Xiaomi has unveiled its new flagship 17 series phones in China, led by the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, which come with a standout feature: a second screen on the back stretching across the wide camera island. This secondary display can be used for framing selfies, setting timers, and controlling music playback, but the highlight for gamers is Xiaomi’s quirky accessory that turns the phone into a handheld gaming console.
The ¥299 (around $40) Retro Handheld Console Case adds four face buttons, a circular D-pad reminiscent of an iPod Click Wheel, and a 200mAh battery Xiaomi claims can deliver 40 days of gameplay at three hours per day. The case even comes preloaded with Angry Birds 2. The only major drawback is that wireless charging cannot be used while the case is attached, and the camera lenses partially block the screen, which may make gaming awkward.
There’s no official word yet on whether the 17 Pro series will launch outside China, but fans hope the retro gaming case will be available globally. Xiaomi’s bold accessory hints that even more unconventional designs might be in store for next year’s 17 Ultra.
