|
Welcome to NSports, if we feel that you as a sports fan will be interested in a game or peripheral, we will give it coverage right here on NSports. If you enjoy other genres of games in addition to sports, then be sure to visit NAdventures and NShooters in order to get your fill of gaming content. Check out http://hub.ngenres.com for the highlight stories from each genre.
- |
|
|
Editorials 
Phat Pack XL Reviewed!
- By Mike
Ryan [Senior Editor]
If you or someone you know recently received a Game Boy Advance, but have no accessories for it, then pay close attention. The Phat Pack contains almost everything a handheld gamer could possibly ask for – and then some. Here is what is included in the Phat Pack:
Carrying Case
Home Power AC Adapter
Road Power Car Adapter
GBA-to-GBA Link
Trap Light
Earphones
Whew. That’s a lot of stuff, but because I care, here’s a more detailed explanation of each accessory:
Carrying Case
The carrying case is pretty much a cut-and-dry canvas carrying case. It is top loading, which will store pretty much all your accessories. All the accessories that come with the Phat Pack will fit in the carrying case, but it’s quite a squeeze. Not to mention the fact that there are wires sticking out every which way. But if a big entanglement of wires doesn’t offend you, you should have no issues. Games, as far as I can tell, are stored in a Velcro-sealed pocket directly on top of the carrying case. Below is a detachable (via zipper) case specifically for the GBA itself. So if you want to take just your GBA, you have a means of protection. Also included on the carrying case are an adjustable strap and belt loop. Both make for easier carry ability.
Home Power
The AC adapter works like a charm. Just plug it in and you’re playing. Even better, the battery pack is shaped just like the Game Boy Advance battery cover, so there isn’t any bulkiness, like with many other battery packs. The only downside is that it has to remain plugged in at all times. There is no battery back up, so you can’t take it with you.
Road Power
The car adapter also presents no problems. It works the same way as the Home Power, but instead of plugging into your electrical outlet, the adapter works via your car’s cigarette lighter (as if you didn’t know already). I did not experience any problems playing my GBA in the car, but it was quite a task trying to get the best match up of djinn on Golden Sun and going 75 mph on I-294 at the same time. What makes the Road Power even more enjoyable is that two GBAs can hook up to it at the same time. If you and a friend are battling it out in Madden 2003 or Tetris, neither of you need to worry about wasting batteries.
Links
Unfortunately, my friends are too cheap to buy their own Game Boy Advances, so I was unable to test out the link. Included in the Phat Pack is a link that allows you to enjoy multiplayer with another gamer. The included multiplayer cable is for 2 players. If another friend wants to join in, he or she would have to bring his or her own link cable.
Trap Light
Definitely the worst accessory in the lot, the Trap Light just adds fuel to the fire that the GBA should have been backlit. But that’s not saying that Radica didn’t make a valiant effort. It’s just that there has never been a GBA light that has not created some type of glare. The Trap Light is certainly no exception. This accessory snaps on the GBA (yes, just like a trap), and on each side are adjustable lamps, which provide some kind of illumination, but not without its problems. If you wish to light up the middle of your GBA screen, the ever-present glare is the result. If you do not want the glare, then you can illuminate the left and right sides of the screen, leaving the middle somewhat darkened. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a middle ground. The other problem with the Trap Light is that it is battery powered only. While this is not a huge deal, it would have been nice to have it compatible with the power supplies. Heed my warning – avoid this trap (you all knew I’d throw some kind of pun in there).
Earphones
Little earphones that you can purchase pretty much everywhere. That’s it. They work fine, no problems. I wish there was more that I could say, but come on – they’re EARPHONES!
Overall
The Phat Pack is a must have for anyone who has a Game Boy Advance and no accessories. It also makes for a perfect gift for that special someone who will soon be an owner of the handheld. It’s affordable, and with the exception of the Trap Light, worth every penny. You can always use the Sun for your light source – you need the fresh air anyway.
Agree with what I'm saying? Disagree? Let us know your thoughts on this issue in our mail bag. The views of Mike Ryan are not necessarily the views of NGenres.com or its affiliates.
|
 |
|
|
