Advertisement
When you think of flagship smartphones in 2025, your mind might naturally go to cutting-edge cameras, top-tier performance, and long-lasting batteries. Xiaomi, however, has taken things a step further with its recently launched Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, adding a feature that lets users relive their childhood gaming memories. Both models come with a secondary display on the camera island, which can be used to check incoming calls or as a selfie viewfinder. But with the addition of the Retro Handheld Console Case, this display transforms into a Game Boy-inspired gaming console, complete with preloaded games like Angry Birds 2 and a Space Invaders-style title.
The Retro Handheld Console Case itself has four face buttons, a D-pad, as well as Start, Select, and Power buttons. It comes with a separate 200mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims can last up to 40 days with three hours of daily playtime. However, the case must be charged separately using pins at the top, as it does not support wireless charging through the phone. While this gaming feature is playful and nostalgic, it only utilizes about two-thirds of the back display, making gameplay feel slightly cramped. Moreover, Xiaomi currently does not plan to add more games or support emulation, so the feature seems best suited for casual gaming or brief bursts of nostalgia.
Beyond its playful retro gaming twist, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are serious flagship phones. They are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage. The display is a 1.5k 12-bit LTPO OLED panel, providing vivid visuals, while the Leica Summilux triple camera setup—comprising a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 50 MP ultrawide lens—ensures top-of-the-line photography. The front-facing camera also boasts 50 MP, and the phones run Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3, based on Android 16. Battery capacity is equally impressive, with 6300mAh for the 17 Pro and 7500mAh for the Pro Max, ensuring the devices can last through heavy use.
The design of the Xiaomi 17 Pro series intentionally mirrors the aesthetics of Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro series, particularly in the large camera island, but Xiaomi adds its own unique twist with the secondary Magic Back Display. This feature sets it apart from other Chinese flagship phones like Oppo and Vivo, which mostly emphasize photography capabilities. Instead, Xiaomi has cleverly merged functionality with nostalgia, offering users the chance to experience retro gaming directly on their phones.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max currently launch in China, with prices starting at approximately $700 for the 17 Pro and $840 for the Pro Max. While there is no word yet on international availability, many tech enthusiasts are eager to see the Retro Gaming Case accompany the phones overseas. Whether ingenious or a little quirky, Xiaomi’s combination of cutting-edge technology and playful nostalgia makes the 17 Pro series a standout in the crowded flagship market, appealing to both tech enthusiasts and gamers looking for a touch of childhood charm.