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I just received my new case from aheadgames. Aheadgames shipped promptly and I have no issues with them. I noticed that they have suspended selling the cases... probably due to some of the issues with the product, plus I read that the case manufacturer shipped them the wrong gamebits and they had to make good for their clients and ship the right ones. I got the proper bit (thank you aheadgames!)
The case itself would not fit on my DOL-101 Platinum. I had to cut a series of tabs on the inside back lip. Even then, it is not a perfect fit. I have heard these work better on the older model cubes...
The colour of the unit is pretty much bang on (I have a Platinum Cube). The construction of the top isn't up to Nintendo quality (not even close) and the unit has a cheaper spring-load and clasp. It feels pretty cheap overall. You have to push fairly hard to close the lid and the case snaps open fast like a cheap tape-deck. It's functional but not stylish and other than the optional "Hushtrap" sticker the cube looks stock at first glance.
The included gamebit is a necessity. You have to turn the screws quite hard into the sockets... so a bic pen will not do. I have been using a bic for a while and it was fine for the original case, but I don't think the new holes are threaded, so the screw does the threading for you. The gamebit aheadgames supplied is nice and long so even if you have a screwdriver with a fairly short shaft it will still work.
Once installed the first thing you will notice is that the LED is now hidden completely. It drives me crazy, but obviously this doesn't affect actual performance...
The most annoying thing about the new case (and the only "real" problem) is that when you have a full-sized dvd in the cube it is impossible to remove with your fingers. I have to use a pencil to raise an edge so that I can grab on! This sucks. I noticed that some other replacement cases I've seen in pictures flare out the sides to allow for more room. This case looks pretty stock, so I guess that's the trade-off. I'd rather have the goofy-looking curved sides personally.
Bottom line: the product works, but a second revision could easily fix some of the nasties. It should be possible to make a case that works on all gamecube revisions. The next rev should include a lens for the led--I'll probably cut mine so i can see it.
I hope aheadgames sorts out their problems with the supplier! They seem to be a reliable source for Canadian and American customers. I'd buy from them again... then again they don't have much else that looks interesting.
/bbking67
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