At first glance, the Backbone Pro looks similar to the Backbone One, the brand's previous model. Two handles connected by a central slider for a smartphone, analog sticks, a directional pad, the classic A/B/X/Y buttons, and triggers. Already seen? Not quite. Under the hood, it's a whole new level.
A controller designed to follow players everywhere
The big news is the wireless mode. No need to clip your phone: the Backbone Pro connects via Bluetooth to a tablet, TV, VR headset, or even a PC. Wired mode remains available for purists and latency-free games. Several ways to play, depending on the situation.
And in terms of compatibility, it's robust: Android, iOS, Mac, Apple TV, Steam Deck, Xbox remote play, GeForce NOW, Apple Arcade, and even retro emulators integrated into the Backbone app. The Switch and PlayStation aren't officially supported, but there are ways around it. In short, almost anything goes.
Backbone boss Maneet Khaira calls this controller a Holy Grail. It must be said that his team put a lot of heart into it: over 900 prototypes, clay tests, 3D cameras to analyze hands, and micro-adjustments of a few microns to ensure the grip is perfect, regardless of finger size.
The controller lasts 40 hours on battery, the buttons are all customizable, and you can create custom profiles for each game. It even includes a headphone jack, a USB-C port, and allows for simultaneous smartphone charging during gameplay.
Maneet Khaira has a clear vision: "In a few years, the controller will be more important than the console." It's hard to say, but what is certain is that the Backbone Pro wants to become the controller of choice for gamers who juggle between multiple screens.
But the real brains of the operation are the Backbone app. It serves as a control center: it groups all the games, memorizes connected devices, manages control profiles, and even allows you to resume a game where you left off, on another screen.
The Backbone Pro sells for $169, compared to $100 for the previous model, which remains on sale. The Backbone app is free, but some advanced features (emulator, game library, premium features) require the Backbone+ subscription, which costs $40 per year.
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