Backbone Pro Controller Review: Mobile Gaming Elevated

Backbone Pro Controller: Elevating Mobile Gaming

This week saw the unveiling of the Backbone Pro controller by the mobile controller specialists at Backbone, representing a significant advancement in iOS and Android gaming.

Enhanced Features and Versatility

As a successor to the Backbone One, the Pro model boasts full-size analog sticks, customizable buttons, and Bluetooth connectivity, creating a more sophisticated gaming experience. A key distinction from the previous iteration is the Pro’s ability to function independently of a phone attachment, enabling its use as a standalone wireless controller.

This capability proves particularly advantageous when utilizing cloud gaming platforms such as Xbox Game Pass. Seamless transitions are possible – play on your television with the Backbone Pro, then connect your phone to the controller and resume gameplay on your mobile device without interruption.

A Streamlined Gaming Philosophy

Founder Maneet Khaira explained to TechCrunch that the company’s aim is to simplify the gaming process. “Gaming should be a lot more straightforward,” Khaira stated, “It needs to be really simple and work more like AirPods when you connect to screens.”

Investment and Market Position

Backbone is demonstrating strong confidence in the expanding mobile gaming market, further fueled by the growth of cloud gaming services. The company has established itself as a leading hardware provider for mobile gamers, bolstered by investments from prominent figures including Ashton Kutcher, The Weeknd, MrBeast, Post Malone, and Amy Schumer, alongside gaming industry veterans like Discord founder Jason Citron.

A Personal Test of Mobile Gaming

Despite not being a subscriber to Xbox Game Pass or similar cloud services, the appeal of smartphone gaming hadn’t fully resonated. Having a dedicated gaming device like the Nintendo Switch, contrasted with the multi-purpose nature of an iPhone, led to a comparative gameplay test with the Backbone Pro.

The result? Approximately 13 hours were spent playing the iOS version of Stardew Valley over the past three days. While not entirely convinced of mobile gaming’s overall appeal – interruptions from text messages can be disruptive – the Backbone Pro proved significantly more comfortable than the Nintendo Switch for extended couch sessions.

Ergonomic Excellence

The Backbone Pro excels in its ergonomic design. Similar to the initial adjustment period experienced with a new iPhone, or even the transition from the original Nintendo Switch to its updated version, there's often a slight unfamiliarity with new devices.

However, the Backbone Pro’s design felt remarkably intuitive from the outset. Within seconds of connecting my phone via the USB-C port, I was able to play Hades – a game demanding rapid button presses – with the same ease as on the Nintendo Switch. Notably, I find the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller less comfortable for such fast-paced games.

Inspired by Rapid Prototyping

Khaira drew inspiration from Meta’s development process for the Quest headset. “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 explained. This approach was adopted during the Backbone Pro’s development, with substantial investment in similar rapid prototyping technology.

Iterative Design and Precision Engineering

Over 9,000 different parts were 3D-printed by Backbone before finalizing the shipped model. Microscopic adjustments were made to every aspect of the controller, resulting in a product that surpasses the feel of Joy-Cons in terms of quality.

Pricing and Value Proposition

This level of precision and versatility comes at a premium. The Backbone Pro is priced at $169.99, which is comparable to the cost of a refurbished Nintendo Switch Lite. However, for dedicated gamers who require seamless cross-device functionality, the investment may be justified.

For those who do not frequently switch between Xbox Game Pass on their TV and mobile devices, the original Backbone One, priced at $99.99, may be a sufficient solution.