Gamertell

Both DS and PSP units have that familiar little spot on them. You know, the one that lets you attach on a strap or some kind of decorative accent. It’s a nice feature to take advantage of. Especially since supposedly temporary decorations (like stickers, appliques or skins) can occasionally become semi-permanent fixtures to the outer casing.

So this week, Important Importables is looking at some stylish and functional accessory options. While most of the items in this week’s column are imports and out of stock, you can find similar items either online or in a store near you.

Style

Audition Portable charm
Type: large charm
Cost: This charm came in a set, but you should be able to find similar size charms for between $7 and $10.
Availability: This particular charm was only available in the PSP Audition Portable limited edition box. If you search at Strapya World, you may find something similar.
Durability: I was apprehensive about the design on the strap, since it’s a light color. The design is applied in such a way that it can’t be scratched or worn off. I do worry sometimes about the strap portion, which is stretchy elastic. I’m afraid it may snap, but it’s been a year and a half and it’s still as strong as the day I got it, so maybe I’m just worrying over nothing.
Convenience: This charm can almost be used as a strap. Many times I’ve used it as an impromptu strap, using it to pull my PSP out of its case or my purse. It’s very large and distinctive as well, so it is very easily spotted in a purse or bag.
How recognizable is this particular item? Only Nexon fans will know where this charm is from, and even they might be stumped.

Animal Crossing: Wild World Kaitlin and Katie charms
Type: tiny charm.
Cost: These cost $1 each from one of those gumball/toy/gashapon machines, and it took me $6 to get both Kaitlin and Katie since it was random. Expect to spend between $1 to $5 on charms this size.
Availability: Random. You never know what kind of charm you’ll see in one of those toy machines. Plus, if you search online, you never know what kind will be in stock. Play-Asia and Strapya are two possible online resources for charms like these.
Durability: They’re adorable, but also very fragile. The metal connectors aren’t that sturdy. The characters’ paint can chip or have another color rub off onto it very easily. They’re tiny, so if they do ever fall off, your chances of reuniting Kaitlin and Katie are slim to none.
Convenience: They aren’t so much convenient as they are, well, cute.
How recognizable is this particular item? Animal Crossing fans may spot and recognize the characters immediately. However, the size of the charms and the fact that K.K., Blathers and Nook are really the series’ most recognizable characters mean that the significance may be lost.

Gothic Lolita Hello Kitty
Type: mid-sized charm.
Cost: That particular charm is out of stock, but Strapya World carries similar charms for $5 and up.
Availability: Special varieties of Hello Kitty charms are usually limited editions. If you want one, you’ll have to order it when you see it, or risk never seeing it again. You’ll also have to import 9 times out of 10 when it comes to more unusual charms.
Durability: It’s a sturdy strap that isn’t too big or too small. It also isn’t going to fall off easily or break. There is a downside - Hello Kitty, or any light colored charm, is going to get very dirty, very quickly. As you can see from the image on the right, Kitty has definitely seen better days. I’d suggest going with a charm of a similar size and quality that’s a darker color.
Convenience: It’s very recognizable, so you’ll know right away which DS is yours. You may also receive compliments.
How recognizable is this particular item? Who doesn’t know Hello Kitty? She’s everywhere!

Substance

Nintendo Wrist Strap
Type: A short, black strap
Cost: Free with the original DS, $3.95 at the Nintendo Online Store.
Availability: Originally, it was easy to find. Every original DS (aka DS phat) came with one. Now you can only find it on eBay or online through Nintendo.
Durability: Very. I purchased a DS phat on the day it launched. That strap stayed with me in mint condition on my original DS, and now is still in the same, perfect condition on my DS Lite. The white Nintendo lettering hasn’t even faded or gotten dirty. 
Convenience: It’s strong and long enough to grab at and yank your DS from the depths of a bag. It has a little nub at the end so you can use your thumb as a stylus. It’s affordable. I’m tempted to say it’s the perfect strap for a DS or PSP.
How recognizable is this particular item? The Nintendo logo is sure to catch anyone’s eye - especially if you decide to attach this to a PSP. Not that there’s anything wrong with that if you do. (I’ve done it before.) DS lite owners who didn’t get one for free may even be envious.

Basic Lanyard
Type: A long strap which would let you, if you so desired, wear your console around your neck.
Cost: Free (sometimes), but usually between $1-5
Availability: Pretty much everywhere. Event booths, conventions, dollar stores, online, etc…
Durability: It depends on what lanyard you get. Typically, they’re all fairly sturdy - even the free ones. Lighter colors will get dirty quicker, so keep that in mind if you get one.
Convenience: While it will make it easier to grab and dig a DS or PSP out of a bag or purse, that long strap of fabric is definitely going to get in your way. Unless you’re seriously thinking of wearing your handheld console around your neck (Note: I strongly suggest not wearing your DS or PSP around your neck.), go with something shorter.
How recognizable is this particular item? Depends on the lanyard. I know I have about five lying around the house, each with a different logo/brand/etc, but couldn’t find one to photograph for the purpose of this article.

Phoenix Wright/Gyakuten Saiban Screen Cleaning Strap - Edgeworth/Mizurugi
Type: Screen wiper.
Cost: $5.99, but it’s out of print. For $1 you can get Mario themed ones from gumball/toy/gashapon machines at some retail stores.
Availability: Game themed ones are available in limited releases, so if there’s a specific style you want and you see it in a store - get it then. There’s always one or two styles available, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a generic one.
Durability: It depends on how often you use it, what brand you get originally and what conditions it is placed under when tossed into a bag. My Phoenix Wright Edgeworth strap’s lasted a long time, but I don’t always have it attached and tend to be careful when storing my DS.
Convenience: I always thought the screen wipe was a nice idea in theory, but stunk in practice. The best it will do is brush some of the dust away. If you really want to remove a smudge, a napkin or one of those eyeglass cleaning clothes are better.
How recognizable is this particular item? DS owners will definitely recognize the character, but owners of other systems won’t.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables is all about Battle Royale. If you don’t miss a single installment of Important Importables, or want to know right away when the next column is up, then sign up for the Gamertell Newsletter and RSS feed.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables reviewed the GBA game Densetsu no Stafy.

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