Xiaomi 17 Pro Phones Offer Unique Gaming Experience
Xiaomi has recently unveiled the Xiaomi 17 series, featuring two Pro phones with rear displays that can be used for gaming. These screens function similarly to cover screens on Flip foldables, but Xiaomi has introduced an additional gaming feature for them.
During the launch event, Xiaomi announced that users can transform the Xiaomi 17 Pro phones into a gaming device resembling a Game Boy by using an optional case. Priced at 299 yuan (~), the case connects to the phones via Bluetooth and utilizes the rear screens as a gaming interface. The case includes four face buttons, a circular D-pad, and select and start buttons.
While the concept of playing retro games with limited controls seems appealing, some potential issues have been highlighted. The lack of shoulder keys may pose a challenge for certain games, and the rear cameras obstruct part of the gameplay. Xiaomi’s solution to this problem is allowing users to play games in a smaller window, but this compromises the gaming experience with a significantly reduced display size.
Aside from gaming, the rear screens on the Xiaomi 17 Pro phones serve other functions such as displaying notifications, watch faces, transit updates, camera previews, and music playback. The phones are currently available in China, starting at 4,999 yuan (~1), with no information on global availability.
For those interested in a unique gaming experience on a smartphone, importing the Xiaomi 17 Pro phones and the gaming case may be the only option until global availability is confirmed.
