For many, the biggest addition to Nintendo's latest DS-hardware revision has been adding digital cameras and software to the DSi.  Try as they might, some have found the console's relatively puny 0.3 megapixel camera is often a chore, finding their budding photography skills nipped in the bud thanks to a lackluster (i.e. non-existent) feature set.  From taking quick shots, uploading photos to Facebook, or simply mutating your best friend's face on the go, using the DSi's built-in digital cameras is usually less about image quality and more about living in the moment.  But as we've come to expect, leave it to Nyko to fill a void many thought impossible with the 8x Optical Zoom Case, whether necessary or not.

Right out of the box Nyko's Zoom Case comes with a specialized outer case, fun colored filters in blue/lime/hot pink, and of course the main attraction itself, a conspicuously sized external optical lens attachment that increases the zoom eight times over.  Even better is that when you’re not perfecting your photography skills the lens can be removed and even comes with its own hard case for safer passage.  This is an elegant solution to what may have been a cumbersome problem, and Nyko handled it better than expected.

In order to even use the camera attachment putting on the included textured hard case for the DSi is required, which isn't a hassle as it offers some added protection from those random drops and dings, and doesn't need to be removed for regular usage.  With case attached, you simply twist the lens over the DSi's outside camera and you'll be rocking slightly improved digital images with fixed 8x zoom.  The Zoom Case generally performs as advertised, with photos and snapshots coming out better than just using the standard DSi itself, with finer details, improved brightness and contrasts, and even better action shots with less blur.

The lens itself is something of a one-trick pony since it cannot be adjusted and can only be used for 8x zoom purposes, making it little more than glorified magnifying glass.  And let's be fair - the thing is monstrously huge, protruding from the encased DSi like a submarine telescope; not necessarily a bad thing as its actually an attractive attachment, but those obsessed with discretion may be somewhat taken aback.

For those amateur photographers looking to make each and every moment of their DSi picture taking count, you could certainly do worse than to give Nyko's Zoom Case a try.  My test pictures generally came out better, with cleaner details and less blur than was possible with just the stock DSi camera.  The textured hard case helps give the console some nice protection, while colored filters can add variety to otherwise drab snapshots.  Its too bad the optical lens itself isn't adjustable, as it would have been nice to have different increments other than just 8x.  For those who fool around as amateur photographer, just remember there's only so much you can do with .3 megapixels, so don't expect miracles.