LASR GamePak

Written by Matt Swider on January 18, 2003

LASR GamePak: Could possibly be the coolest schoolbag to walk into class withЕunless you're in college.

GamePak for PlayStation 2
When Sony revamped the dimensions of its original PlayStation to create the PS One, we were greeted with a compact gaming system that could be taken from place to place with relatively no hassle involved. PlayStation 2 owners don't endure the same carefree process since the system is quite a chore to lug around sometimes. It may not seem as massive as the Xbox, but it doesn't have those convenient features boasted by the GameCube either. Its rectangular shape makes it awkward to carry, especially for those who intend to travel with a couple of games and more than one controller in hand. To counteract any cumbersome clutching, LASR Accessories designed a GamePak specifically tailored to the PlayStation 2. This means that the case holds just about every PlayStation 2 product imaginable and secures each item inside what appears to be a traditional looking schoolbag. Unzipping the main portion of this GamePak reveals 8 CD sleeves meant to store PS2 games, some reinforced padding to protect the console, and an attached strap to lock the unit in place. There's also plenty of netting to suit a pair of memory cards, some instruction manuals, and two Dual Shock 2 controllers. The number of compartments inside matches the many zipper pockets and mesh pouches on the outside. This is where you really begin to customize your GamePak with accessories that can include the PS2 DVD remote, a multi-tap, third and fourth controller, or even issues of your favorite gaming magazine. On top of what already seems like a lavish bag for goodies, LASR Accessories equipped the GamePak with a rear zipper in which cords can connect to the PS2 while still inside the backpack. Thus, you can play the system right out of the bag without a need to pack, unpack, and pack the system endlessly. This convenient feature, along with many of its other thought-out properties, places the LASR GamePak miles ahead of every other case on the market.

GamePak for Xbox

After testing it out, the Xbox model of LASR Accessories' GamePak proves to be quite a necessity for the Xbox gamer on the go. Weighing in at an unprecedented 8 plus pounds, you'll probably have some trouble moving the Xbox from place to place by the usual conventional manners, and you certainly won't be picking it up with any nifty built in handle (ala Gamecube). Enter the GamePak, which is basically a well put together backpack designed with the Xbox in mind, not to mention the security of a gamer's investment. Everything about the pack is made in a way that your system will be secure and safe while traveling with it Ц such as the protective internal department that secures your Xbox into place, the rubberized bottom corners, and even the side buckles, which makes sure your console is extra safe. Once to your destination, you'll find that the design actually makes it possible to play right out of the bag, with two side vents for keeping the system cool, and a compartment that opens up to allow for hook-ups and even more ventilation. This is certainly an ideal feature when you just want to take it to a friend's house for a few hours of gaming, and then back home again. The actual look of the pack appears like a standard backpack you'd use for school, with plenty of additional storage room for any smaller peripherals, game cases, or extra controllers you wish to take along with you. Inside the main portion of the pack you'll find plenty of room for the console, a couple controllers (preferably Controller S' for the best fit), space for game disks or DVDs, memory cards, and even room for instruction manuals if needed. All in all, the Xbox GamePak is a well-designed, durable pack that will surely make traveling with the beefy Xbox a lot less painful. It comes highly recommended.

GamePak for GameCube

The GameCube was designed with portability in mind. You can tell by its compact size, light weight and handle on the back of the system. But even though system is easy to move around, it is a bear to pack everything you need to play along with it. That is, until you take the LASR Accessories GamePak into the picture. With space to store manuals, controllers, cables, memory cards and a half dozen games, the GamePak makes taking your GameCube to Grandma's house a reality. Most importantly, your GameCube is going to arrive at your destination safely, thanks to a protective internal compartment that holds your system snugly in place and side buckles that help to keep everything secured. As with the other models of the GamePak, you can play your GameCube without having to unpack it from the bag. The GamePak's rear zippered panel provides access to all of your system connections and, when combined with the ventilation panels in the internal compartment, provides plenty of airflow to keep your GameCube running cool. With the GamePak you will never have a reason to leave your GameCube behind again.

Overall Score: 9.0