What is the Difference between a Steelbook and a Metalpak?

[Redmagster]

For those new to the never ending, highly challenging rollercoaster ride of metal game case collecting I thought this guide to the main basic variants may help...

Steelbook
Steelbook is frequently used as a generic term for a metal game case but Steelbook is, in fact, a single variant and is a trademark registered by Scanovo.

SteelBook is by popularity the most sought after, best packaged, and best made.

What is a SteelBook?
As defined by Scanavo, manufacturer of SteelBook, "A SteelBook is the new, innovative, exclusive packaging for high profile music, video & games releases. Steelbook consists of a metal exterior and an inner core of plastic with the same dimensions of a standard DVD or Blu Ray style case and designed for high volume automated packaging equipment."

Creative deisgn is a vital element of these metal works of art and SteelBook can offer various manufacturing techniques. They may include these elements:

1) Print
Using high-tech printing techniques they are able to design and create an almost infinite array of images. They print in offset quality using up to 6 colours. Printing on metal creates a premium photographic quality.

2) Lacquering
A combination of matt and glossy lacquers can be used to create special design effects.

3) Embossing / Debossing
Embossing is indented and debossing stands proud of the surface and are unique ways to create extra appeal. While creating an eye-catching, stylish finish it also allows further emphasis for logo, release title , images etc.

Enter the competitors...
Due to the popularity of the Steelbook product competition soon emerged in the form of Ironpacks and Star Metalpaks

Iron Pack
Iron Pack is generally found in US and Canada and the overall quality is lesser than that of a Steelbook.

The major differences between IronPacks and Steelbooks are:

1) The Ironpack spine is made of metal where the steelbook spine is plastic with a metal artwork strip overlay

2) The Ironpacks are slightly shorter and wider than steelbooks

3) In the Ironpack discs are not held as firmly on the spindle and the cases open very easily - too easily - not the pleasing definite closure of a steelbook

4) The metal used on Ironpacks is generally lesser quality than steelbooks making them easier to scratch or dent

Star Metal Paks
Star Metal Paks (more frequently referred to as, simply, Metal Paks are fine on the outside but the hinges and the cut spine for the hinges are of very poor quality

While MetalPak is a great product it lacks the quality and buyer appeal of SteelBooks

The main difference between Metalpaks and Steelbooks is the Spine:

Metalpak Spine:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/metalpakspinesmallest_zps52115648.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/metalpakspinesmallest_zps52115648.jpg.html)

Steelbook Spine:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/steelspine_zpsb6445d11.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/steelspine_zpsb6445d11.jpg.html)

Ironpack Spine:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/ironpackspine_zps261b407c.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/ironpackspine_zps261b407c.jpg.html)

Closer look at Steelbook spine:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/steelbook_4_zps78554f91.png (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/steelbook_4_zps78554f91.png.html)


And looking inside:
Metalpak:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/metalpakinside68_zps7c1f6ace.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/metalpakinside68_zps7c1f6ace.jpg.html)

Steelbook:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/steelbookinside1_zps449817c0.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/steelbookinside1_zps449817c0.jpg.html)

Ironpack:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/ironpackinside11_zps0d2624ee.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/ironpackinside11_zps0d2624ee.jpg.html)

And the steelbook logo:
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/steelbook_2_zps7f88dd10.png (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/steelbook_2_zps7f88dd10.png.html)

And the age old question....

Does size really matter?

Another way hardened metal case collectors love to confuse the newbies is to use code words for sizes... In case you've been wondering or confused here you go:

G1
Also known as DVD sized ie the size of a standard xbox or pc game case

G2
Also known as BluRay sized ie the size of a standard PS3 or Bluray movie game case

To illustrate - G2 on the left and G1 on the right

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/imagejpg1_zpse7adbb08.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/imagejpg1_zpse7adbb08.jpg.html)


JUMBO
These are the size of the G1 cases but much deeper and are usually more commonly called tins / metal collectors cases and usually come with the game and other items stored inside as mini collector editions

An example of a jumbo tin:

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u492/Redmagster/imagejpg2_zpsfb5d8e2d.jpg (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/Redmagster/media/imagejpg2_zpsfb5d8e2d.jpg.html)

It used to be the case that G2 video game steelbooks were the less frequent due to the proliferation of xbox and pc gaming v PS3 but with XboxOne adopting the smaller sized G2 game case G2 sized metal cases are becoming the norm....

I hope that helps with the differences :) :thumb:

[SwiftDeath]

:notworthy:

Very nice summation Mags

With the pics to boot! ;)

Stupid False Steelbooks!

I pay good money for that steelbook logo......

[comaamen86]

they iz alll metallzzz i buy somes

[Madigan]

I entered here thinking "another user wants to know the diff between steelbook and metal pak wtf" :D

I vote for a sticky, nice info :D

[Redmagster]

I entered here thinking "another user wants to know the diff between steelbook and metal pak wtf" :D

I vote for a sticky, nice info :D

Thanks Madigan :) Need to tidy it a little... LOL!

[mosavon]

Sticky? :ghey: need's work....:tomato:
















Stuck :thankyou:

[Redmagster]

Thanks Mossy - glad you like it. I try to be useful from time to time... ;)

[evilvort3x]

I own 1 Metalpak.. Its Not that good quality.

[gu8]

tekken tag 2 is a smelly little metalpak, i see why you all hate them, flimsy

[LowlyAssassin]

In the interested of thread resurrection
Could anyone shed some light on the sizes (and there proper names) of each type of metal case?
So what sizes do each type come in
And what is the G number for a jumbo book( or even its proper name)
And what is a vita metal case called?

[procion]

///

[Platfus]

Give her a metal (sic) please. I vote when G1 G2 Steelbook is made in a search this comes up first as a result.

fixed :)

[Redmagster]

///

Thanks for the feedback :) I'm just glad someone found it useful :thumb:

[Maggard]

There are more than a few who find it useful. I return when trying to recall your details. I am sorry for not saying how thankful until now. Thank you, so very much. I wish my brain held the info, but I'll return and each time, I do appreciate your post.

Life's Too Short Not To Game!!!

[Maggard]

What type of case is being used for PS-Vita Collector Cases? I have yet been lucky enough to pick up one, so do not have an example.
.:.
My first SteelCase was a lucky but a GameStop, priced same as the normal PS3 which I believe was $7.99.
.:.
I wish I had the funds to pick up PS3 & PS-Vita games in SteelCase versions whenever offered. Tried to import a couple when money was better.
.:..:.

Life's Too Short Not To Game!!!

[Gazereths]

Are there any vita metal cases? Not seen one before.

[GameTrigger]

For handheld games there is only Pokemon steel...

[Seesternmann]

For handheld games there is only Pokemon steel...

That's not true. :P

For PS Vita Assassin's Creed Liberation has a steelcase.
(pic for reference only, this is not my copy)

http://s14.directupload.net/images/141029/w25xo5vn.jpg (http://www.directupload.net)

[0329liuken]

And for 3DS, there are Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, and Super Mario Bros

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/31/qu5unery.jpg

[GameTrigger]

Oops, my mistake - I totally forgot those 3DS steels :blush:
I see that Assassin's Creed Liberation steel first time - thank you for sharing :notworthy:

[Maggard]

That's not true. :P

For PS Vita Assassin's Creed Liberation has a steelcase.
(pic for reference only, this is not my copy)

http://s14.directupload.net/images/141029/w25xo5vn.jpg (http://www.directupload.net)
.:.
What region was the "Assassin's Creed Liberation" SteelCase released. I was lucky to get the White PS-Vita combo (Amazon Black Friday priced it at &179.99) but never realised there was a SteelCase.
.:..:.

Life's Too Short Not To Game!!!

[Redmagster]

.:.
What region was the "Assassin's Creed Liberation" SteelCase released. I was lucky to get the White PS-Vita combo (Amazon Black Friday priced it at &179.99) but never realised there was a SteelCase.
.:..:.

Life's Too Short Not To Game!!!

Hi there - thanks for the comments on the thread :thumb:

The PS Vita Liberation was a Futureshop Canada release :)

[comaamen86]

Also steel books are made of copper not butter

[supersniper]

Might be helpful to add to the guide:

WITH SPINES
Steelbooks: https://www.steelbook.com
IronPacks:
FantasyBox: https://www.ifantasybox.com

WITHOUT SPINES
MetalPaks:
FuturePaks: https://www.novoboxworld.com

[sinanspd]

Might be helpful to add to the guide:

WITH SPINES
Steelbooks: https://www.steelbook.com
IronPacks:
FantasyBox: https://www.ifantasybox.com

WITHOUT SPINES
MetalPaks:
FuturePaks: https://www.novoboxworld.com

Since Fantasybox does not produce official products (and even makes fakes occasionally), it definitely shouldn't be in this guide. I think it would just lead to confusion and may cause some people to think they are official.

We have a separate thread for custom/fake steelbooks

Metalpak just evolved to become Futurepak. However, I think you raise a good point. The OP hasn't been active on the forum for nearly 3 years, it might be worth starting an updated thread at some point.

[supersniper]

Yeah I read what you said about FantasyBox. But what about IronPacks. Like is there even a parent company?

[sinanspd]

Yeah I read what you said about FantasyBox. But what about IronPacks. Like is there even a parent company?

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but I believe they went out of business