Introducing the Backbone Pro: Your New Gaming Companion?

The Backbone One made waves when it debuted in 2020, revolutionizing the landscape of mobile gaming controllers. Whether you're streaming Xbox Cloud Gaming, indulging in nostalgic emulators, or simply enjoying mobile games with tactile hardware, this controller is designed for serious gamers. Recently, Backbone has taken a leap forward with the introduction of the Backbone Pro, marking its first significant upgrade since the One.

A Step Up in Design and Functionality

The Backbone Pro boasts several upgrades that elevate both comfort and performance. Comfort features include cushioned grips, enhanced joysticks, and larger, quieter buttons. It's now Bluetooth-compatible too, meaning you can game on PCs, smart TVs, iPads, and more, breaking free from just smartphone play.

One Controller to Rule Them All!

Backbone's CEO Maneet Khaira emphasizes that the Pro aims to be the ultimate gaming tool for every screen. However, at $170, this premium device might deter budget-conscious gamers. Although its predecessor remains available at $100, the Pro’s price point aligns with high-end controllers from Xbox.

Is It Worth the Investment?

When utilized across multiple devices, the Backbone Pro shines. The ergonomic grips and responsive joysticks significantly enhance gaming experiences compared to the Backbone One. Weighing in at a light 199 grams, it remains portable and easy to handle.

Scoring Points with Performance

The new controller features taller joysticks with a firmer grip and refined buttons that feel less clunky. You can remap controls via the Backbone app and adjust settings for precision gaming. But it's worth noting, for the steep price, the joysticks still lack magnetic sensors to prevent drift.

Versatile Pairing But Missing Key Features

Connecting to multiple devices is seamless, and swapping from your phone to a console is just that easy. Yet, there's a catch: while the Backbone Pro is marketed as a universal gaming controller, it lacks the technology to connect directly with consoles like the Xbox or PlayStation. It also feels slightly cramped compared to traditional controllers, raising questions about its comfort during extended gameplay.

Subscriptions and Limitations

Some features of the Backbone app require a Backbone+ subscription, adding a yearly cost of $40. This raises concerns about the overall value of a $170 controller that demands additional fees for full functionality.

Exciting Future Updates

Despite its drawbacks, the Backbone app remains user-friendly, allowing for easy organization of games and streaming services. Upcoming updates promise a built-in emulator capable of playing classic titles, although this too requires a subscription and lacks many features found in other free emulators.

Conclusion: Should You Join the Backbone Revolution?

Ultimately, the Backbone Pro is a premium option worth considering for dedicated mobile gamers. However, its higher price and additional subscription costs make it a tougher sell. As the line between console and mobile gaming blurs, the question remains: is this device the one to unite your gaming experience, or just another pricey gadget?