Imagine slipping your new Xiaomi 17 Pro into a case that instantly gives you a nostalgic handheld console. That’s exactly what Xiaomi is trying to pull off with its Official Xiaomi retro handheld case, a $69.99 accessory that taps the phone’s new secondary back display to run games. The idea feels fresh – a blend of retro charm and cutting‑edge hardware – but the execution raises a lot of questions.
What the case brings to the table
Right out of the box, the case resembles classic portable game machines. It sports a full set of ABXY buttons, a circular D‑pad, and Start/Select keys, all molded from durable PC and TPU plastics. The layout is meant to feel familiar to anyone who grew up with Game Boy or PSP devices.
Inside, Xiaomi has pre‑installed a handful of casual titles, with Angry Birds 2 leading the pack. Since the accessory uses the phone’s secondary back screen – a 2.7‑inch panel that wraps around the camera module – the games appear on this extra display while the primary front screen stays free for calls or notifications.
Battery life is a surprising highlight. A tiny 200 mAh cell tucked into the case claims up to 40 days of use if you limit yourself to about three hours of gaming each day. For most users, that translates to weeks of occasional play without needing to reach for a charger.
- Key features:
- Classic button layout (ABXY, D‑pad, Start/Select)
- Secondary 2.7‑inch back screen for game display
- Pre‑loaded games like Angry Birds 2
- 200 mAh auxiliary battery promising up to 40 days of light use
Drawbacks and real‑world usability
While the concept is eye‑catching, the practical side reveals several pain points. The most glaring issue is the camera module that sits in the middle of the back screen. In many games the lenses block roughly a third of the visual area, forcing players to adapt to an odd, cropped view. Reviewers have called this obstruction a “show‑stopper” for anything beyond casual taps.
Wireless charging, a feature many 17 Pro owners rely on, is completely disabled while the case is attached. Users must peel the case off every time they want to charge the phone wirelessly – a step that defeats the convenience the accessory aims to add.
The D‑pad’s circular design, while retro‑inspired, feels cramped compared to the ergonomic shapes found on modern controllers. Gamers accustomed to more responsive sticks report that it can feel stiff and imprecise during fast‑paced titles.
Screen size is also a concern. The secondary panel is only 2.7 inches, meaning text and sprites appear quite small. Coupled with the camera’s blind spot, this limits the case to very simple games; anything with detailed graphics or fast action quickly becomes hard to follow.
Finally, the case works exclusively with the 17 Pro and Pro Max, locking out owners of other Xiaomi models. That narrow compatibility narrows the potential market to a niche group of early adopters.
- Major limitations:
- Camera lenses block ~33% of the game view
- No wireless charging while the case is on
- Circular D‑pad may feel uncomfortable for serious gamers
- Small 2.7‑inch back screen restricts visual clarity
- Only fits Xiaomi 17 Pro/Pro Max devices
In short, Xiaomi’s retro handheld case is a clever showcase of its secondary display technology and a fun novelty for fans of throwback gaming. However, the practical drawbacks – especially the obstructed view and loss of wireless charging – make it less appealing for anyone looking for a serious portable gaming solution. For now, it sits more as a conversation starter than a game‑changing accessory.
