Platform: PSP
Manufacturer: Logitech
Release Date: April 2005
Buy 'LOGITECH PLAYGEAR POCKET': PSP
Shopping for accessories is no longer strictly for women and metrosexuals. Just like my friend figuring out which shade of lipstick looks best on her, we gamers also go through the same dilemma these days, given the recent release of new systems and the slew of inevitable accessories. A major decision for me was which PSP case to pick.
If you're in the market for a PSP case, Logitech's PlayGear Pocket should be at the top your list of choices. Because Logitech has gone out of its way and created a case that complements the system while taking into account the physical qualities of the PSP.
The PSP is a system that can be very fragile, and to ensure its protection, the PlayGear Pocket is incredibly sturdy. You can physically feel the quality of this case due to its formidable weight. The PSP is pretty light on its own, but it is quite sturdy when combined with this case, giving me confidence that the case is protecting the precious handheld console, unlike the leather one provided by Sony. The downside of this added weight is that it's more of a pain to lug around the PSP on your travels, but it's still worth every second of pain in case you accidentally drop your PSP on the plane, train, or automobile.
Not only does the quality need to be good, but it also must have a good design, and this case does, with six openings, one for every corner of the PSP. Starting from bottom left and going clockwise, there are openings for the hand strap, wireless switch, L-button, R-button, power switch, and the power adapter connection. There is no opening for the USB port or memory card. With all of these amenities while the PSP is snuggled inside the case, the idea is that you will utilize the PlayGear Pocket while indoors, and surprisingly, it works well. I can't help but leave my PSP in the case because of its secure fit, protecting all sides of the system. The polycarbonate armor and padding inside the case also protects the PSP from any unwarranted scratches.
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If an accessory has multiple unique selling points, it'll have an advantage over the other competitors. The PlayGear Pocket has just that – you can use the case as a movie stand, and the balance and design are perfect. Technically, it's not really a case unless there is a way to secure the PSP and carry it around. The locking mechanism provides this, so you can be almost certain that your PSP won't just waltz out of the casing.
With so many good features, the only real drawback is the case is just sort of "plain." The plastic exterior coating is a basic black, and while it's nice at first, I personally like to liven things up a little bit. You can do so by making or purchasing skins for the case, but if you don't mind the "plain" coloring, the design is still very sleek.
Overall, if you are looking for some sort of case or protector for the PSP, the Logitech PlayGear Pocket is definitely the one to buy. The stock leather case that comes with the PSP just doesn't cut it, so if you dropped it while it was in that leather holder, let's hope you have a warranty. For daily usage, this case does what's needed, and as a PSP owner, I'm extremely happy with all of the case's features. I'm uncertain whether the case can withstand a full-on 20-story drop or being run over by a car, but I have no intention of enrolling my PlayGear Pocket-clad PSP into an episode of "Jackass" anytime soon.
Score: 9.2/10