.

One of the reasons I like clear is because I have a skin on my 3DS and it would be pointless to cover it with a dark case I think.

Getting the 3DS in the case is a tight fit which is kind of nice so you don’t have to worry about it coming off. There are openings for the cameras and sensors on the front of course and they’re large enough to not interfere.

The case wraps around the 3DS, all the way around the edges for full body protection.

The case doesn’t come around the front, but none I’ve seen do so it’s no surprise.

The comes up right to the edges of the 3DS.

When you close the case the edges pretty much touch each other.

Here’s a few other views of the case closed. All of the ports and slots and switches are open for easy access.

I’ve had this case on my 3DS for quite a while, about a month and it still hasn’t broken like the Joystick Junkies case did within a week. I’m surprised a case that costs about one fourth is better made and seems to last longer than a name brand one.

 

 

Conclusion:

 

I’ve gotten quite a few things from Deal Extreme and for the most part I’ve been very happy with everything I’ve gotten from them. It just goes to show that price isn’t everything, just because something costs a lot doesn’t mean it’s better.

The Translucent Protective Crystal Case for 3DS is well worth it, I mean it’s less than four dollars shipped. You can’t really expect much for something so inexpensive, but I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of this case. The case is great I think, it’s good deal and it will protect your 3DS while you can still actually see it.

Deal Extreme has some pretty great deals, but you just have to search from them and have some patience as their free shipping option can take a couple/few weeks. Still, free is free and if you aren’t in a hurry it’s a great deal.

 

Pros:
+Inexpensive
+Clear
+Decent protection
+All openings, ports and switches unimpeded

 

Cons:
-None really