CM4 has created a snazzy case for DSi XL owners craving a little change in their gaming style. The Catalyst Slim Cover for the Nintendo DSi XL is a sturdy, aesthetically charged fabric wrapped aluminum case. While the case is a little expensive for what CM4 is offering, we believe it's a very viable option for those interested in upgrading the look and feel of their DSis.
It's worth noting that the actual aluminum base is malleable. This doesn't mean that CM4's cover will bend easily, though. It simply means that if, by chance, something happens to misshape the cover, a little bit of brute bending will have it back to its original form. Over the time Jason and I have been using the product, we tried hitting the case against more than a few objects, and we didn't hold back. We were both a bit surprised as to how well the form held up, as there wasn't much bending at all.
It should also be said that there are a few weaker, narrower points on one part of the cover. They're pretty simple to bend and may bend on accident, requiring a quick adjustment. Should the cover take substantial abuse on its own, especially to one of a few flimsier parts, it might become irreparably damaged, but the odds of this happening while it's on a DSI XL are slim-to-none.
By no means is CM4's DSi XL case going to protect your DS from major trauma, but that's not the intention of the product. Another important aspect worth noting is of the softer fabric lining the interior of the case. This greatly reduces scratching and tears to the actual DS from the case while it’s on—a very nice touch for a case product. From a few simple tests on use and durability, I believe CM4's DSi XL Catalyst Slim Cover will certainly keep its form and hold up well under normal use on the DSi XL.
Really, the deciding factor in CM4's DSi XL catalyst slim cover is an aesthetic one. From the package to the product, CM4 offers a clean, sleek display. It looks like a high-end, premium product. If the buyer is someone who enjoys a feel similar to that of leather, and likes a modern two-toned color scheme, CM4’s Catalyst is perfect. The tightly-wound fabric surrounding the case provides a slight grip that doesn’t tire the holder’s fingers while maintaining a smooth, comfortable feel.
The overall case almost completely avoids the gaudy, bulky features that similar products have in favor of smooth contours around shapes, like the DSi camera, and sides. It will eventually start to show wear-and-tear, but with a little care to your DS and the problem should be minimized. Even then, the Catalyst should age better than other products thanks to the fabric.
The Catalyst Slim Cover for Nintendo DSi XL retails for $29.99 and can be ordered directly from CM4's online shop and various retailers.
Jason R. co-wrote this article. If you've got any problems here, feel free to blame Jason for them.
I probably won't write a true full review on it, but Chris and Jason gave me the comparable DSi case. In short, I hate it.
It's bulky, ugly and it completely ruins the sleek form factor of the DSi for me. I'm not quite sure why someone would want to stick the thing in such a casing.
Honestly, while you are playing the system, there isn't a ton of concern with dropping it, and wear on the external case is unlikely. The most logical reason to have such a casing is for safe storage when not playing the system. In my opinion, if you want something to protect your DS system, grab a closed case for storage when you aren't playing your system.
This will eliminate any possible issues with dropping or pressure, and will keep the system looking nice. You can avoid the hideous casing the Catalyst provides, as well as the faux leather that will undoubtedly degrade over time.
See, this is a case where I disagree a little with Nick. I think the color and feel of the case can match up pretty well with some DSi or DSi XLs out there, and that while it might not be worth the $30 price tag, it merits consideration for those who think the coloring choice fit themselves and their DSis.
I always thought that a case is redundant on any DS considering that Nintendo build their systems like tanks and the clamshell design is very sturdy. Now the PSP on the other hand, that would be a more likely candidate for a case due to the exposed screen and its more prone to a lot of damage if its dropped.
I'd rather someone create a shell that gives the DS grips/handles which make it as comfortable as a controller. The DS is exponentially awkward to hold.
I'd rather someone create a shell that gives the DS grips/handles which make it as comfortable as a controller. The DS is exponentially awkward to hold.
My biggest problem with the DS is that the Dpad really hurts my thumb over long periods of play.
