Introducing the Backbone Pro: A Game Changer for Mobile Gamers

This week, Backbone, a leading mobile controller brand, launched the Backbone Pro controller, taking mobile gaming to unparalleled levels for both iOS and Android users.

Unmatched Features for Ultimate Play

As the successor to the popular Backbone One, the Pro boasts full-size joysticks, reconfigurable buttons, and Bluetooth compatibility. The standout feature? Unlike its predecessor, the Backbone Pro operates wirelessly, freeing players from the constraints of being tethered to their phones. This is a game-changer, especially for cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass. Imagine playing on your big screen, then seamlessly switching to mobile gameplay when you’re on the go.

"We believe gaming should be simple and seamless, much like AirPods connecting to devices," says Backbone's founder, Maneet Khaira.

Backbone's Bold Bet on Mobile Gaming

With the explosion of cloud gaming, Backbone is poised to dominate the mobile gaming hardware market. Their impressive roster of celebrity investors, including Ashton Kutcher, The Weeknd, and Amy Schumer, adds star power to their credibility. Gaming insiders like Discord founder Jason Citron also support Backbone's vision.

The Skeptic's Perspective: Is Mobile Gaming Worth It?

As someone who has always preferred dedicated gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch, I was skeptical about mobile gaming's charm. To put the Backbone Pro to the test, I downloaded a few games that I enjoy on my Switch, primarily to compare the experiences.

A Surprising Verdict: Comfort Meets Gameplay

After about 13 hours of gameplay on iOS’s Stardew Valley within just three days, I found myself pleasantly surprised. While I remain unconvinced about mobile gaming—multitasking between texts and games is frustrating—I preferred gaming on the Backbone Pro from the comfort of my couch over the Switch, which often prioritizes screen size over user comfort.

Ergonomic Excellence: Gameplay Redefined

The Backbone Pro shines with its ergonomic design. Unlike the initial discomfort I felt switching from the original Nintendo Switch to its successor, the Backbone Pro felt intuitive from the moment I connected my phone via USB-C. I dove into chaotic games like Hades with ease, finding it a more comfortable option than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Crafted with Precision: Backbone's Innovative Design Process

Khaira drew inspiration from Meta's rapid prototyping methods for the Backbone Pro. The team invested heavily in technology, 3D-printing over 9,000 different parts to ensure every detail was perfected, resulting in a controller that makes Joy-Cons feel like children's toys.

Is It Worth the Price? A Consideration for Serious Gamers

However, all this precision comes at a premium. The Backbone Pro retails at $169.99, a price point that could buy you a refurbished Nintendo Switch Lite. But for dedicated gamers who crave that seamless transition across devices, the Backbone Pro may be worth every penny.

If you hardly switch between Xbox Game Pass on your TV and handheld gameplay, the original Backbone One, priced at $99.99, might suit your needs just fine.