Battery Grip
Score: 70% Developer: MadCatz
Function: Ask any GBA owner what their main complaints are about the system and you will usually get one of three responses; finding good lighting, batteries, and it's just a little too small. The Battery Grip is MadCatz solution to two of these problems. This device is an inexpensive add-on that not only replaces the need to buy batteries, but also makes the system more comfortable for those whose hands cramp up after long hours of gameplay.
Performance: Okay, at first I really was not a big fan of the Battery Grip. I mean, ask my roommate, I could not stand the thing. The hand grips are bulky and really not the most comfortable things to hold for long hours of gaming, and the position of the grip is a little too low, which makes pressing the shoulder buttons a hassle. However, as I played with it and adapted the way I hold the GBA to fit the device, I discovered I really like this thing. Now I find it hard to play without the it. The best way to describe the feel is to think of an oversized PlayStation Dual Shock. The Battery Grip snaps very snugly and easily into the battery port of the system. At first, I was a little skeptical of the decision to do this, mostly because of past experiences with devices that connected in this manner. It's usually just fine for just sitting around the house, but when I was in a bumpy situation, such as riding in a car, I would sometimes get this uneasy feeling that the system was loose and the grips were not getting a good connection to the system. I was expecting the same and was really surprised at how sturdy things turned out. I wouldn't suggest dropping it down the stairs to test how well it stays in, but there's no worry about it having that loose, creaky feeling. I was able to squeeze a good 12 hours out of the battery pack before having to recharge.
Features: Up to 12 hours of play per charge AC adapter Snug, tight fit into the system More grip space for big handed gamers
Drawbacks & Problems:: As I mentioned before, at first I really wasn't a fan of the Battery Grip. As a whole, it's really not that bad a device, but it's the little things that bothered me. First, after you get used to them, the handgrips are comfortable, but in the time it takes you to adapt your hand positions you will have many hours of wrist pains. The grips also feel like they are digging into you palms at times and will cause some discomfort. I also would have liked some kind of an indicator to let me know when the unit was finished charging. I found this a real annoyance because it just feels like a guessing game when you turn the GBA on and wonder, 'Is it charged all the way?' At times, I found myself not wanting to unplug the device from the wall because I wasn't sure if I had gotten a full charge. Since I have a clear version, I can easily see the actual cells, and cannot help to wonder if MadCatz couldn't have shifted them over just a little to add two more cells to get a longer battery charge. Traveling with the system can be a pain. The GBA isn't as portable when this device is in place, but it can easily be removed and put back on. If you're looking for a great gripping device, this is definitely one to think about. However, if you're looking for a battery device, you might want shop around before settling on this device.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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