Elago MagSafe W5 Stand, Retro Gaming Meets MagSafe [Review]

Elago MagSafe W5 Stand, Retro Gaming Meets MagSafe [Review]

January 1, 2025 17:15 EST • Alexandre Vallières-Lagacé • 4 minute read

Elago has made a name for themselves with creative stands and holders that add a touch of nostalgia to modern technology. The MagSafe W5 Stand takes this concept to the next level, transforming your MagSafe charging setup into a delightful tribute to Nintendo’s iconic Game Boy. Let’s see how this blend of retro charm and modern functionality comes together.

Design

The MagSafe W5 Stand perfectly captures the essence of the original Game Boy, from the distinctive button layout to the speaker grilles and even the power LED indicator. Made from thick, premium silicone, it feels substantial while maintaining a soft touch that won’t scratch your desk or device. The classic light gray color accurately matches the original Nintendo hardware, creating an authentic retro aesthetic.

The stand is designed to house an official Apple MagSafe charger (not included), with precise cutouts for cable routing and management. The attention to detail is impressive - even the direction pad and buttons are faithfully recreated in the silicone, though they’re purely decorative. The “screen” area perfectly frames your iPhone, creating a convincing illusion of a supersized Game Boy when your phone is mounted.

Features

  • Compatible with official Apple MagSafe charger
  • Works with all MagSafe-enabled iPhones
  • Premium silicone construction
  • Integrated cable management
  • Non-slip base
  • Authentic retro gaming design
  • Portrait orientation display
  • Supports phone cases up to 2mm thick
  • Available in classic gray color

Performance

The MagSafe W5’s primary function is to hold your MagSafe charger securely while providing a stable charging platform for your iPhone. In this respect, it performs admirably. The charger fits snugly into its designated slot, and the cable routing keeps everything tidy and organized.

The stand positions the MagSafe charger at an ideal height and angle for easy phone placement and removal. The magnetic connection remains strong and secure, with no interference from the silicone construction. The charger’s white face blends seamlessly into the design, maintaining the aesthetic while providing full charging functionality.

The thick silicone base provides excellent stability, preventing the stand from sliding or tipping, even when removing your phone. The material’s natural grip works well on both wooden desks and glass surfaces. The stand’s weight and proportions feel well-calculated, creating a balanced platform that remains steady during use.

In daily use, the MagSafe W5 proves to be more than just a novelty. The charging position is practical for desk use, allowing easy viewing of notifications and comfortable interaction with your phone while it charges. The design naturally guides you to portrait orientation, though landscape mode is possible (albeit less thematic).

Installing your MagSafe charger into the W5 is straightforward, though it requires a bit of careful manipulation to route the cable properly. Once set up, the cable management system keeps everything neat and organized, with no loose cables to detract from the clean aesthetic.

The stand makes a statement on any desk, instantly recognizable to gaming enthusiasts while remaining tasteful enough for professional environments. Its size strikes a good balance - large enough to be stable and visually impressive, yet compact enough to not dominate your workspace.

The silicone material is of high quality, with excellent thickness and durability. All edges are cleanly molded, and the decorative elements are crisp and well-defined. The material shows good resistance to dust and fingerprints, though it can attract lint if you have fabric items nearby on your desk.

Compatibility

The stand works with all MagSafe-enabled iPhones, from the iPhone 12 series onward. It accommodates most cases up to 2mm thick, though some particularly bulky cases might affect the magnetic connection strength. The design is optimized for the official Apple MagSafe charger, and while third-party chargers might fit, the experience is best with Apple’s original hardware.

Conclusion

The Elago MagSafe W5 Stand succeeds in bringing a smile-inducing dose of nostalgia to your daily charging routine. While the price ($39.99 US, $54.99 CA) might seem steep for what is essentially a silicone charger holder (especially considering you need to provide your own MagSafe charger), the quality construction and unique design help justify the investment for those who appreciate its retro charm.

For Nintendo enthusiasts or anyone looking to add some personality to their desk setup, the MagSafe W5 offers a perfect blend of form and function. It’s more than just a novelty item - it’s a well-executed charging solution that happens to look fantastic while doing its job.

The main consideration is whether the nostalgic design resonates enough with you to justify the premium over simpler charging stands. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and appreciate clever design touches, the MagSafe W5 Stand is a delightful addition to your desk that turns the routine act of charging your phone into something a bit more special.

Review Summary

MagSafe W5 StandElago
MagSafe W5 Stand

A nostalgic Game Boy-inspired MagSafe charging stand that combines retro gaming aesthetics with modern charging functionality.

Elago MagSafe W5 Stand

The Good Stuff
  • Unique retro gaming design
  • High-quality silicone construction
  • Excellent cable management
  • Non-slip base
  • Compatible with all MagSafe iPhones
The Bad Stuff
  • MagSafe charger not included
  • Limited color options
  • Premium price for a silicone holder
The Ratings
Design
100%
Build Quality
90%
Functionality
80%
Value
70%
Overall: 85%
Disclaimers: This product or service was provided by the company or partner for the purpose of this review.
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