Reviews

Boxwave Active Case for Game Boy Micro

April 3, 2006

The Boxwave Active Case for the Game Boy Micro is made of clear plastic and is perfectly molded to fit the device. All you have to do is open the case, which is hinged at the top, put in the GB Micro, and then close the lid. You’ll find that there are perfectly placed cutouts for every necessary button and opening, from the d-pad, face, and shoulder buttons to the power switch, volume control, headphone jack, cartridge slot, and lanyard attachment point. I really appreciate the attention to detail, such as the molded openings around the d-pad and face buttons that make them easy to manipulate. The graduated opening ensures ultimate protection and covers as much of the device as possible, but since the plastic sits very close to the face instead of coming up close to the buttons, you won’t pinch your fingers.

The clear plastic design is stylish, and does a great job of showcasing both the GB Micro and the interchangeable faceplates that are available from third party vendors such as Pelican. Unfortunately this case does not close anywhere near as securely as the others I have tested, and I’m concerned about it popping open if you just toss it into a gear bag or if it accidentally is dropped to the floor. This is rather ironic, considering that I have “complained” a bit about some of Boxwave’s other Active Cases being difficult to open. I think that the design could be improved greatly by the use of a stiffer hinge, and also by using a longer closure pin on each side. As it is, the plastic nub doesn’t extend very far into the bottom of the case when you close the hinge.

I really want to love this case—I’ve been looking forward to it for a long while, and I practically begged the good folks over at Boxwave to make one because I was disappointed with all of the other GB Micro case options available out there. I certainly hope that they’ll take my suggestions and implement them to improve this case. If only it closed a bit more securely, it would easily earn a “5 goddess” rating, if not a Perfect 10. As it is, the bargain price of $12.95 might make it suitable for you if you’re more concerned about preventing scratches and showing off your GB Micro than you are about protecting it from more rugged abuse, and if you plan to put it in your pocket (where it won’t come open) instead of storing it loose in a gear bag. You can get one at the Boxwave online store.

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