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Tom's Guide
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I already spend way too much time playing my PS5 — and this mobile controller just made things a whole lot worse
The PS5 Slim just won the award for Best Console in this year's Tom's Guide Gaming Awards, and rightly so. Personally, it's my favorite console and it's the best investment I've made so far. When I'm not working or spending time with my partner, I'm sinking hours into RPGs like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur's Gate 3. There are times I wish I owned a PlayStation Portal so I could play on the go... but why get that when I can get one of the best phone controllers instead and turn my smartphone into a gaming powerhouse? There are many mobile controllers available today, and I've just tested my favorite yet: the Backbone Pro. The Backbone Pro is a solid phone gaming controller that improves on its predecessor by introducing chunkier grips, Hall Effect triggers and customizable back buttons. The triggers and back buttons, combined with the responsive analog thumbsticks, enhance mobile gaming and make it more immersive. Battery life is long and alongside USB-C connectivity, there's Bluetooth too. What makes the Backbone Pro so special and fantastic is its ergonomic design and 40-hour battery life, both of which enable you to play all day long. Backbone has also added Hall Effect triggers to the controller, giving you more precision and control over finetuning your movements. I can't believe I've gone so long without a mobile controller, and here's why I won't be leaving the apartment without the Backbone Pro now. I've been on the fence about getting a PlayStation Portal. On the one hand, I'd love to be able to play PS5 games anywhere in the world (as long as I have WiFi) with haptica feedback on what's basically a split DualSense controller. On the other hand, I know it isn't the most user-friendly experience. So why get that when I can just use the Backbone Pro? The Backbone Pro can be used with PS Remote Play on iOS and iPadOS devices. While the controller isn't big enough to accommodate iPads (not even the Mini), there's plenty of space to mount your iPhone, and I played my PS5 games on an iPhone 15 Pro — and it worked like a charm. What's even better is that the Backbone Pro can be used wirelessly over a Bluetooth LE connection, so you can use it untethered as a regular gamepad. While it can't pair with my PS5 Slim due to Sony's restrictions, it works with PC, tablets, Xbox, MacBooks, Android and iOS smartphones, you name it. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So if you need a second gamepad that doubles as a mobile controller, the Backbone Pro is the one for you. As I mentioned up top, the Backbone Pro features Hall Effect triggers which means they're more durable and sensitive compared to traditional analog ones — and I really wish the PlayStation DualSense had them. They make the Backbone Pro a formidable gamepad. Over a steady WiFi connection which negated any input lag while streaming, all of my commands on the controller registered promptly. I was parrying like my life depended on it in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and I took out Nevrons with ease thanks to the highly responsive Hall Effect triggers. The triggers and comfortable, full-size thumbsticks came in clutch in Need for Speed Heat too, aiding me in turning tight corners and drifting down winding mountainous roads with ease. Also, the Backbone Pro's R1 and L1 triggers have very short travel distances, so a short, simple tap is more than enough for your command to register. This made quick work of cycling through weapon radial menus in Baldur's Gate 3. There are also two back buttons on the Backbone Pro which can be remapped via the (very user-friendly) companion software. You won't understand the importance and impact back buttons have on making games more immersive until you've tried them. Read about my experience with them in my full Backbone Pro review. Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Backbone Pro's price. This isn't a cheap controller, especially compared to its $99 predecessor, the Backbone One. The Backbone Pro retails for $169 / £169 — that's only $30 cheaper than the PlayStation Portal's retail price. The thing is, many of the Backbone Pro's competitors cost much less, such as the Scuf Nomad ($99), the Gamesir G8 Galileo ($99) and, its stablemate, the Backbone One Gen 2 ($99). This isn't a cheap investment, and at this price, I expected the Backbone Pro's thumbsticks to feature Hall Effect sensors and for some app features not to be paywalled. Should you still buy it? If you can afford it, I don't see why not. It's got a lot of potential and it exceeded my expectations when I reviewed it. My dreams of owning a PlayStation Portal have been realized... in a twisted, roundabout way, at least. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
01-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
I turned my phone into a gaming powerhouse with the Backbone Pro — I can't believe I went so long without a mobile controller
Mobile gaming has come a long way thanks to advances in technology, and with console/cloud gaming available via Remote Play apps, the possibilities are endless — you can play your favorite games anywhere, anytime. And for that, you need one of the best phone controllers, like the Backbone Pro. I spent a few days testing it and I have to say: I am impressed, and now I don't want to leave my apartment without it. The Backbone Pro improves on its predecessor by introducing fantastic, responsive Hall Effect triggers and customizable back buttons that make games more immersive. The controller is extremely comfortable thanks to chunky grips and an asymmetrical ABXY layout, and its battery life clocks in at a whopping 40 hours. While not without its faults, such as some app features being paywalled and the absence of Hall Effect thumbsticks, it's still a ridiculously good controller. If you're willing to pay the (steep) price, it's worth every penny. For the complete breakdown, read my full Backbone Pro review. Specs Backbone Pro Price $169 / £169 Connectivity Bluetooth LE, USB-C Compatibility iOS, iPadOS, Android, console/cloud gaming (Xbox/PS Remote Play), PC, Steam Link Layout ABXY Triggers Hall Effect Thumbsticks ALPS Back buttons Yes, two Dimensions 8.46 x 6.02 x 2.64 inches Weight 18.4oz Color Black Battery 40 hours, USB-C From its comfortable, ergonomic design and Hall Effect triggers to its customizable back buttons and long battery life, the Backbone Pro is a winner. The Backbone Pro is a fantastic controller for all-day play. It improves on the Backbone One's design by introducing full-size thumbsticks, and they're now the same size as an Xbox controller's. And like an Xbox gamepad, they're offset, and the Backbone Pro sports an asymmetrical ABXY design, which I prefer over, say, the PlayStation DualSense's. Chunkier grips are at play here, too, making the Backbone Pro feel more substantial and full in my hands. When fully outstretched, the Backbone Pro measures 8.46 x 6.02 x 2.64 inches, and it can mount phones up to 7 inches. I've got medium-sized hands and the grips are the perfect size for me. The controller weighs 18.4oz, so it isn't too light or too heavy — the Goldilocks of gamepads, if you will. While lighter controllers are less fatiguing, I prefer a heavier gamepad, which is why I really enjoyed using the Backbone Pro. The Backbone Pro is available in one model only: black USB-C, which makes it OS-agnostic. As long as you have an iPhone 15 or newer, or an Android phone, the controller will work with your device. All you need to do is stretch the phone mount, pop your phone in, and you're good to go. What's even better is that the mount is so spacious that you don't need to remove your phone cover — something we also loved about the Scuf Nomad ($99). This worked like a charm with my Google Pixel 7 Pro, my partner's Google Pixel 9, and my friend's iPhone 15 Pro. The Backbone Pro has also improved on the Backbone One Gen 2 by introducing Bluetooth LE, so you can use the controller as a regular gamepad without having to mount your phone. Yes, that means it can pair with consoles, PCs and tablets. While it can't (yet) pair wirelessly with the PlayStation 5 due to Sony's restriction, it paired smoothly with my MacBook Pro M1 and my iPad (10th Gen). A new addition to the Backbone Pro is something that was missing in the Backbone One: Hall Effect triggers replace analog ones. Hall Effect triggers are more responsive and durable than analog ones, and they offer precise control, enabling you to finetune your movements. To test the Backbone Pro, I played a few games via PS Remote Play on an iPhone 15 Pro, which included Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Need for Speed Heat and Planet Zoo. The controller performed exceptionally well in all three games. The quality of Remote Play depends on how strong your WiFi connection is, and since mine is amazing, I didn't need to worry about any lag or quality issues. With that out of the way, I noticed no input lag on the controller's part either. All of my commands were promptly registered, which is crucial in Expedition 33. Winning battles in the game is heavily reliant on you parrying and dodging, as enemies can easily one-shot you. Lucky for me, I timed my parries perfectly by hitting R1 on the Backbone Pro. The travel distance between you pressing the button and its meeting with the sensor is very short, too, so a simple tap is more than enough for the controller to register the input. Similarly, braking and accelerating in NFS Heat was a breeze. My fingers didn't feel fatigued when I had to brake and use the thumbstick to drift in challenges either. Speaking of, the Backbone Pro's thumbsticks don't utilize Hall Effect sensors, but they're still highly responsive. I also appreciate that they're full-size, which made turning tight corners in NFS Heat a walk in the park. They were also handy in Planet Zoo, where you need a steady hand to create symmetrical enclosures. I didn't have any issues building multiple homes for my animals with the thumbsticks. I like how close the left thumbstick is to the D-pad, as I was able to use the midpoint of my thumb to press the navigation keys when I needed to access my inventory or cycle through menus. I played native games on my Google Pixel 7 Pro as well: Real Racing 3 and Call of Duty Mobile. Again, the Backbone Pro performed reliably in both games. Peeking around corners to gauge enemy positions and retreating to my hiding spot in Call of Duty Mobile was quick and easy. I also love how soft the longer L2 and R2 triggers feel, which made aiming and firing my gun, or accelerating in Real Racing 3, less fatiguing on my fingers. Backbone has added two customizable back buttons to the Backbone Pro, both within easy reach of ring or pinky fingers. I love back buttons as, to me, they make games feel more intuitive and the controller more ergonomic. These can be remapped via the Backbone app (more on that soon). For use in F1 22, I customized them in a way that the left button (M2) worked as gear up and the right button (M1) worked as gear down. This made the game much more immersive, and I felt like I was the driver in the cockpit. 'This is what Oscar Piastri must feel like,' I thought to myself as I zipped through the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps… and then crashed into the barrier and thought, 'This is what Lance Stroll feels like.' If you don't like back buttons, you can leave them unassigned in the Backbone app. That way, you won't accidentally hit one and, say, shoot your gun in an FPS title and give away your position to the enemy (happens to the best of us). The Backbone Pro is accompanied by the Backbone app, which serves as the central hub for accessing all your games, apps, Xbox and PS Remote Play, as well as Steam Link. It sports a clean interface that resembles a smart TV. Once you've set up the app for the first time, you can choose for it to fire up when you plug your smartphone in, or you can hit the orange Backbone button on the controller's right-hand grip to launch it. You can use the app to customize your controller, too. This includes adjusting each trigger's and thumbstick's respective dead zone, remapping each button and trigger, updating the firmware, managing Bluetooth devices and more. It couldn't be simpler. On top of it all, the Backbone Pro boasts long battery life. The brand says that on a single charge, the controller should comfortably last 40 hours. I used the controller plugged into my phone for a combined total of 10 hours, and the battery dipped to 75%, which is great. There's a USB-C port located on the right-hand grip and it features passthrough charging, so a USB-C cable charged both the controller and my phone at the same time. Nifty! This is something that's missing from the Scuf Nomad, so good to see that Backbone has retained it from its predecessors. Speaking of, the Backbone Pro's battery life upstages the Scuf Nomad's, which is limited to just 16 hours. The Backbone Pro is a great controller, but it's let down by its steep price, paywalled app features and analog thumbsticks that should've been Hall Effect. There's no sugarcoating it: the Backbone Pro is an expensive controller. It's amazing, yes, but you pay a premium for it. The Backbone Pro retails for $169 / £169 — only a smidge cheaper than the PlayStation Portal ($199), for context. It's pricier than most of its competitors, such as the Scuf Nomad ($99), the Gamesir G8 Galileo ($99) and, its stablemate, the Backbone One Gen 2 ($99). On top of the Backbone Pro costing a premium, some of the app's features are behind a paywall and require a $39 yearly subscription. This includes being able to capture, edit and share 1080p video at 60fps with cloud storage, in-app voice and text chat with friends, and the ability to livestream directly to Twitch, to name a few. Granted, these features aren't necessary to use or enjoy the controller, but it would have been nice to have them available from the get-go, especially because a feature like voice chat is readily available (for free) via phone apps like Discord. While I really like the Backbone Pro's ALPS analog thumbsticks, I wish they utilized Hall Effect sensors like the controller's triggers do. It feels like a missed opportunity, and something I expected, given how much the controller costs. Even though the Scuf Nomad is almost half the price of the Backbone Pro, it features Hall Effect thumbsticks. Hall Effect and TMR, thumbsticks are more responsive than analog ones, not to mention customizable. They're also more durable as they negate the possibility of the controller developing stick drift in the long term. I really wish the Backbone Pro utilized Hall Effect sensors in its thumbsticks, especially because it costs an arm and a leg. Aside from that, though, this is a fantastic controller. It's extremely comfortable for all-day use, which is backed by 40-hour battery life and passthrough charging. I love the new Hall Effect triggers and remappable back buttons that make gameplay smoother and immersive. Another feature I love is Bluetooth connectivity, because it turns the Backbone Pro into a standard controller that can be used untethered with your console or PC. The controller's companion app makes customization and accessing all your games in one place very easy, too. If you're willing to pay the premium, this is a mighty phone controller that can turn your smartphone or (mini) tablet into a gaming powerhouse. Me? I'm about to become insufferable because the Backbone Pro is going to fuel my Expedition 33 addiction even further.
Tom's Guide
22-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Backbone just launched its epic 'Pro' controller in the UK — what you need to know
Backbone has long made some of the best mobile game controllers you can buy, and the company's latest creation has just become available in the U.K. The Backbone Pro controller has been available in the United States for some time and is a major upgrade over the existing Backbone One. Let's get this out of the way first, though. It doesn't come cheap. The Backbone Pro will set you back £169 from Backbone's official store. And while we'll keep our eye out for discounts from the likes of Amazon and Currys, it's a big chunk of change when you could be eyeing up a Nintendo Switch 2 for your handheld gaming requirements. My colleague Anthony Spadafora over in the U.S. has already given us a pretty thorough breakdown of why the Backbone Pro is such an appealing gaming proposition and you can read his thoughts here. For something suitably "Pro", Backbone has added remappable back buttons, made the controller more comfortable to hold and boosted the thumbsticks to full-sized. This larger, more comfortable mobile game controller from Backbone allows you to play directly on your phone or wirelessly on you PC, tablet and other devices. It also features full-size thumbsticks and two remappable back buttons. But the real killer feature is making this a fully wireless controller alongside the standard USB-C connection that lets you plug it directly into your phone. That means you can switch from using this with one of the best Android phones seamlessly to using it with a PC, tablet or smart TV. Backbone states you'll get 40 hours of battery life and on the bottom of the Pro's handles you'll find a USB-C port for passthrough charging on the right and a 3.5mm headphone jack for plugging in a pair of wired headphones on the left. Backbone has come out all guns blazing with the Pro and having a controller that can seamlessly switch between your iPhone and your PC or console is a pretty tempting proposition. The question remains whether gamers will be willing to part with £169 for the privilege. Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Geeky Gadgets
26-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Backbone Pro 2025 Review 2025 : Transforms Your Phone Into a Games Console
What if your smartphone could do more than just scroll social media or stream videos? Imagine transforming it into a portable gaming powerhouse, capable of rivaling dedicated consoles in both performance and convenience. Bold claim? Perhaps. But that's exactly what the Backbone Pro promises to deliver. With its sleek design, broad compatibility, and customizable features, this device is more than just a controller—it's a redefinition of mobile gaming. Whether you're diving into fast-paced shooters or exploring expansive RPG worlds, the Backbone Pro aims to make your phone the ultimate gaming companion. But does it truly live up to the hype find out in this in-depth Backbone Pro review? In this in-depth assessment by ETA Prime explores how the Backbone Pro stacks up against its ambitious claims. From its ergonomic design that ensures comfort during marathon sessions to its seamless integration with platforms like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, this review uncovers what makes the Backbone Pro a standout in the crowded world of mobile gaming accessories. We'll also examine its limitations, like its handling of larger devices and trigger design, to give you a full picture of its capabilities. By the end, you'll know whether this device is the upgrade your gaming setup has been waiting for—or just another gadget vying for attention. Sometimes, the smallest devices can leave the biggest impressions. Backbone Pro Overview Broad Device Compatibility The Backbone Pro is engineered for compatibility with a wide range of devices, making sure it fits seamlessly into various gaming setups. It supports: Android smartphones, including flagship models like the Galaxy S25 and Red Magic 10 Pro iPhones from the 15 series onward iPads and laptops via Bluetooth or USB-C Its magnetic phone grips securely hold most smartphones, providing stability during intense gameplay. However, larger devices like iPads require wireless connectivity due to size constraints. This adaptability ensures that the Backbone Pro integrates effortlessly into your gaming routine, regardless of your preferred device or platform. Ergonomic Design for Comfort The Backbone Pro is designed with comfort and usability at its core, making it an excellent choice for extended gaming sessions. Key design features include: A rounded back for a secure and comfortable grip Full-size ALPS analog sticks for precise and responsive control A redesigned D-pad with a raised structure for enhanced responsiveness Programmable M1 and M2 buttons for customizable inputs These thoughtful enhancements ensure that the controller feels natural in your hands, reducing fatigue and improving performance during long play sessions. The ergonomic design caters to gamers of all skill levels, providing a balance of comfort and functionality. Backbone Pro Review 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on mobile gaming controller. Flexible Connectivity Options The Backbone Pro offers a variety of connectivity options to suit different gaming preferences, whether wired or wireless. These include: A USB-C port for zero-latency wired connections , ideal for competitive gaming , ideal for competitive gaming Bluetooth support for pairing with laptops, tablets, and other devices A 3.5mm headphone jack for private and immersive audio USB-C passthrough charging (up to 21W) to keep your phone powered during gameplay These features make the Backbone Pro a versatile tool for any gaming scenario. Whether you're engaging in casual play or high-stakes competition, the controller's connectivity options ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience. Advanced Customization with the Backbone App The Backbone app enhances your gaming experience by offering a range of advanced customization options. Through the app, you can: Remap buttons to align with your preferred playstyle Adjust analog stick dead zones for greater precision Create game-specific profiles for optimized settings Access firmware updates to stay current with new features and improvements Use built-in tools like a button tester and game launcher for convenience These capabilities allow you to tailor the controller to your preferences, making sure an optimized and personalized gaming experience. The app's intuitive interface makes it easy to fine-tune settings, giving you greater control over how you play. Performance and Game Compatibility The Backbone Pro delivers impressive performance across a wide range of gaming platforms and titles. It supports popular games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, as well as emulators such as RetroArch. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with game streaming services, including: GeForce Now Xbox Cloud Gaming Steam Link The controller's low-latency performance ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, while passthrough charging keeps your device powered during demanding sessions. Whether you're playing locally or streaming from the cloud, the Backbone Pro maintains a high-quality gaming experience that meets the needs of modern gamers. Portability and Accessories Designed with portability in mind, the Backbone Pro includes thoughtful accessories to enhance your gaming lifestyle. These include: A hard carrying case for secure and convenient storage during travel during travel Magnetic phone grips to keep your device stable and secure during intense gameplay These additions make the Backbone Pro a practical choice for gamers who frequently move between locations. Its compact design and durable accessories ensure that you can take your gaming setup wherever you go without compromising on performance or convenience. Limitations to Keep in Mind While the Backbone Pro offers numerous advantages, it does have a few limitations worth noting: The triggers could benefit from a longer physical throw , which would improve control in certain game genres like racing or first-person shooters. , which would improve control in certain game genres like racing or first-person shooters. Its design does not physically accommodate larger devices like iPads, though they can still connect via Bluetooth. These drawbacks are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from the overall experience. For most users, the Backbone Pro's strengths far outweigh these limitations, making it a reliable and versatile choice for mobile gaming. Final Thoughts The Backbone Pro stands out as a versatile and ergonomic solution for mobile gaming enthusiasts. Its broad compatibility, advanced customization options, and seamless integration with game streaming services make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a portable yet powerful controller. While it has a few minor limitations, its overall performance, thoughtful design, and user-friendly features solidify its position as a leader in the mobile gaming controller market. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive player, the Backbone Pro delivers a gaming experience that is both enjoyable and reliable. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Stuff.tv
20-06-2025
- Stuff.tv
Reviewing the Backbone Pro controller has opened up gaming on even more of my gadgets
Stuff Verdict A truly does-it-all mobile controller that'll play nicely with tablets, laptops and other gaming gear. The Backbone Pro is expensive, though – and overkill if you just want to play on your phone. Pros Bluetooth massively expands your device options All the familiar Backbone features return The most comfortable Backbone to date Cons Hall effect sticks would've been nice at this price Speaking of, ouch this is expensive Got to go solo to play on a tablet, unlike some rivals Introduction Buying tech that's truly multi-talented can be a great way to save a buck or two. Why get a camera or music player when you've got a smartphone in your pocket? Now mobile-first gaming expert Backbone is trying something similar, adding Bluetooth to the mix so you don't actually need to plug in your phone to play anymore. The Backbone Pro will pair with your PC, tablet, and even your TV. If you're not a console convert, that could be enough to make it the last controller you'll ever buy. It also addresses a few of the Backbone One's shortcomings, gains some customisable buttons, and swaps to Xbox-grade inputs. Upgrades rarely come cheap, though. At $170 (it's coming to the UK and Europe later down the line) the Pro is almost double the price of the Backbone One. It's also more expensive than Razer's rival Kishi V3 Pro, which remains laser focused on mobile but has a few features you won't find here. Can this Backbone really do it all? How we test gaming hardware All games consoles and gaming hardware tested on Stuff are put through their paces with days' worth of play time. We use our years of testing experience to judge areas such as build quality, software experience, battery life and other features. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. Design & build: same but different No, I've not been using a regular Backbone One by mistake – the Backbone Pro might look awfully familiar, but the firm has made quite a few little tweaks. A new, textured surface on the extendable centre piece is the biggest indicator, although keen eyes will also spot the thumbsticks are now the same size as the ones you'll get on an Xbox controller. This is still a telescopic controller first and foremost, its two halves connected by a spring-loaded spine that can swallow pretty much any modern USB-C smartphone. My Google Pixel 9 Pro XL even slotted home securely while still in its official case. Got an older iPhone? Sorry, you'll have to stick with the older Backbone One with a Lightning connector. Two sets of rubber attachments in the box help you find a firm fit. What this won't do is open wide enough to grasp a tablet. Even an iPad Mini is a no-go – but that doesn't matter as much when you can connect via Bluetooth instead. The grips are more rounded than before, so the whole thing is easier to hold. This has also made room for two re-mappable rear action buttons, almost putting this on par with console-grade Pro controllers for number of additional inputs. Backbone then elongated the triggers in the name of comfort, and quietened the clicky action of the face buttons. It's still not what I'd call silent, but meant I could finish a level before bedtime without waking up my sleeping wife. I'd avoid tossing the controller into a bag by itself, as that's unlikely to do those analogue sticks any favours. Backbone has an official case that'll keep it safe; the felt finish looks and feels suitably premium, while the sculpted interior will keep the Backbone Pro from rattling around. It'll set you back an extra $25t on top of the cost of the controller itself, though. Features & battery life: all the ways to play All of the Backbone One's features have been carried over to the Pro model, so you still get a USB-C passthrough port in the right grip to keep your handset topped up while you game, and a 3.5mm port in the left grip. That's particularly handy if you've got an older wired gaming headset, now that phones with headphone connectors are rarer than a snowball in the Sahara. This is also where you'll find the new pairing button. Wireless play is almost as easy as plug-and-play with your phone: press and hold the button and the Backbone Pro will show up in your machine's Bluetooth devices list. My Android tablet, gaming laptop and even my LG TV all recognised it as a controller right away, with all the standard inputs working as expected. To have one controller that can to all this, and also clamp around my phone when I want to play mobile games, is fantastic. You could use a Backbone One on your PC or Mac through a tethered USB connection, but the setup process was convoluted. This is seamless, and doesn't require any cables. I especially like how you can pair to multiple devices and then pick which one is active through the companion app, so you don't need to go through the pairing process every time you swap. The built-in battery is good for up to 40 hours of wireless play, which is multiple times more than I've ever managed in a single session. Because the passthrough USB-C port tops up the controller as well as any connected handset, I rarely needed ti plug it in specifically to charge – though you might find otherwise if you spend more time gaming on devices other than your smartphone. This Backbone largely earns its Pro monicker, although it's not rocking any sort of haptic motors. Unless your phone is delivering the vibration, you'll forego any kind of force feedback here. Software experience: it'll cost ya It has seen a bunch of updates since I last used it with the Backbone One PlayStation Edition, but the Backbone App feels largely familiar. It still launches automatically when you plop your phone between its two halves, and still acts as a launcher for all your App store or Play Store games, Cloud gaming services, and local streaming tools like Steamlink. Per-game profiles, button customisation and firmware updates are all handled here too, and it's where you'll head for instant device switching. It's also handy for game discovery, with a Netflix-style scrolling layout that can help uncover hidden gems you didn't know were part of your Xbox Game Pass or Nvidia GeForce Now memberships. There's a lot more here, but only if you're willing to break out the credit card. A Backbone+ subscription, which lets you capture 1080p60 video clips, voice chat with other members, and assign buttons to onscreen overlays for games that don't support controllers, runs to $40 per year. iPhone owners also get beta access to an in-app emulator for retro titles, but Android owners currently miss out. Sure, it's slicker than having to bounce between multiple apps, but that's a lot of money to pay for convenience – especially when rivals like Razer don't charge for a similar setup. Performance: size matters Gaming with the Backbone Pro was comfortable and problem-free for the most part. Those full-size analogue sticks made my directional movements feel more precise and purposeful than they did on the Backbone One, in part because the concave shape provided a place to comfortably rest my thumbs. The right analogue stick is perhaps a little too close to the face buttons – which themselves are still on the small side – so multiple simultaneous inputs could be a little tricky. But while the left and right bumpers are still a bit skinny, I had no trouble with missed inputs. The triggers are much improved, with more room to rest your index fingers and a good amount of pull resistance. I'm not always a fan of extra rear buttons, as if they're even a little bit of a stretch to reach I'll largely not bother with them. That wasn't an issue here; the M1 and M2 buttons fell naturally beneath my ring fingers. Does it sit quite as confidently in your hands as a console gamepad? Not quite – but it gets damn close. The perfectly balanced weight between the two halves really helps, though having an especially top-heavy smartphone negates that a little. It's also a shame Backbone didn't go with Hall Effect analogue sticks; the firm used the long life tech for the triggers, but stuck with potentiometers (which don't have the same shelf life) for the sticks. That's not to say I had any issues with stick drift during my testing, but equally they won't be immune from it years down the line. Backbone Pro verdict This the new gold standard for mobile controller connectivity. Adding Bluetooth has massively expanded the Backbone Pro's potential, which is great news if you game across multiple devices and want one gamepad to rule them all. The larger analogue sticks and triggers make this a lot more comfortable than the Backbone One, too. Without haptic vibration and Hall effect analogue sticks, the Backbone Pro isn't quite as 'pro' as it could've been, though. The part-paywalled software suite is hardly what I'd call good value, and the cost of entry is pretty steep. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro adds even more buttons for a little less cash if you only want a mobile controller – but if convenience across all your kit matters most, it's the Backbone you should check out first. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 A truly does-it-all mobile controller that'll play nicely with tablets, laptops and other gaming gear. The Backbone Pro is expensive, though – and overkill if you just want to play on your phone. Pros Bluetooth massively expands your device options All the familiar Backbone features return The most comfortable Backbone to date Cons Hall effect sticks would've been nice at this price Speaking of, ouch this is expensive Software features are paywalled, too Backbone Pro technical specifications Compatibility Wired: Android/iOS (USB-C) Wireless: Android/iOS/Windows/Mac/SteamOS/smart TV Connectivity USB-C, Bluetooth Battery Up to 40 hours Dimensions 181x50x101mm (contracted), 203g
