Reviewed: December 15, 2004
Reviewed by: Cliff O’Neill, Mat Houghton

Manufacturer
Gamer Graffix

Type: Custom Mod Skin
System: Xbox

Rating: 9.0

Features

Founded by an experienced car customizer and composed of a team of professionals, Gamer Graffix is a company whose sole mission is to help you “pimp” your console via stylish vinyl skins. These aren’t mere stickers, mind you – they’re durable, washable, reusable, and unstainable. Untidy gamers are sure to appreciate that last aspect.

According to Gamer Graffix, hundreds of skin designs are available, meaning you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy. I went with an explosive graphic (literally a high-resolution image of a spectacular explosion), which ostentatiously highlights my fiery gaming style and enjoyment of action games. However, tranquil graphics are available for gamers who are more easygoing. Hey, whatever floats your boat.

Applying a Gamer Graffix Skin is a snap. If you made it through kindergarten, you’ll have no problems slapping it on, as each skin is precut to ensure zero hassle and a nearly perfect fit. Indeed, within a few minutes, my Xbox went from hideous to glamorous. It’s the ideal solution for those lacking artistic skill and looking for a quick, easy way to doll up their favorite systems.

No glue, paint, scissors, or screwdriver is required, and there’s absolutely no need to worry about damaging your precious console. On the contrary, a Gamer Graffix Skin provides the added benefit of protecting your console from scratches while concealing pre-existing ones. Think of it as a hip Band-Aid for electronics. The skins do leave a light residue upon removal, however, despite Gamer Graffix claiming otherwise. Fortunately, it’s nothing a little soft scrubbing can’t rid.

The only other downside of the skins is their price – oh, and they don’t smell or taste too good. In all seriousness, though, there are certainly better ways to spend the $20 it costs for a single Gamer Graffix Skin (why not two per package?). Then again, that’s a relatively small price to pay when you consider how costly and time consuming elaborate case mods can be. Furthermore, there’s no long-term commitment or lasting regret with a Gamer Graffix Skin. Simply remove it when you have a change of heart.

Ultimately, it boils down to whether you want an ordinary-looking console or a slick-looking one sitting in your entertainment center. Personally, I want my Xbox looking slick, if for no other reason than to entice the ladies into playing with my great big…’Box. In fact, now that my Xbox is a knockout, I may end up taking it for a night on the town – or at least show it off to friends stuck with plain-Jane consoles.

Above all, a console decked out in a glossy Gamer Graffix Skin makes a great conversation piece. You, too, can become the talk of your next gaming get-together, thanks to Gamer Graffix.

Mat Houghton who recently decked his Xbox out with the "Samurai" skin adds:

Are you tired of looking at a dull matte black finish? Do you want to make your Xbox distinctive? stylish? l33t? If so, before you go cracking open the case and replacing it with blue plastic and neon lights, take a look at what Game Graphix has to offer. They have a nice line of decals (that's model talk for stickers) so you can deck out your box like it's prom night and not have to pay for the dinner, or invalidate the warranty.