The Backbone Pro Controller: Three Years in the Making

After three years of meticulous development, Backbone has unveiled the Backbone Pro, a significant evolution of its popular mobile gaming controller. Launched on May 6, 2025, this next-generation device builds on the success of the Backbone One, aiming to redefine cross-platform gaming with a host of new features and a premium design. Priced at $169.99, the Backbone Pro is not just a controller—it’s a versatile gaming hub designed to work seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, PCs, VR headsets, and even smart TVs. Let’s dive into what makes this controller special, how it’s changed from its predecessor, and why it took three years to get here.

A Three-Year Journey of Refinement

Backbone’s journey to the Pro model was anything but rushed. The company invested over three years, iterating through more than 9,000 component designs and conducting over 30 user research studies. Using a proprietary 3D camera system, Backbone analyzed thousands of hours of gameplay to perfect the controller’s ergonomics. Engineers from Apple and Google, along with input from professional gamers and industry veterans, helped shape a device that feels “just right” for both casual 10-minute sessions and marathon three-hour playthroughs. This obsessive attention to detail has resulted in what Backbone CEO Maneet Khaira calls “one of the most comfortable handheld gaming products ever built.”

The extended development time wasn’t just about tweaking aesthetics. Backbone aimed to create a controller that transcends the mobile-only focus of the Backbone One, embracing a platform-agnostic vision. The result is a device that not only enhances mobile gaming but also competes with traditional console controllers in versatility and performance.

What’s New with the Backbone Pro?

The Backbone Pro retains the familiar trapezoidal shape and extendable design of the Backbone One but introduces several game-changing upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of the key new features and improvements:

1. Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity

The standout feature of the Backbone Pro is its Wireless Mode, which uses Bluetooth to connect to a wide range of devices beyond smartphones, including iPads, laptops, PCs, Steam Decks, Meta Quest VR headsets, Apple Vision Pro, and smart TVs with platforms like Samsung Gaming Hub. This is a major departure from the Backbone One, which relied solely on a physical USB-C connection. The addition of wireless play makes the Pro a true universal controller, allowing you to game on larger screens from a distance. To sweeten the deal, Backbone’s new FlowState Technology remembers paired devices, enabling seamless switching with a single tap.

2. Dual-Mode Play: Handheld and Wireless

The Pro offers two distinct modes: Handheld Mode, where it physically docks to your smartphone via USB-C for zero-latency gaming without needing a charge, and Wireless Mode, which relies on Bluetooth and a built-in battery. The inclusion of dual rechargeable batteries delivers up to 40 hours of wireless playtime, comparable to high-end controllers like the Sony DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controller. This flexibility ensures the Pro adapts to your gaming setup, whether you’re on the go or lounging at home.

3. Full-Size Joysticks and Enhanced Ergonomics

Say goodbye to cramped thumbs. The Backbone Pro features full-size joysticks, a significant upgrade from the smaller sticks on the Backbone One. These were developed with extensive testing to ensure precision and comfort. The controller also boasts larger grips for better ergonomics, making it ideal for extended play. Despite the larger components, Backbone claims it’s the smallest controller to incorporate full-size joysticks, a feat achieved through clever engineering.

4. Remappable Back Buttons and Customization

Customization is at the heart of the Pro. It introduces two programmable rear buttons, perfect for actions like quick building in Fortnite or custom inputs in other games. Every button on the controller is remappable via the updated Backbone app, which lets you create and save multiple control profiles tailored to specific games or platforms. This level of personalization makes the Pro appealing to both casual players and competitive gamers.

5. Upgraded Triggers and Near-Silent Inputs

The Pro’s triggers have been refined for better responsiveness, and the inputs are designed to be near-silent, reducing the clicky noise that could distract during intense sessions. While the controller lacks Hall Effect sticks (a feature some expected at this price point), the anti-friction thumbstick rings add durability. These subtle improvements elevate the tactile experience, making every press and flick feel premium.

6. A Smarter Backbone App

The Backbone app has received a major overhaul to complement the Pro’s capabilities. It now serves as a universal hub for games from the App Store, Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link, Nvidia GeForce Now, and more. A new Smart Search feature helps you find and launch titles across platforms, while a built-in retro game emulator adds support for classic games—a first for Backbone. For Backbone+ subscribers, the app offers a rotating library of free games with enhanced features exclusive to the Pro, plus tools like game capture.

How It Compares to the Backbone One

The Backbone One, priced at $99.99, was lauded for turning smartphones into Switch-like handhelds with its compact design and direct USB-C connection. However, it was limited to mobile devices and lacked wireless functionality. The Pro addresses these shortcomings while enhancing nearly every aspect of the original:

• Design: The Pro retains the collapsible, phone-docking design but adds larger grips and full-size joysticks for better comfort. It’s slightly heavier due to the battery but still portable.
• Connectivity: The One’s wired-only approach ensured zero latency but restricted its use to phones. The Pro’s Bluetooth support and FlowState Technology make it a multi-device powerhouse.
• Battery: The One didn’t need a battery for handheld play, but the Pro’s 40-hour battery life supports its wireless ambitions.
• Customization: The One offered limited button mapping, while the Pro’s fully remappable buttons and profiles cater to advanced players.
• Price: At $169.99, the Pro is $70 more expensive, raising questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost for casual gamers.

Why It Took Three Years

The three-year gap between the Backbone One and Pro reflects Backbone’s commitment to getting it right. The company didn’t just want to release an incremental update; it aimed to create a controller that could compete in the broader gaming market. The extensive research, thousands of iterations, and collaboration with industry experts ensured the Pro wasn’t just a mobile accessory but a premium controller for any screen. The addition of Bluetooth, a battery, and a retro emulator required significant engineering and software development, justifying the long wait.

Is the Backbone Pro Worth It?

At $169.99, the Backbone Pro is a premium investment. For mobile gaming enthusiasts, its zero-latency Handheld Mode and robust app ecosystem make it a no-brainer. For those seeking a universal controller, the Wireless Mode and cross-platform support are compelling, though some may find it lightweight compared to dedicated console controllers. The lack of Hall Effect sticks and the high price might give pause, but the Pro’s versatility and polish make it a strong contender.

Available now at Backbone’s website, Amazon, and Best Buy, the Backbone Pro is poised to be the one controller for all your gaming needs. Whether you’re streaming Xbox Game Pass, diving into retro classics, or battling in VR, this controller has the potential to be something special.