There are a bunch of cases for the 3DS, but what COMPLETELY ASTONISHES ME is that there are NONE that allow the 3DS to be played while in the case. I don't mean form-fitting shells that wrap around the 3DS like hard skins or whatever. Just cases that hold the 3DS in the bottom while the top holds games and maybe some accessories like stylus or AR cards.
Back in the DS Lite generation there were TONS of cases like that, some better than others. The example pic above was part of my Brain Age 2 DS Lite bundle I got back in 2007. It doesn't really work with the 3DS because the top strap prevents it from closing properly.
The 3DS in general seems to be marketed towards older gamers. I certainly like the stylish look of it... back in 2006 I thought the DS Lite looked great... but the 3DS looks more stylish. I like the colours, even the oft-criticized "layer cake" look to it. It's not a perfect design by any means but that's a conversation for another time.
My point is that 3DS cases also seem targeted towards the older "sophisticated" gamer. The DS Lite "play-in" cases I mentioned were mostly aimed towards kids because they're the ones who need them. That's why I'm looking for one, for my 11 year old nephew's 3DS. It just seems bizarre that NO COMPANY out there has made a 3DS case that the 3DS can be played in AND store accessories especially since the 3DS not only requires a stylus but also AR cards. What a huge missed opportunity!
I'm not sure if Nintendo is trying to shy away from its fanbase of younger gamers, but if so, that would be a gigantic mistake. I know they warn against 3D for 6 year olds and under (I personally wouldn't advise giving a 3DS to a 6 year old anyway) but I'm sure a lot of kids will use the 3DS. With the recent 3DS price drops it's becoming even more accessible for younger gamers-- seen as a more affordable purchase by their parents for sure-- so they need accessories that will cater to their needs, i.e. more durable AND practical for carrying around cartridges & such without losing either the accessories, case or both.
Another thing that I'm amazed no one has thought of is making a case/shell that uses the outside top half of the 3DS/all other DSLite consoles to store game pockets. It could be something that goes across the top outside of the 3DS, holds 3 games and clips on the sides or it could be one of those shells that clips over the whole outside top half and has some fabric pockets for cartridges.
This is an extremely rough mock-up I did to illustrate the basic idea. It just seems to me that that whole outer top half of the DS, ever since the DS Lite era, hasn't been utilized properly. Seems like a perfect area to store games on. Yes it looks kinda fugly. I personally probably wouldn't use it because I prefer slim cases anyway.... but for kids-- and I'm sure there are some older gamers that value practical solutions over looks-- who would probably really appreciate the real-world functionality where, in real life, we have to carry around a bunch of carts with us if we want to have much real selection of 3DS games (DSiware and Ambassador downloads notwithstanding)
In the meantime, I keep scouring the internet trying to find a 3DS case that the console can be played in while it holds cartridges at least... but so far no luck.
UPDATE: I did come across this product which lets 3 carts be plugged into a DS/DSi/XL/3DS system at one time... it's an imperfect solution but similar to what I'm looking for...
later
don
6 comments:
I am confused about the Brain Age 2 playcase issue with 3DS. How is the problem of the top strap that doesn't let the 3DS close properly? Can you post a photo with the system closed inside the playcase?
I want a playcase so badly for my 3DS, and it's not for protection, it's because of the rectangular flat design of the handheld, it's not confortable ergonomically for playing during a long period of time, the L and R buttons location are atrocious, the 90 degrees corners simply hurt my hands.
Sorry for my english.
The strap that holds the case onto the DS or 3DS goes across the top of the bottom screen keeps the 3DS from fully closing. It's actually not even that great for the DS lite which it was made for.
I agree with you about the discomfort of the 3DS... while I like thin gadgets, it's actually a bit too thin and not rounded enough to be comfortable to play for long sessions. Getting a battery extender like the Nyko Power Pak that I've heard actually makes holding the 3DS more comfortable because it adds some thickness.
And your english is fine.
later
don
Ok, that issue is a plus for me, because it prevents the bottom screen's ridges to scratch the upper screen. But, my question is, Is it confortable to play the 3DS with the case? Does it give you more ergonomy holding the system? I can see in the photo that the top strap doesn't block much the top of the bottom screen.
yes, but it also prevents the 3DS from going into sleep mode when the cover is closed, because it can't close shut properly. And no, it is less comfortable to hold the 3DS because the case extends beyond the edge of the console.
The straps don't keep the 3DS in properly in place while playing either. It's just not good.
later
don
This is a case that clips onto the 3DS and lets you play while it is still in the case. It also holds an extra stylus and 3 games.
Nice, thanks for the link!
later
don
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