With each new console launch we are accustomed to seeing the regular array of peripherals arriving to accompany your new purchase. For many gamers and families this includes purchasing some kind of storage of travelling case for trips to a friend's place or moving the system to various locations. The launch of the Playstation 2 was no different in this matter.

Considering the delicacy of the PS2 I was expecting some nifty cases from the major parties involved in making console accessories. Surprisingly Sony themselves offered nothing in this department. Pelican and Interact offered a couple of solutions in variations of past console cases. Nothing new in this regard and lacked necessary components. For example, the hard case is nothing more than a simple piece of plastic with cheap foam inserts that I would not trust to protect my new investment. Sure the system would sit in the case but there was little room for cables and controllers and absolutely no place to carry games or memory cards.

I thought all was lost and that my PS2 would stay in only one location until Division-1 devised a very practical and functional accessory. Known as the Play-Pak, Division-1's brand spanking new accessory combines the storage of a home gaming entertainment center with the mobility and functionality of a backpack.

With the Play-Pak the user does not have to go through the trials and tribulations of loading and unloading the PS2 each time they want to take it somewhere. Users of the Play-Pak can play right out of the backpack. It has never been so easy to connect power, video and audio cables directly to each source via the Play-Pak's rear zippered storage compartment, which also provides more than sufficient ventilation for the PS2's CPU fan and convenient storage of the PS2's cords. Open the Play-Pak's zippered front compartment for easy access to the massive CD/DVD caddy and for connecting game pads and joysticks. The Play-Pak can hold up to a combination of 40 CD or DVD discs. There are also 4 slots to accomodate 4 memory cards. Padded gameports allow users to easily and neatly store their Game Pads and cables.

What I like best is how the Play-Pak holds the PS2 firmly in place without movement via snug Velcro straps. In addition it is nice to see a carrying case that gives the user so many options. You can choose to either carry it as a backpack or a shoulder bag. The backpack straps can conveniently be hidden in the back to offer even more underpadding for the PS2. I can get my two controllers inside the Play-Pak quite comfortably and I have more than enough space to bring along my best games and favorite DVD movies. Round all of this out with an exterior that is made or rip proof water resistant Ballistic Material and heavy duty piping for rigidity that comes with a Lifetime Guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.

Kudos to Division-1 for finally coming through with an accessory that goes beyond previous expectations and designs. Let's hope Division-1 continues on this path with similar product for other consoles. In the meantime, any serious PS2 owner should not be without a Play-Pak protecting their new entertainment investment.

For more information check out http://www.play-pak.com/