Gaming Accessory Plastic Packaging

Opinion from Jae - Thursday, 09 July 2009 @ 11:58pm

At first I thought I would use this as a rant, but thinking further I should really voice my opinion and let the world know how gaming accessory packaging is bad. Bad for the consumer, bad for the manufacturer and bad for the environment. This modern plastic packaging is often called the clamshell design. See, a clamshell will most likely open when you boil it, only the bad ones stay shut. I’m willing to bet most plastic clamshells will stay closed after boiling, therefore they’re all bad.

I remember when I first started buying gaming accessories. An RF adapter for my SNES, a second controller for my Mega Drive and a magnifying screen for my Gameboy, all of which came in simple packaging. A plastic sleeve in a cardboard box was all I ever needed. Sure it was easy for someone to tamper with it and sell a ‘re-used’ item but back in those days hardware accessories weren’t easily breakable. In the year 2009 you have controllers that are delicate like glass and download cards that, for some reason, need to be placed in impenetrable packaging. I understand that security is a hot topic but leave that to the retailer to tackle. As a manufacturer all you need to do is get that item to look appealing on a store shelf. I don’t really get the argument behind the packaging being antitheft. If someone is going to steal something they’re going to try their best to steal it anyway. If you really want an antitheft device you should really attach a sample of swine flu to the accessory. It’s cheap and readily available. According to a study done by the Freedonia Group clamshell packaging is almost a $3 billion business with an estimate of 8 billion pieces manufactured by 2015. That is 8 billion angry consumers plus many more consumer family members that have to put up with said angry consumer’s rants.

Baking and stabbing can sometimes help

Check out this guide to opening clamshell plastic packaging on ehow.com

1. Stay calm and rational.

The biggest mistake is to get too eager about opening a package up. Approach your package with a calm and cool demeanour, and you won't get frustrated or hurt yourself.

2. Pry the package apart.

The first thing to do is see if you can pry the package apart. This works on clear vinyl packaging that isn't heat sealed. Try to put your fingers between the seams at the top of the package, where the round dots on either side snap the vinyl together. If the package can be opened by hand, the two sides of the package will pry and snap apart.

3. Use scissors.

If the package is sealed, use large, sharp scissors to open the package. Trim the top, and/or side edges off with the scissors. Only trim the edges that are sealed shut. When the seals are trimmed off, the package can be neatly pried open. Be careful when cutting thick vinyl packaging with scissors. Don't use excessive force or you may cut yourself.

Now here’s my guide

1. Rethink your purchase.

Think about why you bought this accessory. Did you really need it? Could you still play games without it? It’s not too late to return it as long as you keep your trusty thermal paper receipt that will easily fade in a few months. If you haven’t learnt your lesson yet then go put on some heavy duty gloves and for the love of all things virgin wear some goggles.

2. Think of the children.

Pets and kids should never be around you when you need to open this packaging. If there is a kid you really hate at school, sure buy him one of these accessories and add some superglue to the edges to give it that extra bite.

3. Get the chainsaw.

Unless you have an adult crocodile at home you’re going to need the jaws of life to pry this thing open. Close your eyes and hope for the best. If things don’t turn out for the best return your accessory. I told you so in step 1.

My top 3 worst packaged gaming accessories:

3) Xbox 360 Plug and Charge Kit

2) Playstation Dual Shock 3 Controller

1) Xbox Live Microsoft Points Card

My top 3 best packaged gaming accessories:

3) Nintendo Wii Controller

2) Singstar Mircophone and game pack

1) Nintendo Wii Points Card

Hopefully in the near future rants like this will be non-existent. The digital world is taking over and soon we’ll all use motion control like that in Minority Report. All you’ll need to buy then is some three fingered glove that will surely come in a condom wrapper package, minus the lube.