There are many products that claims to protect your DSi.
But this one’s a bit different. It protects a bit more than just a thin layer of plastic, but also provide extra batter life. It also includes a extra USB wall charger with USB to Mini USB cable.
It’s TekCase for DSi from TeknoCreations.
From the picture, it looks like a heavy-duty armor for DSi. It probably is, compared to many other cases out there; this is the largest DSi protection case we’ve seen so far. It comes with two flavors; black and pink. Though we’re reviewing the TekCase for DSi, there’s also TekCase for DS Lite users so this review would apply on both DSi and DS Lite users.
It looks heavy, right? Surprisingly, it doesn’t add much weight than it looks. We expected lots more weight to it because TekCase for DSi includes extra batter on the bottom of case that extends DSi battery life almost three times. TeknoCreation advertises that it adds about 4 oz. Do we believe them? We sure do. Do we also test the products the way it should be? You bet. We used a traditional scale to measured the exact weight of TekCase. The result: a little less than 120 grams, which translates to about 4.1 oz, matching TeknoCreation’s advertising. Awesome to add protections and extra battery life for about 4 oz!
TekCase for DSi uses the polycarbonate shell, with glossy coating. It looks nice from some distance, but if you look closely enough with right angle, you might be able to catch the small scratches with fingerprints. It would bother some people, as we’ve seen people deducting scores from reviews for the fingerprints mark on the product, but for many of us it wouldn’t matter much. After all, you’re not carrying your DSi to show off its matte finish beauty; you bring it around to play games.
TekCase covers the bottom of DSi as well, so it would completely cover the stylus pen area. So how would you take them out? There’s a small button on the bottom that helps stylus pen to pop out. Because TekCase adds about a centimeter to the case, we were concerned about putting the stylus pen all the way back in, but it didn’t have any problem; we could put stylus pen back in just fine.
The case itself utilize the USB connectivity. The package comes with a USB wall charger with USB to USB Mini cable. We think it’s a welcome addition to the DSi because USB is very universal and easy to purchase from almost any electronic stores. You can also take advantage of any USB chargers that you already have, like car chargers and etc. The downside of using this case is that you will not be able to use the DSi power connection anymore once you install TekCase. It’s not really a negative, since USB is more widely use format.
If we have to pick another downside, it would be the size and an little extra weight, but for its protection and USB connectivity, many gamers would find this trade off a worthy one. Yes, it might add a centimeter or two here and there, but you would also feel more confident about bringing your DSi anywhere. Another thing concerned us a bit is when you uninstall the TekCase, it was a bit tight on the volume buttons. They are rubber and the pressure to the buttons can be easily fixed buy pushing them down while uninstalling. We actually uninstalled it couple of time before even noticing it so it’s not a problem but some of us are just extra careful.
Let’s face it; many of use play DSi more within our home. We play seating on our own comfortable sofa or a chair, or while doing business in the restroom. There are exceptions but even then, we don’t hold up DSi playing games while we walking or driving around the street.
The TekCase for DSi might not be a good addition if you’re looking for an absolute mobility to your DSi. But even then, adding a good amount of protection with almost three times the battery power for around $30, TekCase for DSi is a very smart investment to your DSi no matter how you look at it.
