Xiaomi Turns Its 17 Pro Into a Game Boy With a Retro Case

Have you ever had a bad ergonomic experience with your mobile gaming? Xiomai has got that for you with its new Retro Handehld Console Case for the Xiaomi 17 Pro.\

This new console case is tied to the launch of the Xiaomi 17 series. The Pro models already stand out with their secondary rear display, but this takes it to another level. The real headline-grabber is the snap-on case that turns the phone into a “Game Boy.”

The case will directly connect to the 17 Pro and features four face buttons, a circular D-pad that resembles a click wheel, and its own 200mAh battery. The battery claims on the Retro Handheld Console Case are 40 days of use at 3 hours of play per day, but realistically, I don’t know if people would spend that much time on the back of their phone. The case also comes pre-installed with the Angry Birds 2 game.

There are some other awkward compromises. Like how the two camera lenses block part og the screen, making it less than ideal for gaming. Also, the wireless charging is disabled when the case is attached, and the design looks a little cramped and uncomfortable compared to actual handhelds.

The Retro Handehld Console Case costs $40, but is only available in China so far; no global release date has been announced yet.

The Retro Handehld Console Case highlights Xiaomi’s playful accessory ecosystem and is a continuation of its experimental approach. It also raises some questions like, is this a fun nostalgia play or just a gimmick?

Would you actually buy/use this case? Or is it destined to be a drawer novelty? Do you think phone makers should lean more into fun/weird accessories like this? Let u know in the comments.

Images from Xiaomi