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Catalyst
Score: 87%
Developer: CM4
Device Type: Accessory


Function:

As I get older, I've become more careful with my electronics. When my parents were paying for something, it was indestructible. If the unthinkable happened, replacements weren't out of reach. Not that I had an endless supply of expensive gadgets when I was little, but welcome to the mindset of a kid.

Now that I'm paying for my own stuff, I finally understand the value of what I'm holding. To a kid, price isn't much; to someone paying, it is everything. Every device has to have a case before I even consider letting it leave my house, defeating the "portable" concept.

For my phone and iPad, finding a sleek case wasn't a problem. They're everywhere. With my 3DS, however, it is difficult to find a case that doesn't make the 3DS look like a toy. It is great for kids, but older players - especially those who bring their 3DS everywhere (how else are you going to play SpotPass games) - want a more elegant solution. Enter CM4's Catalyst.


Performance:

If you're going to test a product for durability and protection, you want to expose it to extremes. For us, the extreme was a trip to E3 2011. I took my 3DS-encased Catalyst everywhere during the trip. It went through the crowded show floor, rode the Los Angeles Metro and was my constant companion through my airport adventure home.

I was impressed at how well the Catalyst stood up to the trip's rigors. I think my 3DS even managed to come out of the event in better shape than most of the staff. The case held its grip under the constant stress of being pulled in and out of my bag's side-pocket several times a day (you know, every time I checked to see my latest SpotPass buddies). I was a little worried one of the pieces might come loose, but it is a nice, tight grip.

Installation is an easy slip-on and takes under five minutes. Removing the case takes a little longer, but you want that from a case. If it's easy to remove, it is not that great for protection, is it?

The Catalyst's soft finish feels great in your hands. It is not leather, but from a distance it looks like it, giving the device a more sophisticated look. The fabric is, as far as I can tell, scratch resistant. In addition to surviving E3, I've also taken my 3DS out when I go for runs around the neighborhood (the pedometer function is great). Even though my 3DS has slipped out of my pocket twice, you wouldn't be able to tell it met the pavement. There's one smaller scratch, though it is only noticeable under the right lighting conditions.

The case adds a little extra to the 3DS's size, though I liked the added weight and grip. The natural bottom of the 3DS felt thin and a bit slippery, so the Catalyst adds just the right amount of grip. The extra form factor is just enough to offer protection, though I can still easily slip my 3DS into my pocket.


Features:
  • Fabric-Wrapped Aluminum Covers (Top and Bottom)
  • Modern Design
  • Improved Comfort and Grip
  • Two Screen Protectors

Drawbacks & Problems::

The Catalyst has few flaws, though they are big. With the case on the system, the 3DS no longer fits the 3DS charging dock. The added dimension the case adds is enough to keep the 3DS from fitting into the carriage. Even if you try to back the system into the device, avoiding the carriage's front lip, it is just out of reach of the metal pins.

Though not a major drawback -- you can still charge the 3DS without the dock -- it removes the ease of just dropping the system into the charger. Right now this isn't an issue, though based on some of the other 3DS peripherals I saw at E3, it might cause compatibility issues in the future. I can't think of a workaround, so it is a question of what is more important to you - nice looking protection for your 3DS or using the charging dock. The case comes off, so you are not stuck with it if you want to use a dock-like device in the future.

Another slightly more aggravating problem are the screen protectors. Application is easy, though the screen protectors are too sticky. Even following the application instructions and after thoroughly cleaning the screen surface, I had a hard time getting it to apply without seeing bumps and air pockets. When I removed the protector for another go, it was hard to get it clean enough to allow for a cleaner application.

The screen protector issues were a small issue in an otherwise great case solution. It feels and looks great, making it a great solution for anyone in the market for sturdy 3DS case that also doesn't look like it came out of Pee-Wee's Playhouse.


-Starscream, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ricky Tucker

Related Links:



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Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated