Mr Viral
Backbone has announced the Backbone Pro, a controller for more than just your smartphone. The Backbone Pro also works as a Bluetooth controller that can serve as a controller for your tablet or laptop.
The Backbone Pro works as a smartphone controller for Android and iOS devices. Because it is heavier (weighs 199g) and thicker than the Backbone One, it feels like a real game controller, especially when connected to your phone. There’s even a bit of a rumble when gaming; it has a coating that resists wear and laser-etched micro-textures around the handles and triggers.
It also has full-size console-like joysticks, which help with this feeling. As someone who does a lot of console gaming, I liked this familiarity.
However, the best part of the Backbone Pro is that it can be used as a Bluetooth controller. I’ve connected it to my laptop, tablet, and even Apple TV. I value items that can have a double purpose, like my smartglasses that have my prescription lenses, but also have AI functionalities and take pictures. The Backbone Pro does this by serving as a controller for my smartphones, but it also works with all sorts of devices. As someone who travels a lot, I like this because I won’t need to bring any extra controllers in my luggage, and the Backbone Pro looks and feels like a regular controller.
It also works with VR headsets and smart TVs, but I haven’t tried these yet. I wish the Backbone could stretch a little more to fit my iPad mini, but it has no issues with my smartphones. And I can use it wirelessly with my Backbone Pro. One of the cool features of the Backbone Pro is that if you connect it with your Xbox Game Pass and you’re cloud gaming, you can continue where you left off. For instance, if you’re using the wireless functionality and are playing with your Samsung TV, but you have to go, you can connect it with your phone, turn on the Backbone+ app, and it’ll suggest starting where you left off.
It also has remappable back buttons, the ability to remap every button, and the ability to create control profiles for specific games. You can do this with the Backbone app, which uses a universal hub. Subscribers to Backbone+ now also get access to free games, but Backbone+ costs $39.95 per month in Canada.
I’ve played games like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight and Dandara with the Backbone Pro. However, it’s worth noting that if you want to play PlayStation Remote Play titles, you’ll need to be on an iPhone, as the Backbone One PS edition is the only one that can play PS titles on Android.
The Backbone Pro launches with a US$169.99 (roughly CA$234) price tag, but with the Backbone Pro launching this summer in Canada, Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced. Backbone is equating this product to controllers like the DualSense Edge or Microsoft Elite controllers, plus a lot more technology is integrated in the product, which is why they increased the price. Recently, Backbone released an Xbox variant.
MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.
