RoboPower Rechargeable Unit
Score: 80% Developer: Logic 3
Function: The choices for external sound, lighting, and power sources for the Game Boy Advance are just about as diverse as ever. Products range from simple single device solutions to mass accessory hysteria. Logic 3's RoboPower Rechargeable Unit is an all-in-one solution that not only provides support for most GBA related flaws, but also puts a little bit of fun into the design of their contraption. The RoboPower comes ready to perform multiple accessory tasks such as magnification, stereo amplification, and illumination. All operation is done by the RoboPower's own rechargeable battery pack.
Performance: While not only touting support for gamers' pleas to enhance the GBA's gaming experience, Logic 3 takes it one more step. The RoboPower is designed to look like a miniature robot. Surely this is more of a ploy to engage the younger gamer, but it is fun. Suddenly the GBA can now transform from a gaming mechanism into a model-like robot toy. The recharging hot 'shoe', aptly named for it direct resemblance to a pair of feet, takes care replenishing the battery life in the product. When left to charge overnight, the GBA can remain on for continuous game play of up to 12 hours, even when the RoboPower's other features are enabled. Protruding from the top of the GBA are the speaker and light arm devices. The speakers attach directly on top of the GBA's accessory plug. By using the headphone output of the GBA's traditional speaker, the RoboPower amplifies the sound producing a quality that is significantly louder than the GBA's normal maximum level. A nice rich detail comes from the speakers allowing you to enjoy the quality sounds that the GBA is capable of producing. Adding a touch of originality, the light source for the RoboPower is actually produced by two pivoting floodlights. The lights can be individually positioned anywhere along the frame of the GBA to help alleviate glare and low-light situations. A white light emits strong streams of even light at an angle from the lights location. The lights can be turned off if no light is required for play. Attaching to the arms of the light is a removable magnification shield. This magnifier produces a magnification level of 150 percent, making the tiny details in Game Boy games more vivid and clear.
Features: Amplified Stereo Speaker Detachable 150 Percent Large Magnifier Adjustable Twin Light Arms Rechargeable Battery Pack Recharging Hot Shoe and AC Adapter Unique and Fun Robot-like Appearance
Drawbacks & Problems:: As with any accessory, the RoboPower has a bulk that some gamers prefer not to live with. The majority of its bulk, however, is in the speaker. The lights can be angled down to slim around the GBA's L and R button, so if you remove the speaker, which is possible since the speakers are a separate piece, the battery device and light source can remain on the system and still fit easily into small storage packs or pockets. However, this brings to mind another drawback. The device itself is actually broken down into four separate devices: the magnifier, speaker, light/battery, and adapter shoe. This is nice for those who don't necessarily want all of the functions simultaneously, however, it also makes the individual items more prone for loss or unintentional destruction. The magnifier especially needs special care and attention. Being only a small flexible sheet of thin coated plastic, it is very easy to get this scratched or broken. Similarly, I traditionally found that the lighting worked better when the magnifier was not attached. If the magnifier is attached, it hinders the movement of the two floodlights to static positions. Moving the lights around freely without the magnifier gives more optimal lighting. Lastly, because of the design of the shoe, you will not be able to use the adapter during game play. You'll need to get a good charge if you want to play for an extended period. It is possible to play with the shoe connected, however, keeping it attached and in a comfortable position to play simply goes beyond the design of the product. Surely Logic 3 meant for the charger only for charging and not as an alternate power source. Providing a new and fun look to some otherwise traditional portable gaming accessories, the RoboPower comes not without flaws. Younger gamers will appreciate the robot-like appearance of these accessories, and older gamers will still get great use out of these devices, especially the pivoting lighting. The RoboPower has none of the major 'ergonomic enhancements' so a gamer who likes the traditional Game Boy feel but wants powerful accessories should feel right at home with the RoboPower's use of design and substance.
-==Boy, GameVortex Communications AKA Kyle Prestenback
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