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V.I.P. Case
Score: 78%
Developer: Thrustmaster
Device Type: Accessory


Function:

The Thrustmaster V.I.P. Case is designed to not only keep your PS Vita safe and secure, but to do so in a stylish manner with a "design directly inspired by the world of fashion."

While I'm not too up on fashion in general, I will say the look of the V.I.P. Case is slick and eye catching. The clamshell design features a matt-black surface with silver edging where the two sides meet. The top of the case has the PlayStation and PS Vita logos in raised lettering. The shell of the case seems tough, but also feels like it could crack if pressure is applied in the wrong way.

As for the inside of the case, a fabric lining keeps your handheld system from getting scratched up. The precise shape of the interior of the case keeps it from sliding around too much and a couple of raised sections inside the lid hold the Vita to the bottom of the case. The only other detail worth mentioning is a piece of fabric attached to the bottom of the case's interior that makes it easy to pull the system out much like you would find in a battery compartment.


Performance:

In general, the V.I.P. Case does everything it claims to do. The shell seems tough and it keeps your Vita secure and scratch-free apparently befitting current fashion trends.

One detail the V.I.P. Case's box proclaims is that it does not interfere with the various signals that come from and are sent to your handheld. Based on my testing, all of the signals seem to pass right through the case and into/out of the Vita without any problems. My one concern though was heat, but I will get to that later.


Features:
  • Protective Hard Shell
  • Inner Molded Anti-Scratch Felt
  • Automatic Closing System
  • Design Directly Inspired by The World of Fashion
  • Tested to Not Interfere with PS VIta Wireless Features

Drawbacks & Problems::

The Thrustmaster V.I.P. Case doesn't sport slots to hold your Vita game cartridges, but the design sacrificed that extra space for a sleeker and smaller appearance. Not that there is anything wrong with that, just don't expect a way to carry more than the game you already have loaded up. That being said, since Sony seems to be really pushing the digital-download route, this might not be a problem at all.

I will say though, I have some serious concerns around the case's actual strength. While it seems to have no problem shirking off short drops where it lands flat, or even on edge, the center of the top and bottom halves feel very weak and flexible. It really seems like a drop on a corner, or some other way to cause a point-of-impression instead of something that will spread out more evenly, will cause a crack or even a shatterpoint in the case.

The final worry point I had with this product was the heat generated by the Vita if it is left on while the case was closed. The V.I.P. Case doesn't contain any venting or heat management and I found that there was a noticeable amount of heat buildup if left alone for even a few minutes. Basically, if you are going to use this case, then make sure you turn it off, or at least put it to sleep before putting it in the case.

Overall, the Thrustmaster V.I.P. Case isn't bad for a low-profile case for your Vita ... that is, it would be low profile if it wasn't for the logo emblazoned on the top of it. Unlike other cases, it does have a hard shell, but it isn't super big and unwieldy. In the end, the V.I.P. Case is a good middle-of-the-road product that will fit some people's needs over others. Personally, I think I'm sticking to the soft-sided case that came with my Vita Starter Kit.


-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications
AKA Chris Meyer

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