Tiny Diggers – An iPad Construction Truck Game for Kids Age 2-5

As Fourhman pointed out in his DSi hands-on recently, the slight modifications in the design of the system, such as the port for the AC adapter, mean we’ll need to see a whole new batch of accessories for the device. Some of these accessories have begun to appear already, such as this case and jacket from Waterfield Designs. The case is nylon and leather, with space for six DS game cards and a spare stylus in addition to the DSi itself at a somewhat impressive $39 price point. I’ll be the first to point out that none of the DS cases I’ve owned (and there have been, oh, six) have had any sort of significant cow content, which would explain them coming in somewhat under this price point. The DSi suede jacket is a more compact affair, with an optional stretchy pocket. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of that one, but I found it amusing that the press release points out that it can be used as a screen cleaner. It’s technically Ultrasuede®, which is synthetic, so no cow there. Finally, there’s the happy feeling you get from buying a case that was made in San Francisco, USA. I’d look, but there’s no point, all my cases were most certainly made in China.

The question for products like these becomes, do we need a new DS case when the physical size of the DS and DSi is nearly identical? In fact, this picture here shows the DSi case with a DS Lite in it, perhaps because the picture was taken before the system was released. Well, that comes down to the “nearly.” If your case is one of those that you can play through, like one of mine is, then that’s not going to work at all with your DSi, because the layout on the face has been changed, right down to the size of the screens. If you’ve got one of the cases that the whole system just slips inside of, then you’re going to have to consider whether it’s just time for a nice new case like this one. You also have to consider whether you’re going to use your DSi as a music device, like an iPod. If you’re going to listen while it’s in the case, you’ll need access to that headphone jack. It’s in the same place as it is on the DS Lite, but it didn’t matter before. Does your current case let you access the wide end of your system? Several of mine don’t. Then there are people like my wife who buys new electronic device cases just because they see one on the clearance endcap at Target. I’ve been sticking with that ridiculous Psyclone briefcase thing which would probably stop a bullet for quite some time.

Check below for an image of the variant of the DSi Case with the cutout pattern and a press release covering these products.

WaterField Designs Unveils Two Protective Cases for the Discerning Nintendo DSi User

Protect your Nintendo DSi with WaterField Designs’ formfitting, compact DSi Cases

San Francisco, CA, April 10, 2009—WaterField Designs, a leading maker of bags and custom-fitted cases for digital gear, introduces two stylish cases to protect the Nintendo DSi. The slim, leather and nylon DSi Case holds the DSi itself, extra games, the stylus, and ear buds while the formfitting, Ultrasuede™ DSi Suede Jacket protects it from everyday bumps and scratches.

The DSi Case is constructed from sturdy ballistic nylon with a double-layer leather flap. A padded, lined interior protects the device from bumps and scratches. Under the flap are easy-to-access game pockets and a loop to hold an extra stylus. The back of the case has a zippered pocket for larger games and ear buds. An optional cutout design on the leather flap is reminiscent of Nintendo icons.

The minimalist, formfitting DSi Suede Jacket Case is made from soft Ultrasude®, and protects the DSi from bumps and scratches. It can also be used as a screen cleaner.

“We designed these cases for gamers who appreciate the combination of functionality and style,” explained Gary Waterfield, company founder. “They make great travel companions, and both can easily be stashed in backpacks, purses, briefcases, or WaterField’s Cargo, Cozmo, or VertiGo bags.”

Availability & Pricing

The DSi Case and DSi Suede Jacket Case are available now for pre-order and will ship the
week of April 13, 2009 the WaterField Designs on-line store www.sfbags.com.

The DSi Case weighs three ounces. Price: $39.00. Colors: Black on black, black on green, black on pink. The optional cutout flap design is available in the same colors.

The DSi Suede Jacket Case weighs less than one ounce. Price: $11.00; $15.00 with optional stretch pocket. Color: Black.

About WaterField Designs
WaterField Designs is a leading maker of distinctive, custom-fitted, cases and bags for digital gear. All products are manufactured locally in San Francisco. More information is available at http://www.sfbags.com/aboutus.htm.