Catalyst Slim Cover for Nintendo DSi Score: 89% Developer: CM4 Device Type: Accessory

Function: The Catalyst Slim Cover for Nintendo DSi is a clean and slick looking case for your DSi that will both protect it and give it a new look. It is meant to stay on the DSI and to give it minimal protection, but not to necessarily protect it against dropping it or abuse.

Performance: For starters, the case itself for the Catalyst Slim Cover is very easy to install. However, there are protective clear screen protectors for both screens of the DSI and these aren't quite as easy to apply perfectly. Apparently, the two screens of the DSi are slightly different in size, something I didn't know until I tried to apply the screen protectors. Since they aren't labeled, I put the one that was slightly larger on the smaller screen and then had to remove it to place it on the correct screen. Also, as soon as you pull the tab to remove the first adhesive cover, the screen protector immediately clings to the screen, so it is easy to get small bubbles under the protector. Then you pull the last tab off and finally, it's simply a matter of popping the two case cover pieces onto the respective sides of the DSi. Once the case is in place, it doesn't get in the way at all. There are appropriate cutouts for the earphone jack, the camera, stylus, SD card, volume control, Left and Right Triggers, plus the power jack. There is also a velvety black fabric on the inside of each of the two case cover pieces to protect your DSi from the aluminum frame construction. Although the leatherette appears to have been glued to the frame using some sort of adhesive, the construction appears quite good and it doesn't look like it will peel up on the edges any time soon. Plus, it has a very soft and supple feel to the fabric that could easily be mistaken for actual leather.

Features: Sleek Contours Simple Aesthetics Improved Comfort and Grip Optimized for Button Access Sturdy Machine Stamped Aluminum Frame Soft Touch Fabric

Drawbacks & Problems:: Aside from the slight difficulty in placing the screen protectors and the fact that they aren't labeled (just test them out on the respective screens prior to removing the adhesive tab placing them down), the only other thing that I can see being a problem with the Catalyst Slim Cover is the color. The unit I reviewed was dark grey in color and made my aqua blue DSi look somewhat somber. There's also a black option, but since the majority of DSis are bright colors, or at least not black and grey, I am just not crazy about the way the cover looks. I actually think I'd really like it if it was in the same high quality synthetic leather, but in the same color as my DSi. That way, my DSi would be protected and slick looking, almost like it was wearing its very own little matching leather jacket, but it wouldn't clash with the primary color of my DSi. Aside from that, I have no complaints. If you are looking for a protective cover for your DSi and you want something a little more grown-up and executive looking, then you probably don't have a bright blue DSi to begin with and the black or grey leather-looking cover will be just perfect for you.

-Psibabe, GameVortex Communications AKA Ashley Perkins

Related Links: CM4's Official Website Game Vortex's coverage of CM4 at E3 2010