Noreve Tradition Leather Case Review

As we mentioned in a previous review, most of the leather cases produced for the PSP thus far have been a PDA-style design. The Tradition Leather Case for PSP from Noreve doesn’t exactly buck this trend, but it definitely has some interesting features to offer. From (mostly) protecting the sides of the PSP to a snap-up enclosure to allow for access to the UMD door, this is definitely a different case.

The first thing you will notice about the Tradition once opening the box is the quality of the leather. It is soft, yet not to the point that tears become an instant fear. The snap closing the case is also one of the strongest we have tested, giving reassurance to those who will be carrying this around in their pocket or bag. The design provides storage for two Memory Stick Duos and an extra UMD, although the Memory Stick storage is above the screen, which leaves it susceptible to scratching.

The PSP itself slides into its leather holder from the top. This holder completely protects the bottom and sides except for the headphone and power jacks, the Wi-Fi and power switches, and the shoulder buttons — in fact, due to the top-loading design the top is left mostly exposed when the case is open. When closed, only the shoulder buttons are exposed on the top, and the sleeve offers the same side and bottom coverage as when the case is open.

The Tradition is one of the most comfortable cases we’ve encountered while playing the PSP inside the case — it opens towards the back of the PSP, and the velvet interior feels great against your hands while holding it. Also, all the buttons are completely legible and accessible, allowing for complete movement of the analog stick as well. The fit of the case is also excellent, leaving the PSP feeling snug and secure inside the case whether open for play or closed for travel.

All of the previous leather cases that featured a PDA-style design had left the sides of of the PSP woefully exposed — a problem that is happily alleviated with this design. The leather is of first-rate quality, and the snap-up enclosure provides not only convenience but room for accessible storage, something many of its competitors lack. The price may put many people off, but protection and class like this doesn’t come cheap.