
Gaming can be an expensive hobby, by the time you add extra controllers and actual games to accompany your console. With the Nintendo Switch you also need to consider a carry case to keep it safe on your travels, though most seem to have opted for the entirely competent official and HORI options that have been on the market since day one.
If you've got a bit of extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, though, San Francisco-based WaterField has been producing nice cases for a good while; since its range of 3DS cases we've been fans, albeit while acknowledging the premium pricing. With the Switch the company has had a few options already ranging from a modest $49USD right up to a multiplayer Pro Case for an eye-watering $149USD. Having taken on board fan feedback along the lines of "I want to carry loads of stuff in a small case", the company has now come up with the rather neat 'Arcade Gaming Case'.

The idea is simple - accommodate carrying around a decent amount of gear for on-the-go gaming within a relatively small package. Check it out below.
Available in rugged black ballistic nylon or tan waxed canvas, the WaterField Arcade Gaming Case sports full-grain leather details to make for a sophisticated Nintendo Switch carry. A soft, scratch-free front pocket to stow the Nintendo console secures shut with a premium leather flap using hidden magnets. The large main compartment closes with waterproof YKK zippers. Inside, two plush pockets hold the AC adapter and the JoyCon Grip. (By pushing the pockets back, users can instead carry the Pro Controller and/or a European-sized power adapter.) The Hori PlayStand, a flat game-card holder or individual games, ear buds and a USBC cord fit comfortably into the remaining space. A rivet-secured, nylon handle with a soft leather grip lets gamer easily grab and go, and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap attaches to two metal D-rings for another comfortable carry option. Without the strap, the case fits neatly into a day or overnight bag.
It seems like a nice option, sitting in the middle of the company's range at $109USD, which is nevertheless a hefty investment. It's available now - along with WaterField's whole range - on sfbags.com.
It's a lot of money to spend for carrying your Switch around, but let us know in the comments if you're tempted.
[source sfbags.com]
Comments 36
Putting magnets next to a console is never a good idea, but they have built this in?
Magnets... always with the magnets
Whenever I see their name, the first thing I look for is the price. $110. Yikes! Their products are good quality but still, not $110 good.
As I read I was like "I'm totally buying this!" And then...I saw the price...
Okay but what's arcade about it?
Nice case! Perfect!
I have multiple cases by them and they really are awesome. All hand made in the USA and the customer service is outstanding. My 3ds and vita cases have taken a beating over the years yet they're still like new.
That's a lovely case, but there's plenty of other options out there for a fraction of the price.
No thank you. I'll buy a couple games instead!
Good stuff to put on your holiday list! Once you have it..you'll love it. Let someone else buy it. I have the switch city slicker case as well and it fits like a glove
Price is insane! Found a clearance premium travel bag with loads of storage space and pockets for like $15. I use either a Hori Hybrid Cover or a tablet zipper sleeve for extra protection. Holds several sets of joycons or a pro, two switches, stands, and a full load of games. Has optional shoulder straps, waterproof pouch, padded backing... Basically everything I could want.
Can't imagine a better setup, look around and you can find a slick custom case with more storage and versatility than the Switch-specific cases, and for possibly cheaper.
Otherwise, I would use a cheap official case and buy a game or extra controller, if nothing else. I see no reason to waste your money on this Waterfield nonsense unless you are a wannabe hipster.
I have a couple friends that work in hand-crafted goods, and I can vouch that these prices are totally decent for what you get. I personally think it speaks well for the Switch and the audience that they're making designer products like this.
@RobotReptile Yes it does cost a good amount money to make these things but still it might not be worth it to buy for a lot of people (like me).
For me I needed something a little more professional so it blends with my work gear better. Different strokes for different folks 😜
@ACK I'm not a hipster... Just a 47 yr old kid who likes quality things. Don't hate... Appreciate.
@ACK - I see no reason why you see reason to care what people do with their money. You can wrap your Switch in a garbage bag or place it in a padded Halliburton briefcase for all I care.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE It's all handmade. I'd say it's worth the price.
@JRJalapeno Well, how am I hating again? Hipster is a not pejorative term. If you want to look swag carrying a Switch, I have no problem. I was just saying if you don't value the stylish aspect then It seems like that money would be better spent on games or controllers. Quality is great, but unless you want the case to last a lifetime it's completely subjective.
@bimmy-lee You seem pleasant. I offered my solution when looking for a stylish, functional, and versatile Switch case. Feel free to choose whatever option or case you wish. Assuming you see merit in having extra cash for games and controllers, as I do, then what is wrong with my suggestion? Where did I say I care about money?
Sure, I personally care about more games and controllers because I play a lot of games and wear out a lot of controllers. That is what my Switch is for.
This looks nice, but I already have the Switch Elite backpack and love it.
@Indielink All handmade really means when it comes to sewing and textiles is more expensive labor. Quality is not any more ensured and machines are really, really good at sewing.
@ACK - You seem forgetful. “I see no reason to waste your money on this Waterfield nonsense unless you are a wannabe hipster.”
If it didn't have magnets, I'd consider this.
@bimmy-lee And? That statement make perfect sense with what comes before. There are plenty of bags out there not specifically made to hold a Switch that will work as good or better. There are loads of cheap, perfectional functional Switch-specific cases readily available as well.
Therefore, unless you really value the look and hand-crafted appeal of this particular case... It's potentially (probably) a wasteful purchase since it does nothing you can't get for far cheaper. The idea is to do your due diligence to find what case works best for you, whether cheap or expensive or whatever. You know, a bit of advice that helped me find the my best solution.
We are talking about a case that is about 4x more exensive than most alternatives. Why focus on the last sentence of my post with no other consideration? What's the point?
Obviously I care about gamers getting the most out of their consoles. For most of us a significant part of that is saving money, right?
Or I guess we're all better off if I shut my mouth and let people do what they do? I just don't get the point you are trying to get across.
Way too ugly.
@Agent721 Yeah, the brown leather and black is off-putting to me. Looks like it belongs on a tool belt.
@ACK - I focused on the last sentence because that’s where you judge the people who would purchase this item with the false (and yes perjorative as you used it) label of “wannabe hipster”. The rest of your post was informative for those who care. My statement about not caring how you carry your switch (in a trash bag or Halliburton) was not meant to put down your post. I just meant I truly don’t care how people carry their Switch, and wouldn’t judge someone based on the method that’s right for them. Expensive or inexpensive.
I'm planning to buy a Small bag to carry both Switch and New 3DS XL + 2 Carts cases + Adapter cables + earphones.
It doesn't have to use bags like on above.
Tempting, but I'll pass and continue to carry it in my pocket
@bimmy-lee OK, I get it now. I actually didn't mean to judge anyone either other than that I don't see the value of this case except that it is quality leather and potentially fashionable.
I only intended hipster as someone who wanted to be more fashionable than your typical gamer carrying around a Switch and is willing to pay accordingly. I used wannabe because I don't personally find this case very appealing or stylish myself. It wasn't meant to be a harsh indictment of anyone who buys it, but I also waded into the murky waters of slang terminology, so that's what I get.
That said, while I understand there is a relatively recent negative connotation with the term hipster, I want to make clear that the term itself is at worst neutral, even originally intended to be positive. Maybe similar to maybe how the word gimmick is perceived on gaming forums.
Unnecessary and unintetesting word history incoming... Best avert now.
Hipster is defined by someone who is trendy and fashionable, or intends to be. I believe modern parlance has evolved to reflect particularly trends somewhat outside popular culture.
The original slang of hip I believe referred to someone who is so aware and so cool they cannot be identified by past or widely accepted trends. Or that's how I understand it. Hipster and hepcat evolved from that. (Hep is the alternative phrasing of hip, I suppose because it was popularized more by African American jazz culture.)
Now, looking it up I do see that the most recent slang for hipster tends to refer to generally young adults living bohemian lifestyles in wealthy suburbs. Not sure if it was intended negatively or not, but I suppose mainstream culture does not look favorably on these types. Still, I do not see it as a strictly nor implicitly negative expression in this sense either.
*Full disclosure: I currently live in a wealthy suburb with shoulder-length hair in a ponytail with a fairly unkept beard. I am near poverty level and live a sort of bohemian lifestyle. I was also an English major dropout after 7 years. Also sick and bored today, sorry.
I don't even know who made it, but I picked up a case shortly after launch that looks like, and is made of the same materials as, the old Game Boy cases from the 90s and early 00s. Black and white too, same style. Love it. No other cases have tempted me since. Though I would like one that could hold my pro-controller in it as well.
@ACK - Not boring at all. Word eytomology (especially slang) is fascinating to me. English major who barely managed to not drop out here. I always think of the positive use of hipster as akin to being “mod” in the late 50s to early 60s. One who is “with it” and “on the scene”. Know what I mean daddy-o? Gimmick originated as carnie slang, and carnies are responsible for a lot of our current street slang. Interesting stuff. I hope you feel better.
Edit - But yes, I think today “hipster” has evolved negative connotations as you defined.
$100 bag vs $100 worth of games.... They can keep their bag.
If you want a cheap carry-case - I use a neoprene wine bottle carrier, and it fits the portable perfectly
The downside is that it's one less bottle of wine you can carry
I love their multiplayer Pro bag.
It's so classy and perfect for carrying the whole shebang.
@Yorumi
I think I grabbed the game card holder for $10 but ya, it adds up.
The MP Pro bag is nice though. I fit my entire Switch Butterfox case in the pouch pocket (And that already has games, portable battery, charger, earbuds, etc and then fit 2 extra joycon in a Surge Grip for sideways play, a dock, phone charger and joycon charge grip.
I imagine you could fit alot of your stuff inside it. If also has pouches built into the outside but I don't use them for anything.
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