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Android Authority
25-05-2025
- Android Authority
The Backbone Pro is the best mobile controller that you absolutely don't need
Backbone Pro The Backbone Pro is the most versatile mobile gaming controller you can buy, with excellent ergonomics and full-size sticks for use as a telescopic controller with your phone, or a Bluetooth gamepad for your tablet, PC, or anything else. Just be prepared to pay for it. It's hard to believe that it's already been nearly five years since the Backbone One controller hit the market (or three for us Android users), but the company has finally launched an upgraded version with an upgraded price. I honestly didn't find too many faults when I reviewed the new Xbox edition of the Backbone One earlier this year, but the Pro version promises to be much, much more than just a mobile controller. But after spending some time with the device, I can't help but feel like the Backbone Pro is almost too much more. Sure, it's the best mobile controller I've ever used, but it's also a great Bluetooth controller for your PC or a dedicated cloud streaming controller. Is this too much for one controller to handle? The everything controller Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Starting with the basics, the Backbone Pro is a telescopic controller, just like the original Backbone One. It has a USB-C port to plug your phone into, plus another USB-C port on the bottom for passthrough charging. There are two sets of phone holder attachments in the box, and now they're big enough that you probably won't have to remove your case. Unlike some alternatives, it doesn't extend wide enough for tablets like the iPad Mini, but phones of all shapes and sizes will fit. The Backbone Pro is compatible with both wired and wireless connections via BLE. The biggest difference is that the Backbone Pro also has Bluetooth. As far as I know, this is the first telescopic controller with both USB-C and Bluetooth connections, which in theory widens the compatibility to… just about any device you have that can play games. The internal battery charges while plugged into your phone, and the BLE connection can last for 40 hours on a single charge, which is insane. For normal use, this means it can replace two controllers in my travel bag. Gone are the days of having a telescopic controller for my phone and a standard Bluetooth controller for my laptop and tablet. This controller can competently cover both roles. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority However, it also allows you to quickly switch between devices, which comes in handy for things like streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Using the same controller, I can seamlessly hop between playing Oblivion on my phone and my PC. The controller needs to be plugged into the phone to make the transition, but once you swap to your PC, you can unplug it and the Bluetooth connection will persist. One notable exception is PlayStation Remote Play. Only the PlayStation Edition of the Backbone One is compatible, and I suspect it has to do with the buttons' labeling. Blame that one on Sony, though you can unofficially get around this limitation if you get the premium version of the PXPlay app (which is absolutely worth it). For every other platform, using a telescopic controller as a standard Bluetooth controller isn't as uncomfortable as I thought it might be before getting my hands on the Backbone Pro, and a big part of that is the improved ergonomics and controls. The Backbone Pro has full-size sticks, which makes a huge difference compared to the smaller sticks on the Backbone One. There's a nice range of motion, similar to a standard Bluetooth controller. It's also more rounded on the back, breaking from the Joy-Con-like flatness of the Backbone One. The only thing that's really missing from the Bluetooth controller experience is any kind of haptic feedback as it lacks rumble. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The Backbone Pro also takes queues from premium controllers like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with programmable back buttons. These sit where my ring finger rests, and while most people will use them for first-person shooters, I found them very useful as hotkeys for my favorite emulators. They're much more difficult to hit by accident, but still conveniently placed so they don't interrupt gameplay. Controls are very comfortable, and the full-size sticks are game-changing. One thing that is easy to accidentally hit is the right joystick. It's placed just a little too close to the face buttons, so my thumb bumped it when hitting the X button. It's a minor annoyance in most games, but in some retro games like Super Mario 3, pressing the X and A buttons at the same time is required to jump while running. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Apart from that, the sticks, D-pad, buttons, and triggers are all excellent. My only complaint is that I wish Backbone had used Hall-effect sticks for better longevity, especially at this price. These standard ALPS potentiometer sticks are certainly fine, but Hall-effect sticks would help extend the lifetime of the controller by avoiding drift over time. Considering the Backbone Pro will likely be thrown in your travel bag, it will be subject to wear and tear. There's a simple solution to this, which is to buy a case. The official Backbone case has a nice felt finish and a very protective design, but it will run you an additional $25 on top of an already expensive controller. If you're already spending the money on the Backbone Pro, buying the case is probably worth it. The everything app Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The thing that really facilitates the Backbone Pro's role as a controller for every device is the Backbone app. While the app was mostly optional for the Backbone One, it's required to access all of the features of the Backbone Pro. As mentioned above, it's used to swap between devices instantly, although you can use the small button on the bottom of the controller to connect Bluetooth manually. The Backbone app tries to do far more than it needs to. You'll also need the Backbone app to install new firmware updates or create controller profiles for specific games. These are great features that are included for free, and if the app had stopped there, I would have been happy. Instead, it does even more. It can be a catalog of all of your games, as well as a recommendation engine for more games you should download. The Netflix-like layout features your installed games in the first line, then mix of news, popular games, free games, streaming services, highlight clips from other players, and more. There's even a built-in emulator for select retro consoles and a rotating library of free games. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority To be honest, it feels like overkill. I say this as someone who sets up an emulation frontend (ES DE) on every Android device that I own because I love having a console-like experience when I connect a controller. There are parts of the Backbone app that I think are useful, but for the most part, I missed the option to remove sections entirely. What's more, these extra features are all tied to a paid subscription. After a seven-day free trial, you're looking at spending $39.99 a year to turn the app into a hub for all of your games and services. You may be able to get a special offer that brings that down to $30 for the first year, but it's still a lot of money for a little convenience. Granted, you also get an extended warranty, one-button screenplay recording, social features, and discounts on accessories like the case mentioned above. Backbone Pro review verdict: The best telescopic controller… but at what cost? Nick Fernandez / Android Authority While I have a few minor nitpicks, the Backbone Pro is still the best telescopic controller I've ever used. It's exceptionally comfortable, and the option to use it as a Bluetooth controller makes it more versatile than competitors like the Razer Kishi Ultra ($149.99 at Amazon) or Kishi V2 ($92 at Amazon). Unfortunately, it's also far more expensive than any of its competitors. It's nearly twice as expensive as the already-excellent Backbone One ($99.99 at Amazon), and at $170, it's roughly the same price as buying both a Backbone One and a DualSense controller. This is positioned as a competitor to premium controllers like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which was recently bumped up to $200. For this kind of price, no matter how good the Backbone Pro is at everything else, it's fair to expect luxury additions like Hall effect sticks, haptic feedback, tablet support, and more. If budget is no concern, the Backbone Pro will elevate your mobile gaming experience, for everyone else, just get the Backbone One. It's also worth pointing out that we're in the middle of a major shakeup in game pricing, with the Switch 2 slated to cost $450 when it comes out in a few weeks and similar price increases in PlayStation and Xbox consoles. It's hard to say how much of the Backbone Pro's pricing is tied to wider changes in the gaming market, tariffs, or just an inflated marketing budget. While the ticket price will price out most gamers, a $25 case and a $40 annual subscription are also key to getting the most out of the Backbone Pro. That brings the whole kit to the same price range as a full gaming console like the Nintendo Switch Lite ($197 at Amazon) or a capable emulation handheld like the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 ($229 at Manufacturer site). Still, if budget is no concern, the Backbone Pro will elevate your mobile gaming experience. The fact that it's compatible with just about any device you can play games on means it might be the last controller you'll ever need. How much that's worth is a question for you and your wallet. Backbone Pro Great ergonomics • Wired and wireless compatibility • Easy setup and device swapping MSRP: $169.99 A telescopic controller with full-size sticks and Bluetooth compatibility. Need a telescopic controller and a Bluetooth gamepad? The Backbone Pro has you covered. See price at Manufacturer site Positives Great ergonomics Great ergonomics Wired and wireless compatibility Wired and wireless compatibility Full-size sticks Full-size sticks Easy setup and device swapping Cons Expensive Expensive No Hall effect sticks No Hall effect sticks Not compatible with tablets Not compatible with tablets Pricey subscription (optional)
TechCrunch
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TechCrunch
The Backbone Pro controller makes mobile gaming worth the hassle
The mobile controller company Backbone unveiled its Backbone Pro controller this week, which brings iOS and Android gaming experiences to the next level. A successor to the Backbone One controller, the Pro features full-size joysticks, re-mappable buttons, and Bluetooth compatibility, making for a more premium gaming setup. Unlike its predecessor, the Backbone Pro doesn't need to be attached to a phone to work, meaning that you could use it as a wireless controller. That functionality gets extra useful when using cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass. You can play a game with the Backbone Pro controller on your TV, then plug your phone into the controller and instantly pick up where you left off on mobile. 'Our thought is, gaming should be a lot more straightforward,' founder Maneet Khaira told TechCrunch. 'It needs to be really simple and work more like AirPods when you connect to screens.' Backbone is betting big on the growth of mobile gaming, which has only been accelerated by expanding cloud gaming options, but so far, Backbone seems to be cementing itself as the top hardware maker for mobile gamers. It also helps that Backbone is teeming with celebrity investors like Ashton Kutcher, The Weeknd, MrBeast, Post Malone, and Amy Schumer, as well as gaming insiders like Discord founder Jason Citron. But as someone who doesn't use Xbox Game Pass or similar cloud subscriptions, I never quite understood the hype around using a smartphone as a gaming device. I already have a Nintendo Switch, a device specifically made for gaming, as opposed to my iPhone, which is designed for a bazillion other things. So to test the Backbone Pro, I downloaded some games on my phone that I already play on the Switch, solely for the purpose of comparing the gameplay experience. The verdict? I have logged about 13 hours of gameplay on the iOS version of Stardew Valley over the last three days. I'm not fully sold on mobile gaming — answering texts while playing a game is kind of annoying — but I have to say, I'd much rather sit on the couch with the Backbone Pro than the Nintendo Switch, which prioritizes screen size over comfort. Image Credits:TechCrunch The Backbone Pro shines in its ergonomics. Sometimes, when you pick up a new iPhone, it feels familiar, yet slightly off, and it takes some time to get used to the feel of the new device before the differences stop being noticeable. This was the experience I had playing the Nintendo Switch 2, as opposed to the original console. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | BOOK NOW But the Backbone Pro's design feels so naturally intuitive that I didn't even experience those few minutes of discomfort. Seconds after plugging my phone into the controller's USB-C port for the first time, I could play Hades — a game rife with chaotic button mashing — just as easily as I do on the Switch. I find the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller uncomfortable for games like Hades, so that's saying something. 'Meta, when they were designing the Quest, they would do multiple iterations of a headset [prototype] in a week, because they could print them and then rapidly test them, get feedback, and iterate,' Khaira said. He took inspiration from that technique when developing the Backbone Pro, investing heavily in the same kind of technology. Backbone 3D-printed over 9,000 different parts before landing on the model that ultimately shipped, making microscopic tweaks to every facet of the controller before arriving at something that makes Joy-Cons feel like Fisher-Price toys. This level of precision and versatility comes at a cost. The Backbone Pro retails for $169.99, which is a bit steep considering that you could buy a refurbished Nintendo Switch Lite for the same price. But for serious players who need that cross-device functionality, the Backbone Pro could be worth it. If you're not moving back and forth between Xbox Game Pass on your TV and your phone, you could probably be fine with the original Backbone One, which is $99.99.
Gizmodo
08-05-2025
- Gizmodo
Backbone Pro Review: $170 Is Too Expensive for This Mobile Controller
In an effort to expand beyond smartphones, Backbone is now selling an everything controller. Just like the Backbone One, the new $170 Backbone Pro turns a phone into a quick and dirty gaming handheld, but with added Bluetooth connectivity, it also connects to a PC or smart TV. If you're the traveling kind, it promises to be the only quality (albeit expensive) controller you need to take with you. Or it would be a solid 2-in-1 gamepad if—unlike me—you apparently have enormous hands. There has to be something exemplary about a 'Pro' device, especially to justify the $170 price compared to the $100 you pay for the Backbone One. If you judge it merely by its on-paper feature set, there's not so much that stands out. The new mobile controller has a pair of back buttons on both the left and right grips. Not exciting enough? The Backbone Pro also houses a special pairing button for connecting to external devices—mainly PC, Mac, or TV—over Bluetooth. You can combine it with the Backbone+ app for button mapping and easy swapping between connected devices with the new 'FlowState' feature. Backbone Pro It feels good in hand, but there are missing features that make it less 'pro' than it could be. Pros Controls are clicky and responsive Controls are clicky and responsive Textured grips offer extra comfort Textured grips offer extra comfort Solid battery life with smart power passthrough Solid battery life with smart power passthrough Smart idea for connecting to multiple devices Cons Backbone still doesn't feel perfect for my hands Backbone still doesn't feel perfect for my hands No Hall effect joysticks No Hall effect joysticks Doesn't extend enough to support latest iPad mini Doesn't extend enough to support latest iPad mini Expensive That easy swapping is especially nice for gaming on multiple devices, but is it the controller you honestly want to use for both PC and mobile? Controllers live and die by how they feel in your hands. If you've ever held a Backbone One, you have a good idea of the general feel for the 'Pro' controller, even though there are subtle improvements. The high point of the Backbone One is the D-pad and face buttons, which aren't overly loud even though they have the sort of clicky feeling I enjoy most on low-profile controls. This pricier Backbone includes Hall effect triggers, but even if the new full-size thumbsticks are responsive, they are still the traditional ALPS-type sensor. These use potentiometers to calculate the orientation of the stick, and that can lead to wear and stick drift, whereas Hall effect sticks normally last longer. Hall effect sticks would be more welcome on a gamepad whose full-sized sticks could get knocked around in your backpack when traveling. The Backbone Pro's satin-textured grips have the feel I normally only get from premium devices, but is it $170 premium? If I had to judge, it wasn't quite on par with high-end 'Pro' level devices from the likes of SCUF, Razer, or even an Xbox Elite wireless controller. These devices normally cost closer to $200 or more, so the Backbone Pro needs to be pitch-perfect. Using the controller, I found my hands were big enough that I needed to adjust my grip ever-so-slightly if I wanted to access the face buttons or D-pad while maintaining quick access to the thumbsticks. It's not a problem when playing some mobile titles or emulating retro titles. When playing a more modern game such as The Elder Scrolls V: Oblivion remake through Xbox Game Pass, I had to adjust my grip more than I was used to. A larger device like a Gamesir G8+ fits my hands better, but its controls don't feel nearly as polished as the Backbone Pro. There are other trade-offs to consider. Unlike the Backbone One, there is no version of the Pro that supports Apple's Lightning connection. The Razer Kishi Ultra at $150 extends far enough to fit a tiny tablet, but the Backbone Pro doesn't even stretch to allow for the most recent iPad mini's 8.3-inch screen. That's where Bluetooth could come in handy, if only I could cover or remove the USB-C dongle to fit my non-standard device inside. Combined with a foldable phone like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Backbone Pro became a kind of pseudo gaming handheld that was especially handy for playing games that fit its wonky 20:9 aspect ratio, specifically Diablo Immortal. Add on the ease of the Backbone+ app, and the Backbone Pro makes streaming games through Nvidia GeForce Now or Xbox Game Pass far more of a console-like experience. The app promotes its 'dual screen' experience when playing on PC or TV. However, it's only useful for checking the charge on both the controller and the phone. The battery life is perhaps the Backbone Pro's best feature. I could go for around three hours without seeing the device dipping into the 20% mark. The gamepad also includes smart passthrough charging that tops off both the phone and built-in battery at once. I can't knock the build quality on the Backbone Pro. It has controls I'd be happy to use on practically any other gaming device, though only if I didn't have any of my other preferred controls around. The Backbone Pro is the wireless controller I would slip into my backpack if that space already wasn't occupied with my Steam Deck. As for a mobile controller that would actually fit in my pocket, I'll just keep waiting for MCon to slip into my life.
Digital Trends
07-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Backbone Pro review: Mobile controller royalty charts a bold new course
BackBone Pro MSRP $169.99 Score Details 'Backbone Pro reaches the summit of what a mobile controller can accomplish, and then dives further into a the realm of a do-it-all device. It doesn't come cheap, but delivers beyond it's ballpark."' Pros Outstanding build quality Excellent triggers and thumbsticks Dual-mode connectivity A rewarding companion app Unified retro emulation cores Cons Relatively pricey for a mobile controller Features tied to annual subscription Table of Contents Table of Contents Thoughtful design, stunning build The best-grade inputs out there A versatile gaming experience A rewarding controller app Verdict Mobile gaming is having a moment, and with more fervor on Apple's ecosystem than Android. Finding the right controller, however, can be an arduous task. In 2020, Backbone landed on the scene and instantly became a hot favorite for gaming on phones. Recommended Videos Over the years, the company has released two iterations of its One controller, and even one for PlayStation fans. With its latest, the Backbone Pro, the company hopes you won't look for another controller. From mobile and cloud devices to PC and VR hardware, this is one controller to rule them all. Backbone went back to the engineering table and made a host of changes to ensure that the Pro can be used in USB-tethered mode, as well as a standalone mode. That mandated a bulk-up, but also introduced perks that gaming enthusiasts will love. The price is still at a premium, but the sum total of this $169.99 package is more than what you would get from an average controller. Thoughtful design, stunning build The Backbone Pro is bigger and bulkier than its One sibling, though it still tips the scales at under 200 grams. Maneet Khaira, the founding chief of Backbone, tells me that the flagship controller has been in development for over three years and entailed hundreds of 3D-printed prototypes. Over the course of testing, the team performed camera capture to finalize the most comfortable grip, button layout, and even the texture work. The updated thumbsticks required multiple micrometer-level adjustments to get them right. All the work that went into design and engineering reflects during usage. I've tried nearly half a dozen game controllers in the past few months, including those with a telescoping bar like the Pro. The Backbone controller stands out with its superb build quality and weight balance. A neat touch on the Pro model is the dotted texture on the handle. It's not rubberized, but it still offers a remarkable surface-level grip. Khaira tells me that the team experimented with multiple laser-etched textures to ensure that it's not too rough, and doesn't get the palm sweaty either. Jumping across different venues in Grid Legends in a sweltering 98 degrees Fahrenheit weather, the Backbone Pro did an admirable job at maintaining surface grip against my perspiring palms and prevented slipping. The handles are thicker this time around, and I quite like them. It's a personal perk because I've grown used to the official Xbox controller and felt right at home with the Backbone Pro. The added heft is also reassuring. In hindsight, it offers a more controlled experience if you are using gyro tilt in racing games. The Backbone Pro also throws a couple of customizable rear buttons into the mix. Positioned towards the inner side of the handle, these curved buttons offer a satisfying click feedback and really come in handy for games with crowded controls. The telescopic bar can fit any smartphone easily, including the big ones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Red Magic 10 Pro. It barely falls short of accommodating the iPad mini. Thankfully, the controller won't cause any trouble if you don't want to take the case off your phone. The best-grade inputs out there For all that increase in size and heft, the Backbone Pro added a serious functional perk. In addition to using it in tethered mode via the USB-C insert, this one can also act as a standalone wireless controller for all your devices, including TVs, tablets, and laptops. I spent most of my time using the controller in wireless mode, burning up hours in Warframe, Alien: Isolation, and the new Resident Evil titles. I didn't run into any issues with latency, and the pairing process was also fairly seamless across the screens I tried. This dexterity also ties into a continuity feature for gaming. For example, if you left playing a game at a certain point on a large screen, you can seamlessly carry it over on a phone via the official streaming client, such as Xbox Cloud. 'We want to support every platform,' Khaira told me during a live demonstration of the Backbone Pro controller. So far, my own experience with playing games across various formats has been fairly smooth and hassle-free. In wireless mode, the built-in battery is touted to last 40 hours. I couldn't verify this number, and honestly, you shouldn't be concerned about it, either. That's because the controllers allow parallel charging via the USB-C port on the right handle. When plugged in, the port can top up the phone as well as the built-in battery. Technically, I never ran out of juice during my gaming sessions. Thankfully, the companion app conveniently shows the phone and the controller's battery levels, so you can keep an eye on the drain. A versatile gaming experience The buttons and sticks you get on the Backbone Pro are arguably the best you will find on a controller out there. Period. In retrospect, you shouldn't settle for anything less at this asking price. The round action buttons offer a nice clicky feedback with a satisfying level of vertical travel, perfect for mashing during your dungeon grinds. The D-Pad, in contrast, offers a quieter response, but they're really well put together. The slight elevation on the edges and a concave profile combine to offer a rewarding circular input for executing combos in fighting games. The Hall Effect triggers, unsurprisingly, perform just as well and keep concerns of drifting at bay. My favorite element of the controller is the full-sized ALPS joysticks. They have a nice texture around the periphery for extra grip. The pair offers precise movement control, especially in racing games where cornering and hand-brake combos require nimble fingers and subtle radial movements. You can calibrate the trigger depth and also configure the thumbstick dead zone. Button remapping is also part of the package, but I wish the app also offered an in-game launcher experience, the way labels like Red Magic have executed. I had a fantastic time gaming with the Backbone Pro and can report that the aspects such as depth sensitivity, response time, and keypress feedback are all top-notch. The only misstep was the occasional bugs in the app, which is to be expected while running a TestFlight build. In the stable version that I was running on the Red Magic 10 Pro and OnePlus 13, I didn't notice any lag or non-responsive buttons. Depending on the platform, you can also save custom key presets and set unique profiles, as well. A rewarding controller app The most enticing element of the Backbone Pro experience is actually the mobile app. The layout and feel will be second nature to Xbox mobile app users if you're on Team Green. The app has been beautifully designed, and the content organization is lovely. Games are neatly sorted across platforms, categories, and the cloud service providers. The app acts more like an aggregator, where you can seamlessly pick up games across Android, iOS, Apple Arcade, Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and other libraries. And yes, you can launch the games directly, as well. The game cards are dynamic, which means even without tapping on them, you can get a short preview of the gameplay. When I launched the app, I got access to a bunch of freebies with the Backbone+ subscription, such as Discord Nitro and Apple Arcade for three months. The biggest surprise? A native emulation tool in the Backbone app. The team has built a unified system where emulation cores for multiple retro Nintendo consoles have been placed in a single container. For now, you can enjoy games for SNES, NES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance platforms. The Backbone chief tells me that the emulation stack will go as far back as Nintendo 64. When I asked about bringing more legacy console platforms, Khaira said it's not about choosing a side (read: Sony or Nintendo), but technical capabilities. 'We want to support every platform,' he put it bluntly. Backbone is currently testing emulation cores for PlayStation 1, PSP, and Nintendo DS, in case you're wondering. When I asked him to dig further into the challenges at hand, the Backbone chief told me that the 'biggest constraint is memory on the phone.' Tying it all together is the Backbone+ subscription, which serves a bunch of exclusive tools and benefits. Priced at $39.99 per year, it offers $35 worth of in-game benefits, a 30% discount on Backbone products, the ability to record game videos at full-HD 60fps with cloud storage, in-app voice chats, and Twitch direct streaming. The best, however, is yet to come. Khaira tells me that the subscription bundle will bring more titles and content later this year. 'We are working on adding licensed games into the subscription bundle,' he tells me. In addition to new games, Backbone envisions offering free games as well as instantly playable games that can work offline with the premium bundle. 'We want to bring down the barrier of entry as much as possible,' Khaira explains, adding that Backbone hopes to evolve into a gaming platform of its own by working with multiple partners in the gaming industry. 'We are really trying to be an alternative way to play games.' – Maneet Khaira, founder and CEO of Backbone. Verdict The Backbone Pro is an unabashedly premium controller. But for its $169.99 ask, it inches close to the territory where you find first-party controllers from the console warlords. But where the Backbone option races ahead is the sheer flexibility. The buttons and joysticks are fantastic, and so is the flexibility of using it in docked as well as standalone mode across different platforms. From a hardware perspective, it is as good as it gets. If your preferred gaming platform is mobile devices, and the best experience is what you seek, the Backbone Pro will serve you just fine. It goes a step further by offering a fantastic catalog aggregator in the mobile app. For fans of emulation, the built-in emulator will be a huge draw. The Backbone One will remain on the shelf at its $99.99 ask, going against the Razer Kishi V2. And if you're looking for budget alternatives, the GameSir X5 Lite is a great option. But for folks willing to spend on the Backbone Pro, you are in for a premium gaming experience par excellence.
Tom's Guide
07-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I tried the new Backbone Pro controller and the feature I've always wanted wasn't the most surprising
Unlike with the PS5 or Xbox, there's no such thing as a first-party controller from Apple or Google for the best phones. Instead, there's a wide variety of third-party ones that work across both iOS and Android and after the release of its first mobile game controller, Backbone quickly made a name for itself. While Backbone's original controller was just for iPhones, two years later, the company finally made one for the best Android phones which meant I finally got to try it out for myself. I really enjoyed using the Backbone One for remote play but for me, one thing was missing from the controller: remappable back buttons. With the launch of its new Backbone Pro controller, Backbone has finally fixed my biggest complaint with the original. The company also made its new mobile controller more comfortable to hold for extended play sessions and the switch from mini thumbsticks to full-sized ones is another welcome change too. You may like After spending the past few days trying out the Backbone Pro for myself, I can easily say that like its predecessor, it deserves a place among the best phone controllers. However, Backbone also incorporated another new feature into its new mobile controller. While I've been eagerly waiting for the release of a new Backbone model with remappable back buttons for years now, I didn't expect to like the other big new addition to the Backbone Pro as much as I have and wireless play is a game changer in more ways than one. A refined mobile game controller (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Initially, the Backbone Pro does look quite similar to the Backbone One. It has the same button layout as the original. Besides its larger thumbsticks, they now have anti-friction rings around them for smoother movement and to help reduce wear. Likewise, the controller's face buttons and D-pad now have glossy look and feel to them as opposed to the matte design used in Backbone's previous controllers. Along with the controller, you also get two extra rubber inserts that you can swap in for when you want to use the Backbone Pro when you have a case on your phone. In my experience, I was able to slip my Nothing Phone 2 into the controller easily with the original inserts installed without taking its case off. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Around back is where you see the first big upgrade with the Backbone Pro. On the inside of both handles, there are now two remappable M1 and M2 buttons. I found that they're in the perfect position to press them easily with my ring fingers but if you're the type that doesn't like back buttons, you can always leave them unassigned in the Backbone app. The Backbone Pro's handles are also thicker than those on the Backbone One and they have more of a rounded feel to them. This helps make the controller more comfortable to hold for extended periods and unlike with other mobile game controllers, my hands didn't cramp up while using them, even after playing for quite some time. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) On the bottom of the Backbone Pro's handles, you still have 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. However, Backbone has also added a pairing button next to it which you use for wireless play on PC, tablets, smart TVs and even the best VR headsets. Overall, I really like the look and feel of the Backbone Pro along with the other small but noticeable enhancements to Backbone's original mobile game controller design. Customizable on the fly (Image credit: Tom's Guide) After unboxing, I put the Backbone Pro through its paces with a few native Android games. From Dead Cells to Minecraft to Sonic Mania, all the games I played worked well with the new controller and it was nice to have those two remappable back buttons so that I could keep my thumbs planted firmly on its larger joysticks. I also spent a bit of time testing out remote play on both PC and on my Xbox Series X. Everything worked well on both devices. However, I did have to use the XBXPlay app for Xbox as Microsoft recently decided to move remote play from within the Xbox app to your browser. Oddly enough, I tried using the Backbone Pro with my PS5 and wasn't able to get it working even after trying it with both my phone and the Razer Edge gaming tablet. I'm sure I just need a firmware update or something like that as Backbone's site says that its new controller is compatible with PS5. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) One thing that I really liked was how easy it was to switch between profiles for various games. For instance, with my go-to game, the skateboarding sim Session, you press A to push when riding regular and X to push when riding goofy and I always have both of these mapped to the back buttons on whatever controller I'm using. In other games, I like to have the back button on the right mapped to A and the one on the left mapped to B, that way I can confirm with one and cancel with the other. While I would love to be able to remap the Backbone Pro's two back buttons right on the controller itself like you can with many of the best PC game controllers, Backbone's app-based approach makes more sense here as you're always going to use the device with a phone inserted. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) The good thing is that you don't have to dive down into Backbone app's settings each time you want to switch profiles or modify one. Instead, you can just tap on the button in the top right corner of the screen with the clock, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and battery icons. It acts like a quick menu and pulling it up shows you all of your controller profiles on the right along with your phone and the Backbone Pro's current battery levels. Along with switching profiles, you can also use this menu for swapping between devices with Backbone Pro's new Wireless Mode feature. I didn't give it much thought at first as other mobile game controllers and even the CRKD Nitro Deck + for the Switch also let you use them on PC, albeit via a wired connection However, it quickly became my favorite feature of the Backbone Pro and it helps justify the controllers' higher $169.99 price. From your phone to your PC instantly (Image credit: Tom's Guide) After going through the initial Bluetooth pairing process in the Backbone app, it's incredibly easy to go from using the Backbone Pro with your phone to using it on your PC, tablet, smart TV or other devices. This is powered by the company's new FlowState technology and I have to admit, I was skeptical at first about being able to instantly switch between devices. In my testing, it worked flawlessly. Once I paired the Backbone Pro with the AtomMan G7 Ti mini gaming PC, a prompt popped up in the Backbone app asking if I wanted to use the controller wirelessly or on the device it was connected to. With just a simple tap, the controller paired almost immediately with my PC and I was able to use it in Steam's Big Picture Mode to navigate through menus and launch games. One neat touch was that the orange Backbone button on the controller worked like the home button on a PS5 or Xbox controller without the need to configure anything. Likewise, the Backbone Pro's screenshot button worked right from the get go too. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Ever since I tried the original Razer Kishi five years ago, I always imagined what it would be like using it to control my PC while I had full access to my phone. Well, with the Backbone Pro, this dream finally became a reality. I was able to watch YouTube videos, scroll through articles on Tom's Guide and do everything else you can do on a phone without interrupting my game session on PC. Unless you leave your phone on the charger while gaming, I bet you too have to constantly swap between having your controller or your phone in hand. With this setup though, I don't have to choose between one or the other. My phone is right there when I need to quickly look something up and the Backbone Pro doesn't drain its battery while in Wireless Mode. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) I was so impressed with Wireless Mode on the Backbone Pro that I wanted to see what else I could do while using it and of course, the natural evolution was to jump on a video call mid-game. My colleague Alex Wawro kindly volunteered and we proceeded to discuss the ins and outs of DLSS and frame generation on Nvidia's graphics cards while I finally played through the beginning of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. After going hands-on with the Switch 2 last month, this felt quite a lot like the PC version of Nintendo's new Game Chat feature. Sure, you can't see what the other person is playing unless you swap to your phone's back camera and you'll both need a Backbone Pro controller, but it was nice to be able to video chat with someone while playing a game. I'm sure I'll come up with some other creative ways to use the Backbone Pro's Wireless Mode but even if I don't, having my phone right there next to my controller is something I've always wanted to experience and now I'm finally able to. Traveling lighter (Image credit: Tom's Guide) When Backbone initially reached out to me about checking out the Backbone Pro, I thought it was going to be a more sophisticated — and premium — version of the Backbone One. In fact, I had been going back and forth with them for months about when we would eventually see a pro model with remappable back buttons. Well, Backbone delivered and then some with the company's new controller. Instead of an enhanced mobile game controller, the Backbone Pro is actually a dual mode device that works just as well with your phone as it does with your PC. When using it in Wireless Mode, it's also fairly wider than your average controller which is actually a lot better for you ergonomically. This way your shoulders are in a more natural position closer to having them at your sides and your hands aren't cramped together. I have a tendency to overpack and sometimes, it feels like my tech bag has more in it than my suitcase. In the past, I'd bring a mobile game controller like the Backbone One with me for playing on the plane and then a full-size controller for when I wanted to sneak in a few minutes of gameplay back at the hotel. With the Backbone Pro though, I can bring one controller and use it for both my phone and my PC. Now that Backbone has released a pro model controller with remappable back buttons and plenty of other upgrades, I have my fingers crossed that we'll get an XL version at some point to use with smaller tablets in Handheld Mode like the iPad mini or the Lenovo Legion Tab 3 I recently picked up. While I love the larger thumbsticks on the Backbone Pro, the controller still has smaller, Joy-Con-like face buttons. An extra large version with full-size everything would be a dream come true, especially for people with larger hands. Only time will tell though. As for me, I'm off to play a bit more Final Fantasy VII Rebirth while doom scrolling on my phone. More from Tom's Guide
