Review: Rocketcase Gameboy iPhone Case

It is well known that us here at Gadgetsteria love out iPhone cases. We get them by the boatload at our headquarters and we sift through them to separate the garbage from the post worthy. When I first saw the Rocketcases via a random image on the internet I had a wave of memories flow through me and knew right away that everyone out there would have to hear about these cases and all that Rocketcases has to offer.

Let me begin by reminding all of you that I am a kid of the 80s. Born in
’81, I grew up on the NES. If you recall after CES 2012, I made it home with a NES controller case for my iPhone 4S from Bodyguardz. When upgrading to the 5, this was the one case I missed and will own forever, even without having a phone it fits. So when I saw that there was another case manufacturer out there going strong and creating retro style cases for the nerd like me (and that trendy guy that has only ever played the PS3 but thinks he is cool), I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them.

I sent out a request for a review unit and couldn’t wait to see what would arrive. And then it came, a box marked from Rocketcases and I couldn’t wait to rip it open. I was sent two Gameboy style cases (white and black) and an the NES controller case you see above. Unfortunately the NES controller case was damaged in transit, so I can’t review that one for you (it was bent pretty bad) but the Gameboy cases definitely got a workout this past CES as both Mike and I rocked the everywhere we went.

“The original handheld is back!” This is what you’ll see when clicking on the Gameboy case on the Rocketcases website. This exact Gameboy replica is a soft rubber case that fits comfortably around your iPhone 4/4S or 5. This case will seriously make your iPhone look so friggin sexy. It is an absolute joy to have on your device. Not only will it protect your iPhone from scrapes, bumps and bruises, but it’ll seriously turn some heads when you are walking down the street rocking a Gameboy next to you hear.

We had a few people inquire about these cases while we were at CES. I’ve always worn my cases as thin and non-flashy as I could get. This is by far the first case I always wanted in my hands for all to see. It ships for the iPhone 5 in white and black, but you do have a few other options for your iPhone 4/4S. The case does add a little bulk to your iPhone, but that will be expected when you are recreating the greatest handheld gaming system known to man. That iconic screen, the buttons, everything people, this is seriously fun to look at.

Now, with every case, there is bound to be some downfalls, and even though this case is one of the funnest things ever to be draped on my sexy iPhone I still ran across a couple of issues. First off is because the rubber is so soft for this case, you’ll find that it unwraps itself from your device quite often. Both Mike and I, and even my wife over the past week has seen a few times when pulling it out of our pockets we had to re-apply a corner or two. In hand and in use this wasn’t an issue, it really only presented itself when we were pulling it out pockets. I’ve seen this with some of the softer cases around, just more so with these Gameboy cases. And since they are soft and rubbery, dust is attracted to them more so than I’d like to admit.

The cases do wrap around the iPhone to allow you to lay it flat without worry, and they offer great scratch protection to all sides of your iPhone. I wouldn’t recommend dropping these from too high, as the soft rubber wouldn’t really offer any shock resistant protection.

Overall, these cases are some of the most fun protecting your iPhone you’ll ever have. They look great and the nostalgia is the best part. Beware of all the creepy stares you’ll get when using these, but that is a small price to pay for using a Gameboy on the side of your face. Retailing for only $14.99, there is no reason you shouldn’t bring back to life the greatest handheld system of all time. We should be receiving another NES Controller here soon and we’ll be sure to review that and get that up for all of your jealous eyes to see.

Head on over to Rocketcase’s internetting site and get your 1980’s on!!!

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