MadCatz Power Grip for GBA
Laptop Battery The power grip is a product produced by Mad Catz for use on the Game Boy Advance. Supposedly a solution for those who do not care to purchase batteries and those with larger hands the Power Grip fulfills both jobs adequately.
Value
The Power Grip retails for approximately ten dollars (US) and can be purchased in other packages as well. The product attaches to the back of the Game Boy Advance. The battery covering and all batteries must be removed from the GBA to attach the Power Grip. It is firmly attached to the GBA in the same fashion as the regular battery cover does. Once attached it provides about 10-15 hours of gaming before needing a recharge.
The Power Grip comes with an AC adapter which plugs into the bottom of the device allowing the player to either charge the Power Grip or simply play the GBA while attached to a power outlet; a very nice addition indeed. The Power Grip is a great value even if one was to buy it for the AC adapter alone.
Style and Comfort
The Power Grip can be bought in various colors so finding one to match the color of your GBA should not be a problem. The AC adapter is also colored to match your GBA. Very stylish.
Once attached the Power Grip is firmly locked to the GBA and can only be removed in an identical manner to the regular battery cover. The device covers (just about) the entire back of the GBA up to the bottom edge of the bar code (UPC). It does not cover up or obstruct anything on the GBA.
Now on to the important part...how it feels. The Power Grip adds two large Mickey Mouse like handgrips to the bottom of the GBA. Each grip is about 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide and extends roughly 1.5 inches (4 cm) down. At the thickest point each grip is about 1.25 inches (3 cm) thick. There are also 2 resting spots for ones middle finger on top of the device. I myself found the device uncomfortable at first because it changes the way one holds the Game Boy Advance. However, after a little while I actually began to like the additional space for my hands and began to use the Power Grip regularly. If someone has small hands it might be uncomfortable though.
Endurance
Who wants something if it is going to break on them? Well fear not, the Power Grip does not appear to be one of those products. With a sturdy plastic construction the Power Grip and AC adapter seem to be well made. In order to test the device a little further I dropped it from about 6 feet onto a hard tile floor several times. Everything seemed to work fine afterwards. So unless your GBA takes a daily punishing I think you will be all right with the performance of the Power Grip.
Overall
I think it is a worthwhile purchase. While not perfect the savings on batteries and the added AC adapter make the Power Grip a good buy. For those who find the GBA to be too small this is a must have. Keep up the good work Mad Catz.
$14. $21. : GBA Recharge Pak. Pelican's Power Grip Advance ( 723) is a rechargeable battery pack providing you up to 12 hours of playtime per charge while greatly enhancing game play and comfort. Easy to install and quick charging, Power Grip Advance is a great way to save money while enjoying your GBA.
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