I don't really think they're better or worse. I dont really know anything about those AC folders though; i hadn't seen them before. I'm positive they're folders though.
They make similar promo folders for Metal Gear games. I guess they're used to store papers, booklets, or leaflets. They're very much a quirky Japanese thing; they're not something you usually see anywhere else.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/METAL-GEAR-S...p2047675.l2557