Power Pak +
Score: 80% Developer: Nyko Device Type: Power
Function: Power Pak + is a replacement battery for the Nintedo 3DS. While there have been a few issues voiced about the new handheld, none have quite been so aggravating as the device's battery life. While you can change various settings like the 3D depth, screen brightness and wireless to increase the original battery's life, it is much to the sacrifice of the gameplay experience. That's where Nyko's Power Pak + comes in. With the use of the included screwdriver, you will take off the back panel of your 3DS and remove the old battery. The new battery actually spans the entire backside of the 3DS and plugs in to the same spot as your old battery. As a result, the Power Pak + replaces both the battery and the system's back panel. The new battery's beveled design makes the 3DS look like it is standing on a small pedestal, or in the proper lighting conditions, it can even look like it is floating a bit. The rubberized grip isn't as susceptible to scratches as the old back was, so you don't have to worry as much about setting it down on unfamiliar surfaces, but while the new battery pack probably blends rather well with the black 3DS, it definitely stands out on my aqua version.
Performance: Of course, with any battery, and Nyko's Power Pak + is no exception, the question is how long will it last. With my old battery, I could get anywhere from three hours to five hours of life depending on the various settings I would play with. Mind you, Nyko claims the Power Pak + will double your battery life. While I never got to a full 10 hours out of the new battery, I did find it would last easily into the seven to eight hour range. I tried being as consistent as possible with my testing. I would stick to one game, Super Monkey Ball 3D, and see how long both batteries would last without the 3D turned on and the wireless turned off, and then again with all the bells and whistles of the 3DS turned up. I got a variety of results, and while I couldn't simply leave the games up and running constantly during my testing periods, I tried to minimize the hibernation time in all cases in order to be as accurate as possible. I found pretty much what I had expected. While neither battery performed any better, relatively speaking, than the other in the various setups, the Nyko replacement battery lasted longer. In other words, besides the extra cells in the Power Pak + that allow it to simply go further between charges, the amount of time between each battery's death with everything turned up and with everything turned down were basically the same. In the end though, I found it very satisfying that the new battery, with everything turned on, could consistently get to the old battery's life with everything in "power save" mode. So if nothing else, the Power Pak + lets you enjoy the full gaming experience as long as the old battery let you go with only the minimal of power usage possible.
Features: Double the Capacity and Play Time of the Original 3DS Battery Soft Feel Surface and De-bossed Finger Rest Allow for Improved Control and Comfortable Play Includes Mini Screwdriver for Easy Installation Works with the Nyko Charge Base for Convenient Drop and Charge Feature Compatible with the Original Nintendo Power Adaptor CE and EL Ccertified High Quality Lithium Polymer Battery
Drawbacks & Problems:: I can only think of a couple of issues I can bring up concerning the Power Pak +. A minor one is the extra thickness the battery adds to the 3DS. While it isn't much at all, it does make the system something you can't as easily slip into a pair of jeans pockets. While the 3DS doesn't quite meet the length and width sizes of the original Nintendo DS, the new handheld with the Power Pak + does match that device in thickness. The only other issue I have is that the battery pack doesn't fit into the cradle that comes with the system. Nyko does offer a bundle of the Power Pak + and the Charge Base to rectify this problem, but for those who don't feel the need or desire to pay the extra money, you won't be able to simply set your 3DS down and let it start charging. At least the standard charging cable for the 3DS still works with the new battery. So, is the added weight and size worth the extra battery life? That all depends on your usage. While the 3DS generally doesn't fair well in long stints, it probably does an okay job for most people's daily commutes. If you do find your 3DS barely making the day though, then the Power Pak + will definitely help you. I personally found that I rarely dipped into the extra time the battery gave me, but I also liked the security of knowing that I could go on for a bit longer if necessary. I think the Power Pak +'s best use case is when you are getting ready to go on a long trip and you won't have the opportunity to charge the 3DS up along the way. Maybe the best bet, if you are the type that travels occasionally, is to pick up the battery and only pop it in when you plan on traveling. The installation is easy enough, and that should keep the extra battery nice and fresh for a long time.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
Related Links: Buy Nyko’s Power Pak + on Amazon Power Pak + Official Product Page Game Vortex’s Review of Super Monkey Ball 3D on the Nintendo 3DS
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