SP
BravenNow
Backbone’s versatile pro controller is nearly matching its best price to date
| USA | technology | ✓ Verified - theverge.com

Backbone’s versatile pro controller is nearly matching its best price to date

#Backbone Pro #mobile controller #Bluetooth #gaming accessory #sale #ergonomics #streaming #battery life

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Backbone Pro mobile controller is on sale for $139.99, its second-best price ever.
  • The controller offers Bluetooth support and a built-in battery for use with TVs, computers, VR headsets, and handheld PCs.
  • It features full-sized thumbsticks, programmable back buttons, a headphone jack, and up to 40 hours of battery life.
  • Backbone's software integrates games from multiple services like Apple Arcade and Netflix, and supports streaming from Xbox and PlayStation.

📖 Full Retelling

Mobile gaming has come a long way over the course of the last decade or so, but we all know that smartphones simply can’t match the visceral, tactile feel you get while playing with a dedicated controller. Luckily, Backbone makes some excellent mobile options — including last year’s Backbone Pro , which is on sale at Amazon , Best Buy , and Target right now for $139.99 ($30 off), its second-best price to date. Backbone Pro mobile controller The Backbone Pro is an excellent mobile controller that retains the same overall design and feel as the company’s cheaper model, only with some comfort-boosting improvements. It features a built-in battery and Bluetooth support, so you can use it for gaming on the TV, computer, VR headset, or handheld PC. Where to Buy: $169.99 $139.99 at Amazon $169.99 $139.99 at Best Buy $169.99 $139.99 at Target In many ways, Backbone’s latest mobile controller is merely an updated take on what came before. The handheld device consists of two oblong halves with an extendable strip of plastic in the middle, allowing you to use it with Android devices and iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series phones. It plugs into your phone’s USB-C port and, once connected, you can game with two full-sized ALPs thumbsticks, a responsive D-pad, and A, B, X, and Y buttons. It also features two programmable back buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, better ergonomics than your phone, and averages up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge. The hardware is only part of the equation, though. Backbone’s intent with the Pro is for it to function as a more universal gamepad, and as such, the company’s software pulls together games from Apple Arcade, Netflix, Google Play, and other services into a singular app, allowing you to discover and launch games with little fuss. What’s more, you can use it to stream Xbox or PlayStation games — either from your console or the cloud —and connect it to a wealth of other devices via Bl

🏷️ Themes

Gaming Hardware, Mobile Gaming

📚 Related People & Topics

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Short-range wireless technology standard

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). In the most widely used mode, transmission power is limited to 2.5 milliwatts, giving it a very short range of up...

View Profile → Wikipedia ↗

Entity Intersection Graph

Connections for Bluetooth:

🏢 Xbox 1 shared
🌐 Amazon 1 shared
🌐 Apple 1 shared
👤 Hedy Lamarr 1 shared
🌐 Hollywood 1 shared
View full profile

Mentioned Entities

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Short-range wireless technology standard

Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news matters because it highlights the growing convergence between mobile and traditional gaming hardware, making premium gaming experiences more accessible to smartphone users. It affects mobile gamers seeking console-like controls, parents looking for versatile gaming options for children, and the broader gaming industry as mobile hardware becomes more sophisticated. The price reduction makes high-quality gaming accessories more affordable, potentially expanding the market for mobile gaming peripherals.

Context & Background

  • Mobile gaming revenue surpassed console gaming revenue globally in recent years, driving innovation in mobile gaming accessories
  • Backbone launched its first mobile controller in 2020, capitalizing on the rise of cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Remote Play
  • The mobile controller market has grown significantly as smartphones become more powerful gaming devices, with companies like Razer, Gamevice, and others competing in the space
  • USB-C standardization across devices has enabled more universal controller designs that work across multiple platforms
  • The rise of subscription gaming services like Apple Arcade and Netflix Games has created demand for better mobile gaming hardware

What Happens Next

Expect increased competition in the mobile controller market as Backbone's sale may prompt price matching from competitors. The holiday shopping season will likely see further discounts on gaming accessories. Backbone may announce new software features or compatibility updates following this promotional period. Industry analysts will monitor whether this price drop becomes permanent, potentially resetting market expectations for premium mobile controller pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Backbone Pro different from regular mobile controllers?

The Backbone Pro offers Bluetooth connectivity for use beyond just phones, includes programmable back buttons, and features Backbone's unified software that aggregates games from multiple services. It also provides better ergonomics and longer battery life compared to many basic mobile controllers.

Can this controller work with non-gaming devices?

Yes, the Backbone Pro's Bluetooth support allows it to connect to computers, TVs, VR headsets, and handheld PCs in addition to smartphones. This versatility makes it more than just a mobile accessory.

Why is this price significant for consumers?

At $139.99, this represents the second-lowest price ever for the Backbone Pro, making a premium mobile gaming controller more accessible. The $30 discount brings it closer to mainstream controller pricing while offering mobile-specific features.

How does this controller compare to console controllers?

While offering similar button layouts and thumbsticks to console controllers, the Backbone Pro is specifically designed for mobile devices with an extendable middle section. It trades some heft for portability but maintains quality controls comparable to mainstream gamepads.

What gaming services are compatible with the Backbone Pro?

The controller works with Apple Arcade, Netflix Games, Google Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, and various other gaming platforms through Backbone's unified app. This wide compatibility reduces the need to switch between different gaming applications.

}
Original Source
Mobile gaming has come a long way over the course of the last decade or so, but we all know that smartphones simply can’t match the visceral, tactile feel you get while playing with a dedicated controller. Luckily, Backbone makes some excellent mobile options — including last year’s Backbone Pro , which is on sale at Amazon , Best Buy , and Target right now for $139.99 ($30 off), its second-best price to date. Backbone Pro mobile controller The Backbone Pro is an excellent mobile controller that retains the same overall design and feel as the company’s cheaper model, only with some comfort-boosting improvements. It features a built-in battery and Bluetooth support, so you can use it for gaming on the TV, computer, VR headset, or handheld PC. Where to Buy: $169.99 $139.99 at Amazon $169.99 $139.99 at Best Buy $169.99 $139.99 at Target In many ways, Backbone’s latest mobile controller is merely an updated take on what came before. The handheld device consists of two oblong halves with an extendable strip of plastic in the middle, allowing you to use it with Android devices and iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series phones. It plugs into your phone’s USB-C port and, once connected, you can game with two full-sized ALPs thumbsticks, a responsive D-pad, and A, B, X, and Y buttons. It also features two programmable back buttons, a 3.5mm headphone jack, better ergonomics than your phone, and averages up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge. The hardware is only part of the equation, though. Backbone’s intent with the Pro is for it to function as a more universal gamepad, and as such, the company’s software pulls together games from Apple Arcade, Netflix, Google Play, and other services into a singular app, allowing you to discover and launch games with little fuss. What’s more, you can use it to stream Xbox or PlayStation games — either from your console or the cloud —and connect it to a wealth of other devices via Bl
Read full article at source

Source

theverge.com

More from USA

News from Other Countries

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇺🇦 Ukraine