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.
Abhay patil
September 27, 2025 AT 01:15Nice retro vibe but the camera blind spot kills the fun
Amber Brewer
September 30, 2025 AT 02:45The case is a clever novelty, especially for fans of classic handhelds. It does let you play casual games without pulling out your phone, which is convenient. However, the obstructed view from the camera really hampers anything beyond simple titles. You also lose wireless charging, which many 17 Pro users rely on daily. Overall, it’s a fun add‑on if you accept the trade‑offs.
Kim Coulter
October 3, 2025 AT 04:15China’s tech giants keep pushing gimmicks while the West focuses on real performance. Xiaomi’s retro case is a shallow attempt to ride nostalgia, but it forgets core gamer needs. The camera’s blind spot is a glaring oversight that shows lack of user‑centric design. If you truly care about gaming quality, you’ll stick with dedicated handhelds, not a phone accessory. This is just another flash‑in‑the‑pan product that will be forgotten soon.
Michelle Toale-Burke
October 6, 2025 AT 05:45Totally get the nostalgia rush 😍 The case does feel like a blast from the past. It’s cute when the back screen lights up with Angry Birds 2. Still, that camera cut‑out can be a bit frustrating 😅 Still, a fun conversation starter for sure!
Amy Paradise
October 9, 2025 AT 07:15Honestly, the design brings back memories of those old Game Boy days. The button layout feels familiar, and the extra screen is a neat trick. It’s a great way to show off the secondary display tech. Just wish the D‑pad was a bit more ergonomic for longer sessions.
Janette Cybulski
October 12, 2025 AT 08:45I hear you on the D‑pad feeling cramped. It’s okay for quick taps, but marathon gaming sessions get tricky. If you take short breaks, it’s less of an issue. Hope Xiaomi refines the shape in future revisions.
Mildred Alonzo
October 15, 2025 AT 10:15The accessory’s battery claim of 40 days is impressive, assuming limited daily play. Yet the practical limitation of the camera obscuring a third of the screen cannot be overlooked. Users will need to adjust their view constantly, which detracts from immersion. Also, disabling wireless charging defeats a key convenience feature of the 17 Pro. Overall, the trade‑offs may outweigh the novelty.