The AirPods case of your nerdy dreams looks like a tiny Game Boy

AirPods case worth considering for its retro chic
(Image credit: Elago via Amazon)

I recently took my friend's AirPods home by accident, which made me realize that I need a more easily-distinguished AirPods case. Fortunately, I've finally found one worth buying.

The elago AW5 AirPods case which has "classic game player design" in its name to avoid a lawsuit, is adorable, and costs just $14. 

Oh, and it's got two other neat features. A built-in carabiner clip lets you easily attach it to a loop, such as one on your bag or jacket, and it also supports Qi-based wireless charging. 

Elago makes two versions of this retro case: one in classic light grey and another in black. It's practically perfect, save for the one problem getting in the way of me ordering one. There's no Game Boy version for the AirPods Pro, despite Elago making a ton of other colored AirPods Pro cases. I guess I'll just holding out for that option.

I've long wondered why Apple only allows for one AirPods case customization: the personalized engraving that Apple gives away for free. That always feels a bit too cute, and not in a good way: like monogrammed bathroom towels. 

Multiple color options, if only for the case and not the headphones, would make it a lot easier to keep track of AirPods as they become more ubiquitous.

In other AirPods news, AirPods Pro Lite earbuds are rumored to be coming out in the summer. These buds are expected to be a stripped down version of the normal Pros that aren't as simple as the regular 'Pods.

Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.

Latest in Airpods
AirPods Pro 2 in hand
AirPods Pro 3 major upgrades just tipped by new Apple patent
AirPods Pro
Apple releases instructions for installing new AirPods firmware updates — here's how
AirPods Pro 2 in a person's hands in front of a MacBook
AirPods Pro 2 are cheaper than AirPods 4 right now — this is the lowest price ever for Prime Day
AirPods 4 on a table
Don't wait for Prime Day — here's 15 Apple deals I'd get now from Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart
AirPods Pro 2
Apple AirPods Pro 2 just granted FDA authorization for hearing aid use
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) in case
How to pair your AirPods to Android devices
Latest in News
Visual Intelligence being used to look up automotive info on an iPhone 16e
Not just for flagships anymore — how the Pixel 8a, iPhone 16e and other phones are expanding AI's reach
Former AATIP director Lue Elizondo tells documentary filmmaker Dan Farah we are 'not alone' in new 1hr 49m UFO film "The Age of Disclosure" (2025)
How to watch 'The Age of Disclosure' – can you stream UFO documentary online?
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Monday, March 10 (#638)
A render of the iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max — this new rumor could push people towards iPhone 17 Air
Isabela Merced as Dina and Bella Ramsey as Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2
New 'The Last of Us' season 2 trailer shows off my favorite moment from 'Part II'
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #372 (Monday, March 10 2025)