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| Travel Pack |
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Function:Although the name doesn't sound too exciting, Mad Catz threw in everything but the kitchen sink for this device, the Game Boy Color Travel Pack. This, just like the name says, is a place to put your GBC when you hit the road. But wait, there's more. In this package, we find the makings of what I call a Game Boy 'conversion' kit. It's like a makeover, or something. You get your magnifier and light; you get a better speaker; you get improved controls for the D-Pad and buttons; you get a link cable; you get an adapter. And, there's even a set of handles that clip on to make the GBC feel more like a console controller. It all (sort of) fits into the case this Travel Pack includes, and then it's off to the races for you and GBC! The case itself has plenty of little pockets and dividers for storing games and all this hardware and a strap for toting. |
| Performance:Coming from my last GBC case, which really was a case and nothing more, I can't quite believe how much stuff Mad Catz threw in here. We all know there's a light problem, so the magnifying light is a nice solution. It, like the speaker amplifying device, require AAA batteries. The light and speaker make a good combination, and fit together nicely. The remaining hardware pieces are the controller sticks and the extension devices for D-Pad and button control. The sticks are pretty wild, because they slot into the GBC and fit where the battery compartment is. They can be recharged and used alone, or plugged in for play with the included adapter. Extending the button controls is nice, and although it bulks up the GBC, extra control in some games really helps. Link cable and adapter use should be fairly obvious to most folks by now. |
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Features:
- Sturdy carry-case for Game Boy Color and games
- Velcro inserts allow for custom compartments
- Carrying strap and handle
- Mesh pockets for games, manuals or batteries
- Hardware with case includes:
- Magnifying light (battery powered)
- Speaker amplifier (battery powered)
- Extension controller sticks
- Extension button and D-Pad controls
- Multi-Link Cable and Adapter
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Drawbacks & Problems::Maybe it's obvious, but these modifications can make GBC less than portable. But the sheer novelty of this stuff will win most people over. I did notice that not all the stuff fit very well inside the case, and that's not very cool. It all 'goes in,' but with a far-from-perfect fit. Although the devices themselves feel solid, I was surprised they don't all work together. Basically, only certain combinations are possible. The speaker doesn't work with the control sticks, or with the button extenders. Plus, although it's louder than the GBC speaker, my amplifier was scratchy-sounding and almost impossible to bear. With everything else done well, these speakers seem like a last-minute addition. If the sound feature is really important for you, the Travel Pack will disappoint. For me, the whole package is so appealing and cool that I didn't care too much about the amplifier. The Travel Pack still ends up as a piece of hardware with 7 nice features and 1 disposable item. Good odds in my book, and worth a serious look if your carry-case is starting to look a little bland. |
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-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock |
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