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Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case review: Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case

Encase your PSP in this tough polycarbonate shell. Its flip up lid even allows you access to all of the PSP's functions without having to take the unit out of the case.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
See full bio
David Carnoy
2 min read

Sure, your Sony PSP comes with a neoprene slipcover case that does an adequate job of protecting your investment. But if you're among those looking for a little more protection, you might have your eye on a hardcase option such as Logitech's inexpensive PlayGear Pocket.

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Logitech PlayGear Pocket Case

The Good

Inexpensive. Doesn't add to much bulk to the PSP. Helps improve ergonomics while playing games.

The Bad

No room for storing UMD games.

The Bottom Line

Logitech's PlayGear Pocket may be a simple, inexpensive protective case for your PSP -- but it's also one of the best.

This simple yet sleek case is made of hard, clear plastic, but it's lined with firm, black foam rubber, so it appears to be predominantly black. For creative types, the good news is the rubber lining slips out, allowing you to slide your own artwork between the plastic and the foam, thereby customising the look of the case. That's why Logitech describes the product as skinnable.

Your Sony PSP fits snuggly inside the PlayGear Pocket, and because there are cutouts in the plastic, you can plug your headphones in as well as charge the unit while it remains in the case. In fact, you'll probably remove your PSP only when you're swapping in a new game (or memory card) or transferring files via the USB port. That's right: the PlayGear Pocket is designed to be attached to your PSP while you're playing games. And what's interesting is that, by essentially widening your Sony PSP, it seems to make the PSP more ergonomic, particularly when it comes to repetitive use of the shoulder buttons. Another bonus: the top of the case folds down, effectively turning the case into a stand or an easel for viewing movies or videos.

The PlayGear Pocket has only a couple of small downsides. The first is that it doesn't offer any place to store UMD games. For that, you'll have to step up to the much bulkier PlayGear Street. The other minor downside is that over time the case will get scratched up. For many, that won't matter. Bottom line: the PlayGear Pocket is an excellent option for both protecting your investment and making it more comfortable to play with.