Have you ever wished your smartphone could double as a retro handheld console? Xiaomi is here to make that dream a reality — sort of. With its newly unveiled Xiaomi 17 Pro accessory, the company is pushing nostalgia and quirkiness to the limit. But here’s the catch: Xiaomi’s retro handheld phone case is the best, and worst, way to game.

A Quirky Gaming Throwback

Xiaomi launched its flagship 17 series phones in China, led by the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. These models already draw attention with a secondary rear display that spans the wide camera island, perfect for selfies, timers, or quick controls.

But what really caught everyone’s eye is the ¥299 (around $40) Retro Handheld Console Case. With its design, Xiaomi turns a modern smartphone into a retro-inspired gaming device that feels like a cross between a Game Boy and an iPod.

What The Retro Case Offers

The accessory includes four face buttons, a circular D-pad that oddly resembles an iPod Click Wheel, and its own 200mAh battery. Xiaomi promises up to 40 days of gameplay at three hours a day, which is ambitious for such a tiny case.

And yes, it even comes preloaded with Angry Birds 2 — proving that nostalgia can come bundled with modern classics.

Why It’s The Best…

On one hand, the case is a bold experiment. It’s cheap, fun, and gives users a taste of handheld gaming without needing an actual console. It’s also a conversation starter, standing out from the sea of generic phone accessories.

For anyone craving nostalgia, it’s easy to see why people would say Xiaomi’s retro handheld phone case is the best, and worst, way to game.

…And Why It’s The Worst

Unfortunately, the experience looks far from ideal. The awkward D-pad and cramped layout don’t inspire confidence. Even worse, the phone’s dual camera lenses cut right into the game display, making gameplay unnecessarily frustrating.

Wireless charging also gets disabled while using the case, which means convenience takes a hit for the sake of novelty.

Will It Launch Outside China?

As of now, Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed if the 17 Pro or its retro gaming case will reach Europe or other markets. Given Xiaomi’s history of playful accessories, it wouldn’t be surprising if this is just the start of even stranger add-ons in future models.

Xiaomi’s retro handheld phone case is the best, and worst, way to game — a quirky mix of innovation, nostalgia, and flawed practicality. For $40, it’s more of a collectible conversation piece than a serious gaming solution. Still, it shows Xiaomi’s willingness to experiment, and fans of weird tech accessories might just love it.