In searching for protective cases for my video games, I have come across few that I consider to be both durable and budget friendly. In my review, I have considered multiple levels of game protection from basic, intermediate, to advanced protection. While all the cases reviewed have clear designs that are ideal for game display, their level of protection and cost efficiency make the intermediate protection ideal for the avid collector.
Slip-cover plastic cases provide basic protection to help prevent dust and scuff marks that could arise from storage. These cases are thin, moderately flexible, and usually need minor assembly before use (I use these a lot and typically get them from ebay). They have a fold- over flap design for enclosing the game. These range from $2.50 (Retrogaming.com) to $14 (ebay.com). A drawback to using slip-cover cases is that they do not allow for stacking of the games because of their flexibility. Stacking can cause bending, creasing, or other degradation to the games.
Acrylic cases are durable and provide superior protection against dust, scuff marks, scratches, and damaged corners. Video game cases from BSAcrylics.com (BSA) are made with 3mm thick acrylic composite, require no assembly before use, they are custom made with exact dimensions to fit each game type. This lets me buy with confidence that each case will my games without a gap or being too snug whereas it could scuff the plastic wrapper on unopened collectables. BSA cases range from $14.99 to $15.99. They are designed with a top slider opening and come with complimentary security stickers.
Similarly, acrylic cases from CGAgrading.com (CGA) are made with 3.2mm thick acrylic composite, require no assembly. CGA cases range from $15.99- $26.99. They are designed with a bottom sliding opening and do not include complimentary security stickers. They do however have smooth edges, so if that is your thing, then pay the extra and get smooth edges.
Aside from great prices, another leading factor that tends to steer me towards buying cases from BSA, is their easy check out process and speedy shipping. They typically process orders the same, or the following, business day with an estimated 3-5 business days for shipping. In comparison, CGA estimates 2-3 weeks for shipping times due to their manufacturing process. In addition, CGA customers automatically incur a $7.50 fee per box for boxing and shipping materials. At BSA there are no such added fees, simply a shipping rate that is dependent on the size of the cases and the number of cases purchased.
BSA is also nice with their speedy check out and variety of payment options, in addition to accepting all major credit cards, including ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal, and ShopPay that allows buyers to opt for a payment plan to pay monthly installments for their order. CGAgrading only accepts PayPal in addition to all major credit cards. Further inconveniencing my shopping experience, CGA requires customers to create an account before proceeding to the check-out page, which then proceeds to the page that reviews shipping fees. At BSAcrylics, it’s 1-click check-out process, there is no lengthy account creation process to place an order, or to simply review shipping charges.
BSA’s shipping fees are dependent on the case specs. In comparing shipping costs at BSA for an ‘NES Video Game Case’ VS. ‘PS1 Long-Box’, the following shipping fees were revealed. The Shipping fee for an ‘NES Video Game Case’ is $5.99; The shipping fee for ‘PS1 Long-Box’ is $9.99. This is understandable as the size of these two cases differ, which would result in a variance in their shipping costs.
Comparing the shipping costs of the same cases as above for CGA, it was revealed that CGA automatically charges a $13 (FedEx) shipping fee. The Shipping fee for an ‘NES Video Game Case’ is $13; The same $13 shipping fee is charged for ‘PS1 Long-Box’.
The following is a comparison of my experience when shopping at CGA vs. BSA:
First, CGAgrading.com requires an account creation before proceeding to the check-out page.
1 NES Acrylic Video Game Case:
CGA: $13 Shipping cost, 1-2 weeks shipping time.
CGA Total Cost: ($26.99 + $13.00) = $39.99
Note, after creating an account and proceeding to the check-out page on CGA’s website, the cost of shipping is still not calculated for me. Thus, after calculating the cost for PS1 Long-Box Acrylic Video Game Case plus shipping ($26.99 +$13.99), I then reach the order total, amounting to $39.99.
PS1 Long-Box Acrylic Video Game Case
CGA: $13 Shipping cost, 1-2 weeks shipping time.
CGA Total Cost: ($19.99 + $13.00) = $32.99
In contrast, without having to create an account, I easily proceed to the check-out page on the BSA website. The order total, including shipping, is clearly displayed.
PS1 Long-Box Acrylic Video Game Case
BSA: $9.99 Shipping cost, 2-3 days shipping time.
BSA Total Cost: $27.93
NES Acrylic Video Game Case from BScrylics.com:
BSA: $5.99 Shipping cost, 2-3 days shipping time.
I can see that the cost of shipping is adjusted to pass down the savings to me for shipping smaller cases.
NES Acrylic Video Game Case from BSAcrylics.com:
BSA: $5.99 Shipping cost, 2-3 days shipping time.
BSA Total Cost: $21.49
In comparing the two, my order total at BSA (with shipping) will be around the same as the case alone (not including shipping) at CGA. Upon reflection, BSAcrylics.com is the likely the ideal choice for video game protection especially if you have a lot of games as the cost adds up quickly.
