For a complete carrying case solution, you will not find a finer product than WaterField’s All-in-One DS Lite Case. Its design hugs your handheld in a handsome (or elegant, whichever your persuasion) black pouch while providing a compartment for nearly every gaming supplement that you can think to bring along.

WaterField attacks and effectively eliminates the three concerns most potential buyers have when looking for an all-in-one DS case: Is it ugly? Does it have enough room for what I want to keep with me? Will it be able to protect my system from an extreme lifestyle of ninja-fighting and president’s-daughter-rescuing?

The black leather flap and ballistic nylon exterior leaves for few aesthetic complaints. The optional cutout patterns for the flap didn’t really catch my fancy, but the color alternatives for the inside layer–kiwi and pink–are inviting enough to lure you from the standard black. While it is small and attractive enough to fit in a woman’s clutch, Macho Men Randy Savages won’t feel emasculated carrying one around.

The case is too bulky to push into the back pocket of your jeans, but a jacket pocket will accommodate it just fine. The size is excusable considering that it not only has a sleeve for your DS Lite, but a sheathe for an extra stylus and three slots for DS game carts. Each pocket has a hole at the bottom where you can push the carts out with your thumb instead of pulling them out. All of the compartments keep a secure grip on their cargo.

On the back of the case, WaterField has built in a zippered pouch for other miscellaneous articles. The chamber is big enough to house a number of items: more stylii, screen cleaning cloths, GBA carts, Elebits, earbud headphones, Magic: The Gathering cards, or even a DS Lite charger. I preferred to stow a generic, plastic shell that holds six more DS games. My apologies for the blurry photo below.

As for its ability to shield your portable from nature’s wrath and general clumsiness, the case’s custom-fit interior is padded with a soft, scratch-free liner. The bottom corners of the leather flap fold over and hold in everything with two button snaps. Though nothing is left vulnerable, everything is accessible with minimal effort.

The only missing feature that I was left longing for was an opening that allows you to plug in the handheld’s charger cable without having to unfasten the case and take out the DS. Of course, this is a detail that is sorely absent with almost every carrying case, but it remains on my wishlist nonetheless.

Priced at $39 dollars, the case may seem too much to pay for if you’re seeking a simple system wallet for your travel needs. As an All-in-One that “gets it right” in terms of style, space, and security, WaterField’s case is a luxury item with a more-than-affordable cost.

WaterField’s Nintendo DS Lite Case product page

GoNintendo Review: WaterField All-in-One DS Lite Case

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