Backbone, a company known for its mobile gaming controllers, has unveiled its latest offering: the Backbone Pro. Building upon the foundation of the Xbox Edition controller, the Backbone Pro aims to deliver a premium mobile gaming experience with enhanced features, greater flexibility, and a focus on user customization. This new USB-C gamepad boasts a range of improvements designed to appeal to both casual and hardcore mobile gamers, bridging the gap between traditional console gaming and the convenience of mobile play.
The core philosophy behind the Backbone Pro appears to be versatility. Unlike some mobile controllers that restrict users to a single connection method, the Pro provides two distinct options: a direct USB-C connection for a lag-free, always-powered experience, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless gaming across a broader range of devices. The USB-C connection is ideal for situations where latency is paramount, ensuring that every button press and joystick movement is translated instantly to the game. This direct connection also eliminates the need for battery charging, allowing for uninterrupted gaming sessions.
The Bluetooth connectivity expands the Backbone Pro’s usability beyond just smartphones and tablets. Gamers can seamlessly connect the controller to laptops, VR headsets like the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, and even smart TVs with Samsung Gaming Hub. This allows for a more immersive and comfortable gaming experience on larger screens, turning the Backbone Pro into a versatile controller for a variety of gaming scenarios. Whether you’re lounging on the couch playing a cloud-based game on your smart TV or immersing yourself in a VR world, the Backbone Pro aims to provide a consistent and responsive control experience.
Backbone is placing significant emphasis on its new FlowState Technology, integrated within the Backbone app. This feature is designed to streamline the process of switching between devices. FlowState Technology remembers your paired devices, allowing you to transition from gaming on your phone to gaming on your tablet or laptop with a simple tap within the app. This eliminates the need to re-pair the controller each time you switch devices, saving valuable time and frustration. The focus on seamless device switching highlights Backbone’s commitment to creating a user-friendly and convenient gaming ecosystem.
The Backbone Pro also features significant improvements in ergonomics and control. The controller is equipped with full-size joysticks, providing a more precise and comfortable control experience compared to the smaller joysticks often found on mobile controllers. Additionally, the Pro includes remappable back buttons, allowing users to customize their control scheme and gain a competitive edge in their favorite games. These back buttons can be programmed to perform a variety of actions, such as jumping, crouching, or reloading, providing quick and easy access to essential commands.
The design of the Backbone Pro is the result of extensive research and development. The company claims to have gone through over 9,000 part iterations and conducted more than 30 user research studies to optimize the controller’s form factor and ergonomics. This included the use of a proprietary 3D camera system to analyze hand movements during gameplay, ensuring that the controller fits comfortably in the hands and allows for natural and intuitive movements. The emphasis on user research demonstrates Backbone’s dedication to creating a controller that is both comfortable and functional for a wide range of hand sizes and play styles.
Backbone also sought input from professional players and industry veterans during the testing and refinement process. This feedback was used to fine-tune the controller’s design and ensure that it meets the demands of even the most discerning gamers. The involvement of professional players and industry experts highlights Backbone’s commitment to delivering a high-quality product that is suitable for all genres and titles.
Customization is a key selling point for the Backbone Pro. The controller allows users to remap every single button and save different control profiles for different games and platforms. This level of customization allows gamers to tailor the controller to their specific preferences and optimize their control scheme for each game they play. Whether you prefer a traditional control scheme or a more unconventional setup, the Backbone Pro provides the flexibility to create a control profile that suits your individual needs.
The Backbone app serves as a central gaming hub, bringing all your games into one place. The updated application supports a wide range of gaming platforms, including app store titles (such as Apple Arcade and Netflix games), remote play (Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link), cloud gaming (Nvidia GeForce NOW), and even retro games through an integrated emulator. This comprehensive support for various gaming platforms makes the Backbone app a one-stop shop for all your gaming needs.
The integrated emulator allows users to bring their own ROMs and enjoy classic titles on their mobile devices. While the specific platforms compatible with the emulator are not yet clear, Backbone has stated that they are working to provide clarification on this matter. The inclusion of an emulator adds significant value to the Backbone app, allowing gamers to revisit their favorite retro titles on the go.
The app also features a new Smart Search feature, which allows users to quickly find and launch games across all these platforms from one central location. This eliminates the need to navigate through multiple apps and menus to find the game you want to play. The Smart Search feature streamlines the gaming experience and makes it easier to jump into your favorite games.
Backbone+ subscribers will also receive a rotating library of free games and extra features for the Pro controller. This subscription service provides additional value for dedicated Backbone users, offering access to a curated selection of games and exclusive features. The Backbone+ subscription further enhances the overall gaming experience and provides incentives for users to invest in the Backbone ecosystem.
The Backbone Pro is priced at $169.99, which is a significant investment for a mobile gaming controller. However, the Pro offers a range of features and improvements that may justify the price for serious mobile gamers. The enhanced ergonomics, customizable controls, versatile connectivity options, and comprehensive software integration make the Backbone Pro a compelling option for those seeking a premium mobile gaming experience.
The Backbone Pro joins the existing Backbone One controller, offering a more advanced and feature-rich alternative. While the Backbone One remains a solid choice for casual mobile gaming, the Backbone Pro is designed for gamers who demand the highest level of performance and customization. The larger profile, enhanced controls, and expanded connectivity options of the Pro make it a more suitable choice for tackling a wider range of games and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the Backbone One and the Backbone Pro will depend on individual needs and preferences. The Backbone Pro aims to cater to those who prioritize comfort, customization, and versatility in their mobile gaming experience.
