PSP World

Krusell Gamic Multidapt

We’ve reviewed several leather cases for the PSP, and they’ve more or less had the same PDA-style design. Strangely enough, one of the first original designs we see comes in the Gamic Multidapt PSP case from Krusell, who is known for its PDA cases. The case is made of leather, and is compatible with more than 10 different Multidapt clips.

The first thing you will notice about the case is its unique design. A large leather flap comes down over the screen when closed, but all the other buttons and ports are left exposed. In this regard, the case is a lot more like a silicone case with a screen cover than one made of leather. In fact, the flap that covers the screen can be completely removed, leaving the UMD door exposed as well.

This functionality is made possible by the plastic protective screen cover that is sewn into the inner part of the case. The protective flap also provides storage for an extra UMD and two Memory Stick Duos. Inserting and removing the PSP from the case involves unbuttoning a small strap on the right side of the case. Once undone, the PSP slides into the case from the right. The fit and feel of the case is nice, and the user can access all the PSP’s ports.

Unfortunately, that fit and feel go sour once the user starts to play games. The leather surrounding the analog stick, d-pad, and action buttons is simply too thick. If a game is being played where only hitting one button at a time is normal, this is fine, but for most other games it’s simply not acceptable. Take for example Wipeout Pure — keeping my thumb on the “x” button throughout just a few races left my thumb sore from rubbing against the leather.

As far as protection goes, this case is really a mixed bag. The protection for the screen is very good, as is the protection for the back when the flap is attached. Unfortunately, the fact that all the rest of the buttons and ports are left exposed leaves open the possibility for scratches and dings from short drops. That said, we do think there is enough leather on the sides to prevent any internal or functional damage in the case of a drop on one of the sides.

Also worthy of mention is Krusell’s Multidapt system. The system consists of a universal plate that is sewn into the back portion of the removable flap. Even though it is removable, the entire thing stays secure to the rest of the case when it’s attached, which is crucial for the system to work. Making use of the universal plate, the included spring clip and swivel clip offer different ways to connect the case to a bag, or belt. Other accessories that make use of the universal plate are available and allow the case to be attached in cars, to bikes, etc. It really is nice to have a system this versatile come with the case.

Overall, the Krusell Gamic Multidapt PSP Case is a decent effort to try and make a case that offers the best of both typical PDA-leather cases and silicone cases. They came really close, and the Multidapt system is really a neat option to have. Unfortunately, the thick leather around the playing buttons just overwhelms these good points. Yes, it is a nice case made of quality materials. It is good looking as well, but if the PSP isn’t playable while it’s in there, there’s really no advantage to this over a completely closed case.