Backbone is back, and this time they’re aiming for gaming world domination. Their new controller, the Backbone Pro, looks deceptively simple. Resembling its predecessor, the Backbone One, with its two oblong halves connected by a flexible spine, it initially appears to be just another phone-based controller. However, this is where the similarities end. The Pro is significantly more robust, feeling heavier and more substantial in the hand. But the real game-changer lies in its expanded functionality.
The magic of the Backbone Pro is its wireless capabilities. While it retains the ability to dock your smartphone via USB-C (Handheld Mode), the true innovation is its Wireless Mode. This allows for seamless Bluetooth connectivity to a wide array of devices, including Steam Decks, iPads, and even smart TVs. Backbone CEO Maneet Khaira emphasizes the immense engineering challenge involved, highlighting the three circuit boards packed into each half of the controller to enable this versatility. The controller boasts full-size thumbsticks, a D-pad, standard ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons, and even a trigger button, all within a surprisingly compact design. It also includes a headphone jack, a USB-C port, and claims an impressive 40-hour battery life.
But the Backbone Pro is more than just impressive hardware; it’s a holistic gaming ecosystem. The accompanying app acts as a central hub, intelligently managing connections to various consoles and remembering control layouts and game progress across devices. It even incorporates a built-in retro game emulator! The ambition is clear: a seamless, unified gaming experience, regardless of your preferred platform. This is a truly ambitious vision.
While the Backbone Pro boasts impressive compatibility with numerous game streaming services and mobile platforms, it’s not a universal solution. It lacks official support for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch due to button configuration differences. However, Backbone acknowledges these limitations, suggesting future console-specific versions while hinting at the possibility of broader future support. This highlights the ongoing challenge of creating truly universal gaming peripherals.
The inspiration behind the Backbone Pro is undeniable. CEO Khaira’s past experience at Google Stadia, a similar cross-platform vision that ultimately failed, fuels his determination to make the Backbone Pro a success. He believes that the controller itself can be the console, a central hub for all your gaming needs.
The Backbone Pro is available now, priced at $169 (though this may fluctuate due to tariffs). It’s a significant jump from the $100 Backbone One, but Backbone hopes its versatility and comprehensive software will eventually make it the one controller to rule them all. Only time will tell if this ambitious vision will become a reality.
