Strong Box
Score: 100% Developer: Nyko
Function: I saw my first Game Boy on a road trip, and we all know there's no better way to kill some time during a big trip than some portable gaming. Cases for portables have ranged from big to small, but especially the smaller ones suffer from a lack of protection for your precious gaming investments. Larger soft cases have tended to be bulky and often seem to lack a good way to organize system hardware and game cartridges without leaving everything piled together. Small cases are nice for saving space, but don't give you room for peripherals. So, Nyko in its infinite wisdom has created the Strong Box for Game Boy and Game Boy Advance. This hard, plastic case is a great solution for people who want to combine maximum protection and storage. It stores multiple Game Boys or hardware and games, and doesn't take up a huge amount of room in the backpack or suitcase. In fact, this pseudo-suitcase for the GBC/GBA is so convincing, you may just throw a pair of socks and some rolled-up underwear in it along with your Game Boy and hit the road... ;)
Performance: The dimensions of the Strong Box are comparable to a standard lunchbox, but this case opens up to reveal a compartment system not unlike a fishing tackle box. Foam padding on the top and bottom of the inside lids really prevent components and cartridges from knocking around. Three compartments at the bottom of the Strong Box will hold either a complete GBC or GBA, and other peripherals could be stored in the empty spots. Three compartments on top in a removable plastic shelf are also sized to hold the system hardware, but could hold lights or larger, oddly shaped components. In a smart piece of design, Nyko put holes in the removable storage shelf so anything like a charger that might not fit neatly in a normal pocket can poke through the shelf into the space below. This really helps accommodate even the larger hardware like lights, chargers or anything else. Plus, various inserts let you further customize the layout of your stuff. The Strong Box shuts and locks, then totes with either a handle or carrying strap. The strap is not made to be taken off, and can either adjust to stay out of the way when you're carrying with the handle, or lengthened for use as a shoulder strap. Everything is molded in durable plastic, which both matches the Game Boy look and keeps the weight down. As it stands, the Strong Box probably weighs in between 1 and 2 pounds.
Features: Supports both Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance systems and hardware Hard plastic case protects games, hardware and GBA/GBC system Portable, 'lunchbox' design with handle and strap Foam padding inside case adds extra protection Adjustable inserts and removable tray let you customize the case Slide-locking mechanism to avoid spills or accidental opening
Drawbacks & Problems:: Really the only thing that could be a problem with this case is that it is plastic, and is subject to things like heat warping or breakage. Especially the small inserts could break or be lost, but that is mainly up to you and how you handle your toys. Durability seemed high, and I was lucky enough to get the Strong Box for a 1,500 mile road trip, so I put it through its paces! Happily, we survived with no complaints, and better still, my systems, games and hardware were all in great shape. If you want a small case for a backpack, this won't be for the right one to buy, but when packing suitcases or duffel bags on a trip and trying to keep your stuff from spreading all over the car, Nyko's Strong Box is great. Plus, it will even keep off the rain, making it ideal for camping, the beach or those 'great outdoors' moments. I know, that's not the 'right' time for videogames, but since when has that ever stopped you? ;)
-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock
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