Grid Studio Review: ‘Classic Tech Meets Modern Design’

GRID STUDIO GAME BOY COLOR AND PSP REVIEW.

Grid Studio believes that “every classic deserves to be framed.” From the first iPhone to the Nintendo Switch and a comprehensive catalog of tech in between, the company is turning devices of the past into modern artwork. When approached for this review, I selected two of my childhood systems, the PSP (2000) and the Game Boy Color, to assess the transformation.

Simple beginnings

The Grid Studio website is well laid out, making it easy to navigate and choose exactly what category of products you want to look at. While I focused on gaming systems for the purpose of the review, I must say that I’m impressed by what’s on offer in the tech sections, with many versions of the iPhone, and even some old Nokias, available to purchase.

Each Grid Studio frame was sent separately in its own box. These boxes were well-reinforced, with clear consideration for the overseas trip to the UK. Opening each box revealed the frame wrapped in a very stylish black paper, adorned with the “Grid” logo. A wax seal held the wrapping shut. Needless to say, it was a very luxurious unboxing experience and made a great first impression.

Tearing into each package revealed the two pieces of art. Both the PSP and Game Boy Color designs have their parts spread out beneath the see-through acrylic layer. These parts are placed on a printed sheet that labels each component. What could be a chaotic smattering of pieces is instead very well laid out and aesthetically pleasing.

While the frames themselves could be of better quality, the main attraction of the deconstructed device and printed background more than make up for it. What’s more, the standard sizing means it’s easy enough for users to upgrade the frame for something fancier, potentially with a glass panel. With that said, the provided frames perform well enough.

Let the nostalgia flow through you

It’s been a long while since I’ve seen a PSP in person, and an even longer while since I had a Game Boy Color, so unwrapping these items sent waves of nostalgia flowing over me. Even now, looking over at them as I type up this review, I’m smiling thinking back to happy memories of playing Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories on PSP with a group of friends, and starting out on my first Pokemon adventure with the Game Boy Color.

As a child, I never really thought about how these systems worked. I was more worried about making sure their batteries were charged and that I had all of my UMDs and cartridges organized. As an adult, I’m much more appreciative of the tiny components working together to produce those magical gaming moments.

Grid Studio successfully encourages the sentimental reflection of a time gone by, but in a package that is modern enough to fit into an office or gaming space. It doesn’t look childish or immature, especially with the guts on show and the circuit board adding a layer of curious complexity.

Grid Studio Review: The final verdict

Starting at $129 for their device frames (PSP 2000 is $179 and GBC is $199), Grid Studio is offering a premium product at a not-so-premium price.

When you consider the hand-placed pieces of a long discontinued product, high-quality print, solid-enough frame, packaging, and shipping, I think the pricing is very fair. In fact, those prices can be dropped further still during sales and using discount codes (like the one you can currently get by signing up to the website).

With so many different devices available on its website, Grid Studio surely has something for everyone, regardless of when they first started getting into tech. I can also see these frames making wonderful gifts for loved ones.

PSP 2000 and Game Boy Color review units were provided by Grid Studio.