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Explorer Starter Kit
Score: 80%
Developer: Power A
Device Type: Accessory


Function:

Power A's Explorer Starter Kit for the Nintendo 3DS is a grab bag containing licensed accessory staples of portable gaming. It has the mandatory protective case for storage, a pair of styluses and screen protectors, a cleaning cloth, and a car adaptor. This package, which MSRPs for $29.99, doesn't try to be everything to every 3DS owner, but it tries its best to be. Whether or not it comes close depends on what kind of gamer you are, but if you embrace the buzzphrase "portable gaming" and like to play on the safe side, you could do a lot worse than the Explorer Starter Kit.

If you've invested in a starter kit for any of the portable gaming devices of the present or the past, nothing in this package will surprise you -- nor will the fact that most of these components carry out their functions well enough to warrant a recommendation.


Performance:

I only know of one component of the Explorer Starter Kit that really performs in the literal sense of the word. Of course, I'm referring to the ear buds. They're functional, but slightly uncomfortable. Additionally, they boast about as much sound quality as you'd expect for an individual component of a $30 package. Everything comes across as muffled, which makes it sound as if your 3DS (or other audio device) is actually in another room, rather than in your hands. If you really enjoy exploring each musical experience to the fullest, these are not the buds you should expect to deliver that.

Everything else that comes with the Explorer Starter Kit carries out its function well enough to the point where nobody can lob accusations of false advertising. Naturally, we would only hope that the included car adapter actually delivers a charge to the Nintendo 3DS -- and to nobody's surprise, it does. The collapsable styluses are virtually identical to the ones included in the original 3DS packaging, which is a definite plus. The included cleaning cloth should appeal to the perfectionists, and the screen protectors should (at least temporarily) provide protection to both screens from the abuse they will undoubtedly receive from the younger demographic. The carrying case looks nice, but is a bit too large for comfort. Furthermore, the spot for the 3DS is a bit on the snug side and the only access point poses a scratch risk with its proximity to the zipper. But, as long as the 3DS is in careful enough hands, this shouldn't be too much of a problem.


Features:
  • Ear Buds
  • Protective Case
  • Car Adaptor
  • 2 Retractable Styluses
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • 2 Screen Protectors

Drawbacks & Problems::

The Explorer Starter Kit doesn't really have anything wrong with it. The components included are great for any Nintendo 3DS owner; the case, styluses, screen protectors, ear buds, and car adaptor all work just fine on their own. I don't have any complaints, but if I had to come up with just one, it would have to do with the three game storage slots in the case. The three slots occupy one side of a special flap. Nothing's on the other side, and even if I wanted to store some other accessories underneath it, I wish they would have added a few more storage slots on the bottom. It's not a dealbreaker, but the option would have been nice; after all, I don't know a single gamer over 18 who doesn't own more than three games for each owned platform.

The Explorer Starter Kit is an economical starting point for the Nintendo 3DS accessorizer. It's better than the sum of its parts, especially when the $29.99 price point is called into question. None of the components are particularly impressive, but there are a lot of goodies in this package. In the end, the Explorer Starter Kit isn't for everyone; only gamers who are constantly on the go need apply.


-FenixDown, GameVortex Communications
AKA Jon Carlos

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