Mobile gaming hardware manufacturer Backbone launched its new flagship Backbone Pro controller this week, bringing a full-featured console experience directly to iOS and Android smartphones.
Next-Level Hardware with Standalone Bluetooth Capability
Designed as a major step up from the original Backbone One, the new Pro model upgrades the mobile setup with full-size thumbsticks, fully re-mappable physical buttons, and standalone Bluetooth functionality. Unlike previous hardware that required a physical connection to your phone at all times, the Backbone Pro operates independently as a wireless controller. This allows players to seamlessly transition from streaming cloud games like Xbox Game Pass on a television to snapping their smartphone into the device and continuing their session on the move.
“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.”
Celebrity Backing Drives Massive Mobile Gaming Expansion
Backbone continues to double down on the rapid expansion of mobile and cloud-based gaming, positioning itself as the premier hardware builder for the ecosystem. The venture is backed by high-profile investors across entertainment and tech, including Ashton Kutcher, The Weeknd, MrBeast, Post Malone, and Amy Schumer, alongside Discord co-founder Jason Citron.
Real-World Testing: Smartphone vs. Nintendo Switch
For players accustomed to dedicated gaming handhelds like the Nintendo Switch, adopting a smartphone for core gaming often feels secondary. However, direct gameplay comparisons reveal a surprising shift in comfort and playability. In hands-on testing with title ports like Stardew Valley—logging roughly 13 hours on iOS over three days—the Backbone Pro delivered an ergonomics-first experience that surpassed the native Nintendo Switch chassis, despite the minor friction of managing incoming phone notifications.
Precision Engineering Built on 9,000 Prototypes
The strength of the Backbone Pro lies in its physical design. While transitioning to new hardware often carries an adjustment period, the Pro feels immediately natural. During intense action titles like Hades—which demands rapid and chaotic button pressing—the unit offers superior control compared to both standard Joy-Cons and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
“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 regarding their R&D workflow.
Backbone produced over 9,000 3D-printed prototype components to perfect the controller’s geometry, making meticulous physical adjustments that make standard Joy-Cons feel distinctly toy-like by comparison.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The premium build carries a premium price tag: the Backbone Pro retails for $169.99. That price point places it in direct competition with dedicated hardware, matching the cost of a refurbished Nintendo Switch Lite. However, for players looking for high-end cross-device versatility across TV and mobile setups, the investment delivers significant performance. Gamers who do not require standalone Bluetooth or cross-screen switching can still opt for the entry-level Backbone One at $99.99.
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