Everki Force PSP Satchel

The Force PSP Satchel is one of two bags made by Everki specifically designed for carrying a PSP and accessories. Like Everki's other bag, the Duel, the Force is a single-strap backpack style bag (or backpack/messenger bag hybrid). Unlike the Duel, the Force has full-zipper enclosure, and several compartments full of pockets. There's a padded pouch for the PSP itself, and many velveteen-lined pockets for other accessories. See below for a complete rundown.

The teardrop-shaped design of the Force is not as flashy as the Duel's sweeping shape -- instead, it's a simple, understated kind of good looks that many users might prefer. Like the Duel, it comes in black with an accent color on the front pocket -- either coppery orange or blue (it's a darker blue than it appears in the photographs, so even the color-phobic will probably find it acceptable).

The single strap on the Force is nicely padded, though a bit narrower than the strap on the Duel. It's just as comfortable, though. There's a carrying handle on top for the times you need to carry the bag without slinging it across your body, and all the compartments have full zipper enclosures (unlike the Duel, which only has a velcroed flap). Like most bags of this single-strap design, you can access the inside of the Force while wearing it by sliding it under your left arm. I did find it a bit awkward to get at things in the main compartment this way, especially if they were near the top end and I was wearing a coat (the bulk of the coat tended to make it harder to get into the bag, especially sitting on the bus with another passenger next to me restricting my movement).

The spine padding on the back of the bag would probably be nice when the bag is stuffed full, but I found it actually made the Force feel bulkier than its small size would indicate. Still, it's a very comfortable bag to carry, so that's only a nit-pick.

Like the Duel, the force is made of sturdy nylon and is very well put together. I can see it lasting a good long time.

I thought the Duel bag has a lot of pockets for PSP goodies, but next to the Force, it hardly has any.

There's a velcro-closed cell phone pocket on the strap (which I use for my bus pass). There's a mesh pocket on the front -- also with a velcro tab closure), and three zippered compartments. The front zippered compartment is a simple pocket, perfect for a wallet, change and other things you need to get at quickly.

The middle compartment is where the PSP goes, presumably because that's where it's most protected. In this compartment there is a padded, velveteen-lined pouch for the PSP and a smaller pocket for other things. It's not quite the right size for games, but perhaps a case holding memory sticks? It fits a packet of mints quite nicely.

The main compartment on the Force is the biggest. It has a specially-shaped pouch for sunglasses, 3 pen loops, a clip for keys, a mesh pocket for cables or other accessories, two narrow pouches for memory sticks, and five pouches that perfectly fit Intec's UMD game cases (which hold 3 UMDs). I appreciate the full zipper, as I'm always a bit worried about my stuff falling out, and there are plenty of places to stash PSP gaming stuff.

There aren't many negative things I can say about the Force PSP bag. It does feel quite bulky for its size, as I mentioned above, especially compared to the Duel bag. Then again, it's made to fit more stuff inside, so of course it'll feel that way. The spine padding exaggerated the bulky feel, but perhaps it's a good trade as it does make the bag more comfortable when packed full.

My main criticism of the Force is that the PSP pouch is really only big enough for a bare PSP. The Duel bag had a PSP pouch that could take the PSP inside a Logitech PlayGear Pocket case. The design of the Force, with the PSP nestled in the middle compartment, means that maybe you don't need the extra protection of the PGP, but it would make me feel better.

Like the Duel, there isn't much room for non-PSP stuff, though it is possible to fit in some other things. Unlike the Duel, it's easier to find places in the Force for loose change, a wallet, sunglasses, keys, and other little odds and ends. And really, the bag was designed to hold the PSP and games, plus the necessary accessories for serious gaming on the go, not for a handbag replacement (but it'll work as that, too, if you're a girl gamer like me who doesn't carry a purse and never has nor will).

The Force does what it was designed to do very well, and with a little creativity it works as an everyday bag, too (if fact, for some people it may work as an everyday bag better than its cousin the Duel).

I had been hoping that I'd like it better than the Duel. My main criticism of Everki's other bag was the lack of a zippered closure, and I also wanted a clip or D-ring to attach keys to, and a zippered compartment for change and odds and ends. The Force has all of those. For some, reason, though, I find I prefer the Duel for everyday use. The Force isn't better than the Duel overall; it's equally good, but different.

I think if I were planning a road trip where I'd want to carry my PSP and lots of games, UMDs and Memory Sticks, the Force would be the ideal choice. You can really fit a lot of gaming stuff in this bag. For everyday use, where I just want my PSP, a couple of games and memory sticks, my wallet and a notebook, the Duel seems to work better, despite its lack of zipper.

I'd advise putting some thought into what you actually want a PSP bag to do for you, then choose accordingly. Maybe find a store where you can look at both bags in person. But in the end, either the Force or the Duel will be a great choice for PSP gaming on the road.