Bag of Elegance

This DS Lite case is luxe, classy, and all that, but man, what a goofy name. The Nintendo DS Lite Bag of Elegance is made by GameRigs, and thanks to the 10 percent off accessories going on at Amazon through Jan. 10, the black leather version is priced at $22.49 rather than $24.99. (However, make sure you’re buying through Amazon itself to get the deal; other sellers dealing with Amazon aren’t offering the discount but do have more colors available.) The clutch comes in black leather, Fuschia, Fawn, Diamonds, Fox, Pink Leather and even Camoflage. Some versions are $17.99 or $16.19. The case has space for two games plus the console. It features a magnetic lock, belt loop and “golden” stylus.

Mini Folio

The Nintendo DS Mini Folio by BD&A is $8.99 on Amazon ($1 off) through Jan. 10, thanks to a 10 percent off Nintendo DS accessories sale. This looks like the same case that currently comes with the in-store Costco bundle, and it’s officially licensed by Nintendo. It fits the console snuggly with the help of an elastic band and has space for several games in its built-in pockets. Overall this is a nice, sturdy case that comes in pink as well as three other colors. One of the most attractive features of the case is that it is so compact, even while toting six game cartridges. Also, when closed the case looks a lot like a day planner, which may make it less conspicuous. It will also stand up on its side, like a book. On the down side, there’s no room for the charger, or to easily fit a large, character stylus. BD&A products are also available at Best Buy, GameStop, Target, Toys R Us and Wal-Mart.

G-Pak Nintendo DS case

Amazon’s 10 percent off Nintendo DS accessories deal is going on through Jan. 10, and the very cute and functional G-pak Organizer in Coral Pink is on sale for $17.99. The G-Pak is also on sale for $17.99 at Circuit City through Dec. 27. It’s about the size of a lunchbox and comes with repositionable Velcro inserts like a camera bag so you can fit components they way you’d like, or even accommodate a DS with Nerf Armor. The case is padded to protect the DS console and games and it’s made to fit to 30 DS games plus six Game Boy Advance cartridges. There’s room for AC and car chargers and perhaps some game manuals, plus a side pocket. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap.

Fifty Amazon customers have reviewed the G-Pak, which is made by Naki World and comes in other colors. It got an average 4.5 out of 5 stars. A few reviewers said the games were a bit of a tight squeeze, but there were few complaints overall.

Silver Pack

You can’t get much more girly and glam than this new Silver Pack from Thrustmaster. In fact, Thrustmaster’s marketing people are aiming it straight at women who love Bridget Jones and Sex in the City. From the press release: “These users not only want functionality such as protection for their gaming console, but also to remain glamorous and fashionable. Thrustmaster’s design team has come up with a gorgeous ‘designer’ accessory that will appeal to young and older females.”

I agree; it’s very glamorous, and if were going to take my DS to the club, I would definitely pry it out of the ugly Nerf Armor it’s in now and take it in this. The Silver Pack includes a stereo headset with its own powder compact-style mirrored case, a cleaning cloth (pink, of course), a car cigarette lighter charger and four game cartridge storage cases.

The Silver Bag alone is priced at $15.99, while the pack is $34.99.

Crocheted DS Cozy Pattern on Etsy

You know how cozy afghans are. Well, how about making a cozy crochet case for your Nintendo DS Lite? Crocheting is fun, fairly fast and not very hard once you learn a few basic stitches. If you want to try your hand at crocheting a case for your DS Lite, there are a handful of patterns to be found online. Even if you’re not an advanced crocheter, you can also experiment with your own design, doing something as simple as making rows of half double crochet stitches, perhaps with a size E or F hook, and then stitching the piece together to form a pocket or sleeve with a simple closure.

“Fruppi” crocheted a Nintendo DS Lite case for the Lion Yarn Challenge and even added little crocheted mushrooms. Super cute! You can see the results and pattern on Instructables. She included little pockets to hold DS games and there’s even a pattern for the mushroom.

There are several already-made, handcrafted crochet Nintendo DS cases available for purchase on Etsy, but one seller, celiaescuela, offers a crochet pattern for a DS Lite cozy (pictured). It’s $5 and comes in printable, PDF form. Her example is pink, with scalloped edges and flowers added to the closures.

Nerf Armor

I had dreams of blinging out my Nintendo DS Lite, adding shiny jewels, or maybe a cute Hello Kitty skin. Alas, I decided my 4-year-old son needed to be introduced to video games, and I decided I had to put safety first (the safety of the console, that is—the safety of my kid hopped up on Mario has yet to be determined). So, I opted for the Nintendo DS Lite Nerf Armor. I got mine for $12.99 at Circuit City, but now Amazon has it for $5.95—though I’m not sure for how long. The suggested retail price is $14.99. It’s available in an array of colors, and has all the cuteness and charm of, well, a Nerf football. It is sturdy, though. Even though the Nerf Armor adds some weight to the DS Lite, it’s still easy to hold during play. You do have to poke around a bit to operate the switches and get the stylus in and out. My other beef is that, even though the console should be protected if it takes a spill on the Nerf side, it may not survive a fall on the unprotected side. There’s also a giant Nintendo DS Lite Nerf XL Case with room for a console, charger and games, but I think that’s more for traveling. And, strangely, the giant case doesn’t fit the DS console if it’s in one of the standard Nerf Armors.

Alice In Wonderland DS case

I love these cute fabric DS Lite pouches Etsy seller SmileRecipe has designed specifically for the Nintendo DS Lite. The one pictured has an Alice In Wonderland theme, but she has several other designs. They’re priced at $18.50 and come with a strap, but you can get it for $15 without. The console slides inside the cozy, lined case and is secured with Velcro. There are two pockets inside to hold games. SmileRecipe is based in Canada and will ship the case to Canada or the U.S. for $2.50, or $4 to “everywhere else.” Very sweet.

Klassy Klutch

If you don’t want your coworkers to know you’re sneaking off for a DS Lite break, this Klassy Klutch may be just what you need. Available in Red Crocodile (pictured), Purple, Brown or Snake (don’t worry; it’s obviously neither real crocodile nor real snake), it’s only $19.99 and a discreet way to take your Nintendo DS Lite on the go. It’s officially licensed by Nintendo as well, and in fact the Nintendo DS logo is emblazoned on the patent leather. The little loop on the outside will hold a writing pen or a thick stylus.