The V-Screen from Realview promises “stunning depth enhancement for your PSP games” by making the 2D screen image “look and feel far more realistic and exciting.” At least that’s what the box says. Inside the box you’ll find a plastic case where the PSP goes, with a magnifying glass — the V-Screen — attached at the top that flips out. Peer through that and PSP games should look more three-dimensional, if we’re to believe the box’s description.

But we shouldn’t believe it because this is the same basic type of screen-magnifying peripheral that was released for the Game Boy and Game Gear so long ago. To my eyes all the V-Screen does is make the PSP screen look bigger and blurrier. If there’s any sense of 3D there it’s minimal.

The thing cuts off the edges of the screen, too, so say goodbye to life bars, scores and lots of other things you probably want to be able to see. Playing games like Space Invaders Extreme, where you need to see what’s at the exact top and bottom of the screen at all times, is impossible unless you constantly swivel the PSP to get the whole picture, or put your nose right up to the V-Screen. The entire swiveling affair makes you look and feel silly (not that that should stop you from playing a video game), and worse, it can’t be good for your eyes. Just trying to focus on the screen is difficult since the V-Screen tends to reflect all surrounding light. Playing in the dark works best, but that can’t be good for your eyesight either.

And the V-Screen just makes the image bigger and blurrier anyway, so what’s the point of using it at all? It’s not practical on long commutes, where my PSP gets the most use, and it barely does what the box says it does. Even if the V-Screen did deliver some kind of magical 3D experience what would that really add to the gaming experience? Not much, I imagine.

Recently, I watched a 3D demo of Super Stardust HD at a SonyStyle store and ended up headachey and irritated. When I saw Avatar in 3D, I ended up headachey and really irritated. Maybe this product, and the 3D trend in general, is not for me. Regardless, any change the V-Screen might induce is illusory since PSP games aren’t built to be 3D or have “depth” in the first place.

The V-Screen’s real strength lies in the sturdy case it comes in. It’s built like a lightweight fallout shelter. Maybe a shift in focus to reliable carrying cases would be preferable.

[Games Tested: Dracula X Chronicles, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, Space Invaders Extreme, Lumines, Mega Man Powered Up, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy Tactics]