HushTrap's Case -Review-

(french translation)

Brakken is back again brining you another quality review which is ISO-420 certified. I know I promised a review for the Mod That Cube FAQ, but due to certain circumstances I decided to release this review early. This time around I have gotten my hands on a replacement top for the GameCube made by www.gamecubecase.com and supplied by www.aheadgames.com (note: AHG is not longer selling these cases). I would like to add that this review is just not based on my experiences, but the experiences from some of the official resellers of the case and experiences from other users who have also received samples or purchased them.

As it's only a replacement case there isn't much too really review. Installation was a breeze as it should be seeing that it is only half a case to replace. After installation the case works about 75% of the time and as long as you're using lightweight media most full sized DVDR has no issues spinning.

Off Topic Note: Some GameCube laser assemblies do not spin up heavier full sized media fast enough to boot. I'm not sure if this is due to the motor wearing down or the quality of the assembly from the factory.

Positives

It installs really quick (as long as you don't have a DOL-101) and as promised full sized media works great!

Case uses much better plastic then the PS2 shells that this company makes as if you notice GameCubeCase has a small link to PS2 shells on their main page. These shells are also made by them and the plastic is very thin and cheap. Of course you get what you pay for.

Grooves have been added to each side of the inside of the case to easily pop out full sized media. These work well, but unless you're a little kid removing the disc requires you to pop it out by pressing down on the release trigger on the drive and using the side of your finger to remove the disc.

The handle is still present on the back for easy portability!

Negatives

Cases did not come with a free GameBit as advertised before launch. So this will require you to purchase something to open the Cube separately.

If you're using a DOL-101 you will have to find a razor or very sharp knife and cut parts of the case off to install it. There is no way around this, you must spend a while cutting various things inside the case.

Twenty five percent of the time when you try to open the lid with the button it will barely open and require you to use a tiny tool to pry open the case. This is annoying as I have to keep a small flat head screwdriver next to my Cube at all times.

The case itself isn't exactly square. When installing the case I noticed it did not align up correctly and to make it fit snug I had to use force to screw in only two of the GameBits. I left the other two out as the case was bending and popping as I screwed it in due to the fact it's not molded correctly.

Quality of the case doesn't match the original Cube shell, but comes close. You will notice a slight color difference and the finish of the case isn't as smooth to the touch. Also the case itself is lighter then the original shell as it's slightly thinner. I doubt this would be an issue if it was a complete replacement case, but seeing as you have to use the old bottom half of the shell you would think it should match.

There is no place for a normal jewel as you are required to use stickers instead. As of now the only sticker I know of available is the Hush Trap branded one. Due to the fact that people who like cosmetic mods like their jewels and like lighting them I doubt any of them will be purchasing one of these cases for modding.

Also missing is the semi clear plastic piece for the normal LED to shine through. This removes appeal and you will no longer know if your GameCube is turned on (unless you use the clear case.)

If you are using the clear case you are stuck with the original bottom shell and its color. Personally I think that this does not look good at all.

Conclusion

Due to the fact this is the only mass produced commercial solution out there it is hard to contrast its features (or lack of) with any other product. Also due to the fact that this is the only solution at the moment I would suggest that if you cannot wait a few more weeks for competitors cases to arrive that you go ahead and purchase one of these cases. It's like the same deal when the Viper itself came out as it's far from perfect, but the only viable solution.

Who the hell did the beta testing for this unit? You would think someone would of noticed it did not fit onto a DOL-101 or wasn't square? I'm telling you people (manufacturers) send me your products as I'll find the mistakes! I guess this is what you get from ordering products that are produced in cheap Chinese manufacturing plants.

All in all I am happy with this case, but will definitely replace it when I receive samples of the Xtender and Xecuter cases for review. As for the people who think that *all* people who receive free samples are sellouts I hope this goes to show that no matter what I am sent for free I will try my best to give a fair and honest review.

As for people who jumped on the bandwagon and purchased a case before it was reviewed I would suggest next time waiting a little while until making a decision. All in all it's only $20-$40 for the case so you can't really expect much. Personally I am the kind of guy who rather have a quality replacement and doesn't mind to pay for it, but I do understand the general consumer just wants a working solution no matter how cheap it may be.

-=[HushTrap's Case Review Discussion Thread]=-

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Product(s) were received from the website above. ISO-420 will always link back to whomever sent the product(s) *respect*, but please remember that the reviews are independently written by our staff and are not subject to alteration by whomever supplies us with the product(s).