Astro Is Launching a New Gaming Backpack and Nintendo Switch OLED Crossbody Sling

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Astro Gaming has designed a new version of its popular scout backpack, in collaboration with bag manufacturer Timbuk2.

Astro Gaming is a brand primarily known for its peripherals, which are firm favorites amongst the e-sport crowd. The vast majority of its products are electronic accessories, such as top-grade headsets, specialized controllers and customizable tech mod kits.

While its scout bag (designed to securely carry laptops and gaming consoles) has always been one of the company’s bestselling items, lifestyle apparel isn’t its speciality. Yet the label is aiming to transition into this market of soft goods and is getting started by redesigning the iconic backpack.

To do this, it has partnered with Timbuk2 to draw upon the manufacturer’s “carry solution” expertise. Over the course of 18 months, the two San Francisco-based retailers created an entirely new bag from the ground up, one that is perfect for those who tend to lug around a lot of gear, like e-sport athletes and travel-centric gamers.

Astro Gaming invited Newsweek to a presentation to showcase the result of the collaboration with Timbuk2. Here is what they unveiled.

The BP35 Backpack

The BP35 and CSO3 Crossbody Sling — The BP35 backpack and the CSO3 Crossbody Sling.
Astro Gaming

Listed as the “BP35,” the new backpack is explicitly designed to carry and protect gaming equipment.

It has a 35-liter volume, with specific compartments intended for things like tablets, consoles and headsets. For example, the internal sleeves are capable of holding two 16-inch laptops.

It has been made with fully water-resistant fabrics, which will protect your devices against splashing and light rainfall. According to Astro, you will even be able to set the backpack down in a puddle without damaging any of its contents.

Meanwhile, it was designed with non-abrasive materials, meaning that you can confidently store your Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck (when it’s eventually released) in there without worrying about the screens getting scratched.

The BP35 specifications are as follows:

Front Panel Specs:

Color: Jet black
Material: 600 denier polyester with water-resistant coating
Water-resistant zippers

Back Panel Specs:

Material: Mesh EVA and jersey foam package
Utility sateen webbing

Top Pocket:

Made from non-abrasive material to prevent screen scratching

Front Pocket:

Material: Ripstop nylon 210 denier with water-resistant coating
Folded magnetic flap

Side Pockets:

Dual water bottle pockets on both sides of the bag

Straps:

Fully adjustable shoulder straps made with air mesh fabric
Adjustable sternum strap

Sleeves:

Back sleeve and internal sleeve capable of holding two 16-inch laptops

Interior Specs:

Vista loop for securing headphones
Expandable padded pocket
Extra pockets and sleeves
Large clamshell opening.

The recommended manufacturer’s price for the BP35 is $199.99. It’s available on both the Astro Gaming and Timbuk2 websites.

The BP35 Backpack — The interior of the BP35 backpack has a “vista loop” for securing headphones.
Astro Gaming

The CSO3 Crossbody Sling

In addition to the backpack, Astro and Timbuk2 are also releasing a new crossbody sling that has been designed specifically for carrying the Nintendo Switch.

Speaking to Newsweek, representatives for Astro confirmed that the larger OLED edition of the portable console will be able to fit in it too.

The sling, known as the CS03, has a 3-liter volume with enough slots to carry 14 SD cards. The front pocket is secured with a magnetic fold, but Astro confirmed to Newsweek that this is too weak to cause any damage to your electronics.

The CS03 crossbody sling specifications are as follows: